Essential ordinances include baptism, confirmation, endowment, and sealing
LDS theology identifies several essential saving ordinances that must be received for full exaltation: (1) baptism by immersion by one holding the Aaronic Priesthood for the remission of sins; (2) confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost by Melchizedek Priesthood holders; (3) the temple endowment (receiving instruction and covenants in the temple); (4) celestial marriage sealing (for those who marry); and (5) proxy ordinances for the dead (including baptism for the dead, endowment, and sealing).
The sacrament (Lord's Supper) is taken each Sunday using water and broken bread, blessed by Aaronic Priesthood holders, as a covenant renewal. The sacrament prayer closely follows Moroni 4–5 in the Book of Mormon. Importantly, the essential saving ordinances must be performed by those holding the proper priesthood authority — ordinances performed without this authority are not recognized as binding.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances
- Sacrament count:
- numerous essential ordinances (baptism, confirmation, endowment, sealing, priesthood ordination)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion; complete submersion required; vicarious baptism for dead practiced
- Baptism recipients:
- age 8 and above (age of accountability)
- Eucharist presence:
- sacrament (bread and water) is symbolic; weekly renewal of baptismal covenant
Scripture References
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:73-79
- Moroni 4:3
- Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4
Sources
- LDS Articles of Faith 4
- Doctrine and Covenants 20
- LDS Gospel Topics: Ordinances