Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are saving ordinances, and why are they essential for our exaltation?
- How do ordinances and covenants bring us out of darkness into marvelous light?
- Why is it important to honor the covenants associated with saving ordinances?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ relate to saving ordinances?
- What warnings are given about changing or neglecting ordinances?
Topics
Understand the Importance of Ordinances and Covenants
Elder Wakolo explains that ordinances are sacred, formal acts performed by the authority of the priesthood, essential for our exaltation. These include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood, temple endowment, and marriage sealing. He emphasizes that these ordinances are accompanied by covenants with God, who promises us blessings if we faithfully honor them.
An ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. [The] ordinances [that] are essential to our exaltation … are called saving ordinances.
Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.
- What are the saving ordinances mentioned by Elder Wakolo?
- Why are covenants an integral part of saving ordinances?
- What blessings are promised to those who honor their covenants?
- What saving ordinances have you received, and how have they impacted your life?
- How can you better honor the covenants you have made with God?
- In what ways can you help others understand the importance of saving ordinances and covenants?
Follow Christ’s Example and Utilize His Atonement
Elder Wakolo highlights the necessity of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in conjunction with saving ordinances. He explains that through Christ’s Atonement, we are redeemed from the Fall and can achieve repentance and exaltation. Christ’s life serves as the perfect example for us to follow, especially in receiving saving ordinances.
Good conduct without the ordinances of the gospel will neither redeem nor exalt mankind.
Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ redeemed us from the consequences of the Fall of Adam and made possible our repentance and eventual exaltation.
- Why are the Atonement of Jesus Christ and saving ordinances both necessary for our salvation?
- How did Christ set an example for us in receiving saving ordinances?
- How have you felt the power of Christ’s Atonement in your life?
- What steps can you take to follow Christ’s example more closely?
- How can you help others understand the connection between Christ’s Atonement and saving ordinances?
Heed Warnings About Ordinances and Casualness
Elder Wakolo warns against changing or neglecting ordinances, referencing Isaiah, Joseph Smith, and Paul. He likens distractions and temptations to "ravening wolves" and stresses the importance of being vigilant and faithful shepherds of our own souls and others.
The earth also is defiled … because they have … changed the ordinance.
Casualness leads to casualties. I invite each of us to be a faithful shepherd.
- What warnings are given about changing or neglecting ordinances?
- Why is it important to be vigilant and faithful shepherds of our souls?
- How can you ensure that you are not casual in your approach to ordinances and covenants?
- What can you do to be a more vigilant shepherd of your own soul and the souls of others?
- Have you experienced any distractions or temptations that have led you away from the covenant path? How did you overcome them?
Recognize the Power of the Sacrament
Elder Wakolo shares an experience to illustrate the importance of the sacrament in helping us stay on the covenant path. He explains that worthily partaking of the sacrament is evidence of keeping covenants associated with other ordinances and invites us to reflect on our participation in this sacred ordinance.
We are commanded to "meet together oft to partake of bread and wine."
What ordinances, including the sacrament, do I need to receive, and what covenants do I need to make, keep, and honor?
- Why is the sacrament an essential ordinance for staying on the covenant path?
- What does worthily partaking of the sacrament signify?
- How has the sacrament helped you stay on the covenant path?
- What can you do to make your participation in the sacrament more meaningful?
- How can you help others understand the importance of the sacrament?
Embrace Personal Experiences and Testimonies
Elder Wakolo shares personal experiences and testimonies to illustrate the transformative power of saving ordinances and covenants. He invites us to reflect on our own experiences and the spiritual growth that comes from participating in these sacred acts.
Receiving the ordinances and honoring his covenants has enhanced his gentleness.
I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world.
- How do personal experiences and testimonies illustrate the power of saving ordinances and covenants?
- What impact did saving ordinances have on John and Bonnie Newman?
- What personal experiences have strengthened your testimony of saving ordinances and covenants?
- How can you share your testimony of saving ordinances with others?
- In what ways have you seen the blessings of honoring covenants in your life?
