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Ordinances


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Doctrinal Study

Ordinances

Overview

In the Church, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act or ceremony performed by the authority of the priesthood. Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. They include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), the temple endowment, and the marriage sealing. With each of these ordinances, we enter into solemn covenants with the Lord.

Other ordinances, such as naming and blessing children, consecrating oil, and administering to the sick and afflicted, are also performed by priesthood authority. While they are not essential to our salvation, they are important for our comfort, guidance, and encouragement.

Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually.

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Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

“Covenants and Ordinances”

“Ordinances and Covenants—The Spirit of Elijah”

Learning Resources

General Resources

Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings,” Handbook 2, 20

Temples,” ComeUntoChrist.org

Church Magazines

Jennifer Maddy, “Priesthood Ordinances and Temple Work Bless My Family,” Liahona, June 2014

David L. Buckner, “Preparing for Priesthood Ordinances,” Ensign, January 2014

Jan Pinborough, “Juliana’s First Temple Visit,” Friend, October 2012

Understanding Our Covenants with God,” Ensign or Liahona, July 2012

Ana Maria Coburn and Cristina Franco, “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel Make It Possible for Me to Live with God Again,” Friend, June 2011

Article of Faith 4,” Friend, April 2011

Elias Magabo, “Hope in the Ordinances of the Gospel,” Ensign or Liahona, September 2010

Temple Ordinances and Blessings,” New Era, July 2009

Amie Jane Leavitt, “Prayers and Ordinances,” Friend, September 2008

Rejoice in the Restoration of Temple Ordinances and Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2005

Richard E. Bennett, “Carefully Schooled in the First Principles and Ordinances,” Ensign, March 2001

Temple Ordinances,” Friend, August 1997

Judy Edwards, “Sharing Time: Temples and Ordinances,” Liahona, March 1993

Life Is Eternal,” Ensign, September 1989

Study Manuals

In the News

Family History Work Is about People,” Church News

Temple Ordinances Reflect Savior’s Atonement, Speaker Says,” Church News

First Presidency Issues Direction on Names Submitted for Temple Ordinances,” Newsroom

Baptism for the Dead,” Newsroom

Ordinance,” Newsroom

‘On Faith’ Blog: Mormon Temples Are Places Apart,” Newsroom

Plan of Salvation,” Newsroom

Articles of Faith,” Newsroom

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Teaching Resources

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

Ordinances,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children

Media

Audio

The Saints in Nauvoo,” Scripture Stories—Doctrine and Covenants Stories, episode 35

Gospel,” Stories from General Conference, episode 2

Priesthood Power—Part 2,” Stories from General Conference, episode 27

Music