Use of Wine Forbidden.—The Latter-day Saints have been criticized for using water in the Sacrament; the Savior having sanctioned the use of wine both among the Jews and the Nephites. The explanation for the change is simple. The Church of Christ is not dependent upon books, nor upon tradition. It has an inspired Priesthood, led by immediate, continuous and direct revelation. The Lord has commanded his people in these days not to use wine in the Sacrament under existing conditions. This is the word they are under obligation to obey—not the word given to other peoples in former dispensations.[[19]]
Christ to Come Again.—Neither the Savior's resurrection, nor his ascension into Heaven[[20]] signalized the end of his personal ministry, the cessation of his labors in behalf of mankind. After his resurrection, He "went in body to minister to translated and resurrected bodies;"[[21]] and with these He will return when Enoch's City descends and all is ready for his glorious advent.
Footnotes
[1]. "Elias," Canto 3, Part 2.
[2]. Psalms 16:10.
[3]. The hypocrites! They could commit murder, could cause the death of the innocent, and feel no compunction: but they were horrified at the thought of a technical Sabbath-day desecration. Could there be a more glaring instance of "straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel"?
[4]. John 19:33.
[5]. Matt. 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20.
[6]. John 19:30.
[7]. D. & C. 77:12.