Ordinances
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines an ordinance as:
- "Something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity"
- "A prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony"
Mormonism teaches that there are five ordinances necessary for salvation:
- Baptism by Immersion
- Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost
- Ordination to the Priesthood (for men)
- Temple Endowment
- Marriage Sealed in the Temple
Each of these ordinances must be done under certain conditions in order to be acceptable before God. Ordinances must be done by the proper priesthood authority. Each ordinance comes at various stages in the persons life. Baptism for instance, is performed only after a person has turned eight years old. Young men are ordained to the various offices of the Aaronic Priesthood starting at age 12 and to the Melchizedek Priesthood starting at age 19. Endowment and marriage ceremonies are done only in dedicated temples of the Lord.
Additionally, all of these ordinances can be done in behalf of the dead in Mormon temples so that all may be partakers of God's love.
