Answer

Why Are Temple Ordinances Necessary?

You may believe in Jesus Christ and still wonder why ordinances are necessary. If He knows your heart and His grace saves you, why do baptism, the endowment, or sealing matter? That question makes sense. To understand the answer, it helps to look at what God says He gives us through ordinances.

The basic answer is that temple ordinances do not compete with Christ’s grace. They are sacred acts He established through priesthood authority so we can enter covenants with God, receive promised blessings, and prepare to return to His presence.

Eternal Truths

God has chosen to give covenant blessings through ordinances. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22, the Lord teaches that in priesthood ordinances “the power of godliness is manifest” and connects them with coming into God’s presence. Ordinances matter because Christ has chosen to meet us there with covenant promises.

An ordinance begins a relationship that is meant to shape your life. A covenant is not simply a ceremony you complete. You promise to follow Jesus Christ, and God promises blessings as you faithfully live that relationship.

What Can Make This Confusing?

It can sound reasonable to think sincere belief should make formal ordinances unnecessary. But Jesus was baptized, instituted the sacrament, gave priesthood authority, and commanded His disciples to perform ordinances. In His gospel, inward faith leads to covenant action.

What Research Shows

David C. Dollahite and colleagues interviewed members of highly religious Latter-day Saint families about religious rituals in their homes. Participants described greater spiritual growth, focus, family unity, communication, kindness, and better parenting. The study was not about temple ordinances, but it helps show how repeated sacred practices can shape everyday life.

Questions to Think About

• Have I mostly thought of temple ordinances as requirements to finish?
• What ordinance do I understand least?
• What might change if I saw ordinances as invitations into a deeper relationship with Christ?

What You Can Do

This week, study Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22 and write down what the Lord says ordinances make possible. If you are endowed, take one sincere question with you the next time you worship in the temple.

Jesus Christ is the source of every saving blessing. Through His ordinances, He invites you to covenant with Him and become more prepared to live in God’s presence.