Church Articles and Covenants

Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants is referred to as the “Articles and Covenants of the Church.” This the most important revelations contained within this book because it highlights the historical over view of the restoration, the Articles of Faith (our beliefs), and contains a handbook of instruction. In class, I learned about a young missionary, Brother Lincoln, who was called on a mission. He was commanded to take this section of the D&C, indicating its importance to be made known to the children of God. With this section, they could be able to organize a branch, and give them instructions of the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood and the Saints. One can also find the instructions on how to bless the bread and water that church members partake during the sacrament. I believe this to be a vital and important revelation because the sacrament is what allows us to renew our covenants with the Lord and remember His atonement. This brings me to remembrance the image that came to my mind as I was partaking of the sacrament. I wondered why else was the bread and water covered by a white cloth. At first I thought it to symbolize cleansing. But then, a greater imagery embarked my thoughts; under that cloth was the bread, which represents the body of Christ, and the water, which represents his blood. And so, for a moment, it was the trays of water and bread that were under the cloth, but the Body of our Savior, “Divine Redeemer.” He was lying there before us all, just after being brought down from the cross. Section 20 not only talks about the doctrines of atonement, but as well the ordinances of baptism. I remember the day I was baptized and confirmed the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Recently, I was able to do baptisms for the dead in the Provo LDS Temple. As I was entering the baptismal waters, I thought of Christ walking into the river to be baptized by John. And now, I am following his example to help my brothers and sisters from the other side of the veil, to come unto him. From that experience, I was able to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel, along with the many other wonderful doctrines of the Church. At a very young age, I was able to realize the blessing of being taught the gospel by my mother from birth.