This new ordinance, instituted in both the Old and New worlds, was more than just a symbolic teaching methodology to remind the people of Christ. It was in very deed a covenant with a promise. Partaking of the sacrament, Jesus taught, “doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you” (verse 10; also for a more in-depth discussion of the symbolism and covenants associated with the sacrament see New Witness, pp. 293-302; 245-46).
Faithfulness to that covenant brings the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise that “ye shall have my Spirit to be with you” (verse 11). Jesus added an additional promise of spiritual security when he said,
“And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock” (verse 12; compare 3 Nephi 11:32-40; 3 Nephi 14:24-27; see also Helaman 5:12).