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Ordinances

In the Church, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. These ordinances are called saving ordinances. 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.

Additional Information

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.

See also Covenant; Gospel; Priesthood

—See True to the Faith (2004), 109–10

Scripture References

D&C 84:19–21; Articles of Faith 1:3–5

Church Magazine Articles

  • "Ordinances and Covenants"

    Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Liahona, Nov. 2001, 16–23; or Ensign, Aug. 2001, 20–26
    Sacred ordinances and covenants provide an endowment of divine power in our lives.

  • "Receive the Temple Blessings"

    Richard G. Scott, Liahona, July 1999, 29–31; or Ensign, May 1999, 25–27
    Decide now to receive the ordinances of the temple at the appropriate time. Don't let anything overcome that resolve.

  • "The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament"

    Dallin H. Oaks, Liahona, Jan. 1999, 43–46; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 37–40
    All of [the] vital steps pertaining to the remission of sins are performed through the saving ordinance of baptism and the renewing ordinance of the sacrament.

  • "Covenants and Ordinances"

    Jorge A. Rojas, Ensign, Nov. 1991, 44–45
    After you accept covenants and receive ordinances, you must live up to the covenants you made.

  • "Life Is Eternal"

    Ensign, Sept. 1989, 59
    Through gospel ordinances . . . we demonstrate our love for the Lord, make solemn covenants to do his will, and receive the Lord's power to help us keep those covenants.

Additional Online Materials