The Power of Ordinances
Moroni 1-6 explains procedurally how the authority was given to the Nephite disciples and how it is used to perform ordinances in basic church operations. The fact that Moroni took the time to engrave these things on the plates as part of his final message should cause us to take special notice of their importance.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some things change, and others never change. The things that change are generally adaptations to church programs to meet the needs of the Saints worldwide. The wording of some ordinances is very specific and does not change. The use of specific wording, such as in the sacrament prayers, is covenantal and purposeful. The words of the prayers are not embellishments of the ordinance, nor are they minimizations of such.
Establishing authority and how and by whom it is conferred is an essential part of the Kingdom of God on earth. As some protestant churches claim, the authority to act in God’s name cannot be assumed by mere faith or one’s ability to articulate scripture. It is not given because of religious education or graduation from a seminary. It is not a spiritual gift. A person who can heal, speak in tongues, or prophesy in the name of Jesus cannot claim priesthood authority although the power of God is manifest in their works. Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Conversely, a man may be ordained to the priesthood and have no power to exercise it. Doctrine and Covenants 121:36-37 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
So, what makes ordinances powerful? After all, they are simply words and actions. We can use the sacrament as an example. We go to church and hear the same prayers, eat some bread, and drink water every week. If we’ve done it once, we’ve done it a thousand times. The only meaning we derive from the words of the prayers and actions of partaking of the sacramental emblems depends on us. It is all about if we are willing to do as the prayers say about taking upon ourselves the name of Christ and keeping his commandments.
Repetition of ordinances is a vital part of spiritual growth. Technically, the first time we receive an ordinance is enough to meet the requirements of the commandment to be baptized, for example, or being endowed or sealed in the temple. However, it is simply impossible to understand what we are doing on the first occurrence of an ordinance. That is why we renew our covenants weekly. The immense depth of the temple ordinances takes a lifetime and probably more to grasp their whole meaning and implications.
Preparing to meet God is not easy. The purpose of ordinances is to change us fundamentally, allowing us to pass through the veil and enter into the presence of the Father and the Son. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul explains it in the context of Moses versus Christ. “12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
The power of ordinances depends on how we receive them and live the accompanying covenants.