By Julia Ditto | FāVS News Columnist
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News.
What are sacraments you participate in?
Hi, and thank you for your question!
Sacraments, or ordinances, as they’re more commonly referred to in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are cherished by Christians throughout the world as sacred, formal acts or ceremonies that signify a desire to follow Jesus Christ.
I still remember one of the first ordinances I participated in: my baptism. I was 8 years old, and I wore a white dress that I thought made me look like a darling little angel … until I walked down into the water with my father, who was to baptize me. My dress floated up in the water, and my dad and I spent a panicked few seconds batting it down so as not to create one of my very first most embarrassing moments. Other than the dress debacle, my baptism day was one I remember as being filled with love and joy as I did something to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
The official Church website states: “Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. They include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), the temple endowment, and the marriage sealing. …Other ordinances, such as naming and blessing children, consecrating oil, and administering to the sick and afflicted, are also performed by priesthood authority. While they are not essential to our salvation, they are important for our comfort, guidance, and encouragement.”
In addition to these ordinances, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also partake of bread and water each week in an ordinance known as the sacrament. Considered the most important part of their Sabbath worship, the sacrament helps church members remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While partaking of the sacrament, they also renew the covenants they made with God when they were baptized.
Ask a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
What questions do you have about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Fill out the form below and our writer will get back to you by writing a column in response.
FāVS News uses professional journalists and thoughtful commentary to explore faith, values and ethics. Support journalism like this by making a tax-deductible donation. FāVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
