2014
If the sacrament is about repenting and coming unto Christ, why does the bishop sometimes ask people not to take the sacrament for a while?
April 2014

“If the sacrament is about repenting and coming unto Christ, why does the bishop sometimes ask people not to take the sacrament for a while?” New Era, Apr. 2014, 39

If the sacrament is about repenting and coming unto Christ, why does the bishop sometimes ask people not to take the sacrament for a while?

Partaking of the sacrament is a privilege we have as Church members. Through it we remember Jesus Christ and His Atonement and renew our baptismal covenants. For this reason, we must partake of it worthily (see 1 Corinthians 11:27–28; 3 Nephi 18:28–29; D&C 20:68–69; 46:4). The way we prepare for it each week is by examining our lives and repenting, which requires “a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin” (Bible Dictionary, “Repentance”). A bishop will sometimes ask a member who has confessed certain serious sins not to participate in the sacrament for a certain amount of time. In doing so, the bishop helps the person fully repent by allowing time to recognize the seriousness of his or her sins, make needed changes, and show humility and continued faithfulness. As the person truly repents, he or she turns to God and experiences a change of heart through the grace of Christ. When the person does again partake of the sacrament, he or she will hopefully have a renewed and enhanced appreciation for it and for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Cherishing this sacred ordinance can then strengthen the person’s resolve to remain free of sin.