All Must Take upon Them the Name Given of the Father
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
- How does Elder Pieper describe the different dimensions of the word "take"?
- Why is the name of Jesus Christ preeminent in God's plan for us?
- How does taking the name of Christ impact our daily lives and decisions?
- What role does the sacrament play in renewing our covenant with Jesus Christ?
Topics
Understand the Preeminence of Jesus Christ's Name
Elder Pieper emphasizes that the name of Jesus Christ holds unique and essential power in God's plan. It is the only name by which salvation is possible, underscoring its preeminence across all dispensations.
The Savior’s name has singular and essential power. It is the only name by which salvation is possible.
Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved.
- Why is Jesus Christ's name preeminent in God's plan?
- What does it mean that salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ's name?
- How do you personally honor the name of Jesus Christ in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the power in Jesus Christ’s name?
Commit to Taking Upon Us the Name of Christ
Taking upon ourselves the name of Christ is an active commitment that begins with baptism and continues throughout our lives. It involves accepting His teachings, embracing His gospel, and aligning ourselves with His cause.
The word take is not passive. It is an action word with multiple definitions.
Our commitment to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ requires action and has multiple dimensions.
- What does it mean to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ?
- How is taking the name of Christ an active commitment?
- In what ways can you more actively take upon yourself the name of Christ?
- How can you better embrace the teachings and gospel of Jesus Christ in your decisions?
Recognize the Role of Baptism and the Holy Ghost
Baptism is the initial step in taking upon us the name of Christ, followed by the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift helps us stay on the covenant path, guiding us and encouraging us to repent and adjust as necessary.
One of the supernal privileges of taking the Savior’s name upon us by baptism is the access it provides to the next ordinance on the covenant path, our confirmation.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is received by confirmation after we have received the ordinance of baptism.
- Why is baptism the first step in taking upon us the name of Christ?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in our daily discipleship?
- Reflect on your baptism and confirmation. How have they influenced your spiritual journey?
- What can you do to better listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Ghost?
Renew Our Covenant through the Sacrament
The sacrament is a weekly ordinance that allows us to renew our covenant to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. It refreshes the purifying effect of our baptism and qualifies us to have the continuing influence of the Holy Ghost.
Each week we can "witness … that [we] are willing to take upon [us] the name of [the] Son" again by reaching out and taking the emblems of the Lord’s flesh and blood in our hands.
The sacrament is a weekly reminder that taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ is a living and continuing commitment.
- How does the sacrament help us renew our covenant with Jesus Christ?
- Why is it important to continually renew this covenant?
- How can you improve your focus and reverence during the sacrament?
- What personal commitments can you make to better prepare for the sacrament each week?
Embrace the Blessings and Responsibilities of Discipleship
Taking upon us the name of Christ means embracing the responsibilities of discipleship and advocating His cause. This commitment is liberating and enlarging, helping us discover our divine gifts and grow in our concern for others.
Taking upon us the name of Christ is both liberating and enlarging.
When we take upon ourselves the name of Christ, we take upon us the responsibilities of a true disciple, we advocate His cause.
- What responsibilities come with taking upon us the name of Christ?
- How does discipleship in Christ liberate and enlarge us?
- In what ways can you better advocate for Christ's cause in your community?
- How can you use your divine gifts to serve others and fulfill your responsibilities as a disciple?
