what is an ordinance lds

An ordinance in Latter-day Saint (LDS) belief is a sacred, formal religious act—like a ceremony—that is performed by priesthood authority and is often connected to making covenants (two-way promises) with God. It is considered a visible, outward action that represents an inner spiritual commitment or blessing.

Simple definition

In LDS terms, an ordinance is:

• A sacred, formal act or ritual (for example, baptism or confirmation).

• Performed by someone who holds priesthood authority, in the name of Jesus Christ.

• Usually tied to covenants—promises between a person and God, such as promising to follow Christ and keep His commandments.

• A means God uses to “put things in order” in our spiritual lives, echoing the root idea of “ordinance” as something ordered or established by authority.

One way to picture it: an ordinance is like a formal “signing ceremony” for a spiritual contract, but instead of signing paper, you participate in a sacred action that God has set up.

Types of ordinances in LDS belief

Latter-day Saints talk about ordinances in two broad ways:

• General/gospel ordinances : any law, statute, or commandment God gives can be called an ordinance in a broad sense.

• Rites/rituals ordinances (the usual LDS meaning): specific sacred acts done with priesthood authority.

Among these, there are “saving” (or “exalting”) ordinances that are seen as essential for exaltation (the highest form of salvation):

• Baptism
• Confirmation (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost)
• Priesthood ordination (for men)
• Temple endowment
• Temple sealing (marriage for eternity)

There are also other ordinances like the sacrament (communion), baby blessings, and various temple ordinances, which are sacred but not always classified as “saving” in the same technical sense.

How ordinances “work” in LDS theology

LDS teachings emphasize that ordinances are:

• Symbolic : For example, immersion in baptism represents death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and starting a new life.

• Covenantal : Many ordinances mark the beginning or “finalizing” of a covenant between the person and God (such as promising to follow Christ).

• Authoritative : They must be performed by proper priesthood authority for God to recognize them as valid.

Some LDS writers describe ordinances as combining covenant, narrative, and authority : there is a story of salvation being acted out, a promise being made, and divine authority making it binding.

Why ordinances matter to Latter-day Saints

Latter-day Saints see ordinances as central to God’s plan for His children:

• They are seen as a main way God extends grace and blessings, not just as empty rituals.

• They “organize” spiritual life—marking milestones like joining the Church (baptism), receiving the Holy Ghost, entering temple worship, and forming eternal families.

• Many ordinances can also be performed on behalf of deceased persons in temples, so those individuals can choose to accept or reject them in the next life.

In LDS belief, ordinances are not just symbolic gestures; they are God- given, authoritative, covenant-linked actions that open specific spiritual blessings and opportunities.

TL;DR:
In LDS belief, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by priesthood authority (like baptism, confirmation, or temple rites) that symbolizes spiritual truths, often creates or confirms covenants with God, and is a key channel for receiving divine blessings and, in the case of “saving ordinances,” exaltation.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.