Lesson 4: Receiving Temple Ordinances and Covenants
Lesson 4: Receiving Temple Ordinances and Covenants
“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? It is a sacred ceremony
that has a spiritual meaning and effect.
When
we speak of the saving ordinances of the gospel, what does that mean to you?
Query: Those are the points and
questions I have for the class. Now, I would like you to answer how ordinances
in the Gospel of Jesus Christ serve as sacred ceremonies with spiritual
meaning; and, also the effects associated with them, such as current blessings
and promised blessings.
Response:
Ordinances
in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are sacred ceremonies that hold deep spiritual
meaning and significance. Each ordinance is a symbolic act that represents and
invites divine power into our lives, aligning us with God’s will and bringing
us closer to Him.
Sacred Ceremonies with Spiritual Meaning
Ordinances
like baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, and temple ordinances are not just
ritualistic actions; they are profound expressions of faith and commitment. For
example:
- Baptism symbolizes
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and our commitment to follow
Him, representing spiritual rebirth.
- Confirmation and
the gift of the Holy Ghost signify being spiritually born again and
receiving divine guidance.
- The
Sacrament is
a weekly renewal of our baptismal covenants, reminding us of Christ's
atoning sacrifice.
- Temple
Ordinances such
as the endowment and sealing provide instruction, blessings, and promises
essential for our exaltation.
Effects: Current and Promised Blessings
The
effects of these ordinances are both immediate and eternal:
- 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.
- 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. 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.
Query: What is a necessary
responsibility on the part of the recipient to receive such blessings?
Response:
To
receive the blessings associated with the ordinances of the Gospel, the
recipient has several necessary responsibilities:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
- Faith is
foundational. The recipient must have faith in Jesus Christ and trust in
His atoning power. This faith motivates them to participate in ordinances
with sincerity and devotion.
2. Repentance
- Repentance
is essential for worthily receiving ordinances. The recipient must strive
to live in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel, repenting of any sins
and seeking to become more Christlike. This allows them to approach
ordinances with a clean and contrite heart.
3. Commitment to Covenants
- Ordinances
are tied to covenants, which are sacred promises between the individual
and God. The recipient must be willing to make and keep these covenants, such
as living the laws of the gospel, obeying God's commandments, and
following the Savior. Faithfully keeping these covenants is necessary to
fully receive the associated blessings.
4. Worthy Preparation
- Proper
preparation is required to receive ordinances worthily. This includes
living a life that is in accordance with the teachings of the Church,
seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost, and participating in regular
spiritual practices like prayer, scripture study, and worship.
5. Continual Obedience and Endurance
- The
blessings of ordinances are not one-time events but are sustained through
continual obedience and enduring to the end. The recipient must
consistently strive to live the gospel, renew their covenants regularly
(such as through the sacrament), and remain faithful throughout their
life.
6. Seeking the Spirit
- The guidance
of the Holy Ghost is crucial in fully understanding and internalizing the
meaning and power of ordinances. The recipient must seek the companionship
of the Spirit to gain personal revelation, insight, and strength in their
covenant relationship with God.
By
fulfilling these responsibilities, the recipient opens themselves to the full
measure of blessings that come from the ordinances, both in this life and in
eternity.
Follow up thought on the covenants associated
with the ordinance of the endowment.
Query: Can you please state the five covenants that we make in the
temple endowment and what then mean?
Response:
In
the temple endowment, participants make five key covenants, each of which
carries profound spiritual significance. These covenants are sacred promises
made to God, and they require a commitment to live according to His
commandments. Here are the five covenants made during the endowment and their
meanings:
1. The Law of Obedience
- Meaning: The
Law of Obedience is a covenant to obey God's commandments and to live a
life that is in harmony with His will. This covenant emphasizes the
importance of submitting our will to God, following His guidance, and
striving to live righteously in all aspects of our lives.
2. The Law of Sacrifice
- Meaning: The
Law of Sacrifice is a covenant to sacrifice personal interests, desires,
and even worldly pursuits to serve God and support His work, and to repent
with a broken heart and a contrite Spirit. This covenant reminds us of the
ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and calls us to be willing to give of
ourselves—time, talents, and resources—for the building of God's kingdom
and the service of others.
3. The Law of the Gospel
- Meaning: The Law
of the Gospel is a covenant to live by the teachings and example of Jesus
Christ and living his higher law, which essentially means living the first
two commandments. This includes embracing Christlike attributes such as
love, charity, humility, and service. It also involves striving to keep
the commandments and living a Christ-centered life.
4. The Law of Chastity
·
Meaning: This covenant means only having sexual relations with the person to
whom you are legally and lawfully married according to God's law. It
also encompasses purity of thought, word, and action, and the cultivation of
healthy and respectful relationships.
5. The Law of Consecration
- Meaning: The
Law of Consecration is a covenant to dedicate our time, talents, and
everything we have to the service of God and the building of His kingdom
on earth. This covenant calls for a willingness to prioritize God's work
above all else, to be generous with our resources, and to support the
Church and its mission. It is the highest form of commitment, where we
pledge to devote our whole lives to the service of the Lord.
Summary
These
covenants are designed to help us live a life of greater spiritual commitment
and to draw closer to God. By making and keeping these covenants, we align
ourselves more fully with God's will, receive greater spiritual strength and
power, and prepare for the blessings of eternal life.
Comments
Post a Comment