Ordinances and Repentance
How sacred ordinances function as authorized channels for the blessings and powers of heaven to flow into our individual lives.
3 Nephi 27:19–20
“And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.”
What Is an Ordinance?
Elder David A. Bednar defines ordinances as “sacred acts that have spiritual purpose, eternal significance, and are related to God’s laws and statutes.” They constitute “authorized channels through which the blessings and powers of heaven can flow into our individual lives.”
D&C 84:19–21
“And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh.”
Think of ordinances like irrigation channels on a farm: they direct divine power where it is needed. Without the channel, the water cannot reach the field. Without the ordinance, the power of godliness cannot flow into our lives.
Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Joseph Smith taught: “Being born again, comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances.” He further stated that “Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered.”
“Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half — that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier who “cleanses and burns dross and evil out of human souls as though by fire.”
D&C 76:50–53
“And again we bear record — for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just — They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given — That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power.”
Conversion is “a process — not a single event.” It is a step-by-step change of an individual from one type of person to another, gradually making us disciples of Christ through the Holy Ghost’s influence.
The Sacrament
The sacrament represents Christ’s body and blood through bread and water, blessed and sanctified “to the souls of all those who partake of it.” The key promise: “by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.”
The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as members prepare with a broken heart and contrite spirit, they receive “the Spirit of the Lord to be with us” as a covenant promise.
3 Nephi 18:8–9
“And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.”
Conclusion
Elder Bednar teaches that ordinances “are not isolated and discrete events; rather, they are elements in an interrelated and additive pattern of redemptive progress.” Each successive ordinance “elevates and enlarges our spiritual purpose, desire, and performance.”
“Baptism is a point of departure in our mortal spiritual journey; it is not a destination.” The ordinances work together with the Father’s plan and the Savior’s atonement to provide “the grace we need to press forward and progress line upon line and precept upon precept toward our eternal destiny.”
Ether 12:27
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me.”