Lesson 4: What is an ordinance?

Lesson 4: What is an ordinance?

Teacher's Manual

 “And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh” (D&C 84:21).

In the temple we receive the ordinances that will enable us to return to the presence of God. We also make covenants to live the laws of the gospel. 

What is an ordinance? An ordinance is a sacred ceremony that has a spiritual meaning and effect. Ordinances provided for us by our Heavenly Father bind us to Him through covenants and help us on our pathway home to Him.

When we speak of the saving ordinances of the gospel, what does that mean to you and for you?

These are the points of reflection for all of us. Let’s examine how ordinances in the Gospel of Jesus Christ serve as sacred ceremonies that have spiritual meaning and blessings; we will find that the ordinances of the gospel offer us current blessings and promised future blessings, depending upon our faithfulness in following our Savior and keeping our covenants.

Ordinances in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are sacred ceremonies that hold deep spiritual meaning and significance for our progression. Each ordinance is a symbolic act that represents and invites divine power into our lives, helping us to align ourselves with God’s will and bringing us closer to Him.

Sacred Ceremonies with Spiritual Meaning

What are some of the ordinances that you have participated in?

Ordinances like baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, and temple ordinances are not just ritualistic actions; they are profound expressions of faith and commitment that are accompanied by promises we make to God, and promises He makes to us.

For example:

• Baptism symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and our commitment to follow Him, representing spiritual rebirth. Baptism is a necessary ordinance for those who have arrived at the age of accountability. Those who are baptized and live faithfully, will be able to enter the Celestial Kingdom.
• Confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost signify being spiritually born again and receiving divine guidance. Confirmation is the second part of baptism. First, we are baptized with water for the remission of sins. When we are confirmed, we can then be baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost.
  Confirmed members of the Church are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. If they receive the Holy Ghost, as they are instructed to do, and are faithful, they will enter the Celestial Kingdom.
• The Sacrament is a weekly renewal of our baptismal covenants, reminding us of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Each time we partake of the sacrament, we promise to remember Jesus Christ; and He promises us, that if we do, we will always have His Spirit to be with us.
• Temple Ordinances such as the endowment and sealing provide instruction, blessings, and promises essential for our exaltation. With our temple ordinances and the covenants we make and keep, we are endowed with power from on high. This blessing gives us added protection and the ability to continue to do the Lord’s work here on earth. We can be part of the Restoration and the Gathering of Israel. Those we are sealed as husband and wife in the temple, who live faithfully and keep their covenants, will be able to return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, in the highest degree of glory in the Celestial Kingdom.

Effects: Current and Promised Blessings

The effects of these ordinances are both immediate and eternal:

1. Current Blessings:

Increased Spiritual Power: Ordinances bring the power of godliness into our lives, as stated in D&C 84:21. Through them, we receive the Holy Ghost, gain divine protection, and find strength to resist temptation.

Guidance and Direction: Ordinances like the endowment provide us with spiritual instruction that helps us navigate life’s challenges with divine wisdom. *We also are endowed with power from on High to help us fulfill those purposes the Lord would have us do! 

Peace and Comfort: Participating in ordinances brings peace, knowing that we are on the covenant path and that God is with us.

2. Promised Blessings:

Return to God’s Presence: Ordinances are essential steps in our journey back to Heavenly Father. They prepare us to stand in His presence, clean and pure.

Eternal Families: Temple sealing ordinances ensure that family relationships can endure beyond this life, offering the promise of eternal unity and joy.

Exaltation and Eternal Life: The ultimate promise of ordinances is exaltation, the ability to become like God and live eternally in His presence with our families.

In summary, ordinances in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are sacred ceremonies that carry profound spiritual meaning and effects, with blessings promised in our current lives and for our future. They are essential for our spiritual growth and eternal progression, bringing immediate blessings in this life and the promise of greater blessings in the life to come.