“See that ye are not baptized unworthily; see that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthily; but see that ye do all things in worthiness, and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; and if ye do this, and endure to the end, ye will in nowise be cast out.” (Mormon 9:29)
The passage for today puts a spotlight on the sacred responsibility of approaching holy ordinances with reverence and self-reflection. It is a call to be conscious of our standing before Heavenly Father, ensuring that when we partake of these rites—such as baptism and the sacrament—we do so in a spirit of purity and humility. Doing things “in the name of Jesus Christ” here indicates the sacredness of these ordinances, reminding us that they are more than ritual acts; they are covenantal, carried out under His divine authority. It also helps us see the concept of enduring to the end, holding true to one’s covenants and to the faith we profess, a promise that harmonises with our hope of not being “cast out” or separated from the Lord’s presence if we remain faithful.
This counsel connects on a significant level with Paul’s teaching where he warns against partaking in the sacrament unworthily.
“Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–29)
Paul calls for self-examination, reinforcing the need for worthiness and discernment. These passages together help us call to mind the importance of introspection and spiritual preparedness when we engage in sacred practices, urging us to bring our full hearts and honest intent before the Lord.
For further reading:
