In the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the sacrament is a sacred ordinance that holds great significance for its members. During this ritual, individuals partake of bread and water as a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. While the bread is usually understood and well documented, the use of wine in this ceremony has sparked curiosity and debate among many. Some speculate that Jesus wine during his earthly ministry and question whether the LDS Church follows this practice. Let us explore this topic and shed light on the use of wine in the sacrament.
In LDS teachings, the use of wine in the sacrament has vastly evolved over time. Historically, wine was used in the early days of the Church as a part of the sacrament. However, in 1833, during the organization of the Church, a revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was received, which emphasized abstinence from alcohol and other harmful substances. This revelation, found in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89, serves as a guiding principle for Latter-day Saints in living a healthy and righteous life. Consequently, the Church discontinued the use of wine in the sacrament and replaced it with water. This decision was made to align with the principles outlined in the Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom advises its adherents to refrain from consuming strong drinks, which are specifically defined as beverages. The Church’s interpretation of “strong drink” includes wine and other forms of alcohol. Consequently, the use of wine in the sacrament was replaced by water to comply with this doctrine. For over 180 years, water has been the preferred substance used in the sacrament , signifying an adherence to the teachings of the Word of Wisdom.
However, it is important to note that the Bible makes several references to Jesus and his disciples drinking wine. In fact, Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-11). This account is often cited by those who believe that Jesus endorsed the consumption of wine and question the Church’s use of water in the sacrament. Nonetheless, the LDS Church maintains that the Word of Wisdom supersedes these biblical examples and provides modern-day guidance on the matter.
The Church’s stance on wine in the sacrament is not rooted in a belief that consuming alcohol is inherently sinful. Instead, it is motivated by a desire to follow the revelation received in 1833 and maintain consistency in fulfilling the principles found in the Word of Wisdom. The Church teaches that the sacrament is a symbolic ordinance and its primary purpose is to remember Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, rather than the literal consumption of bread and wine.
In conclusion, the LDS Church has abstained from using wine in the sacrament since the revelation of the Word of Wisdom in 1833. This decision is based on a desire to adhere to the principles found in this divine guidance. While there are biblical examples of Jesus and his disciples drinking wine, the Church places greater emphasis on the teachings received through modern-day revelation. The use of water in the sacrament is seen as a simple, clear, and accessible alternative that preserves the sacred nature of the ordinance while aligning with the Church’s doctrinal teachings.