The Gate and the Path

Priesthood ordinances and covenants set us on the path to eternal life and bless us with the strength we need right now.

We all seek eternal life, which means being saved and exalted in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, where we can live in Heavenly Father’s presence as families.

In addition to faith in Jesus Christ and repentance, the ordinances and covenants of the priesthood allow us to enter the path that leads to eternal life. No matter when you entered this path or where you are on it—whether you were born in the Church or converted later, whether you have been active all your life or are just returning to Church activity—you can progress along it as you focus on your covenants and what you can do to receive and keep them.

And it’s important to know that priesthood ordinances and covenants don’t just offer the promise of a glorious future. They also give us the strength, comfort, and support we need right now in order to follow the path and endure to the end in righteousness.

Path leading to eternal life (enduring to the end)

See 2 Nephi 31

Gate

“Staying on the gospel path of covenants, commandments, and ordinances protects us and prepares us to do God’s work in this world.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Stand Strong in Holy Places,” Ensign, May 2013, 49.

• Essential Ordinances and Covenants

  

  “It is priesthood authority in the Church that provides for sacred ordinances and covenants that bind families together and qualify each of us to return to God the Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom. These ordinances bring peace because they are covenants with the Lord.”

  Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness,” Ensign, May 2013, 34.

  • Baptism

  • Gift of the Holy Ghost

  • Priesthood conferral and ordination (for young men)

  • Temple endowment

  • Temple sealing

• Renewing and Strengthening Ordinances

  

  “As you worthily participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, the Lord will give you greater strength, peace, and eternal perspective.”

  Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Power in the Priesthood,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 95.

  • Sacrament—weekly renewal of baptismal covenant

  • Patriarchal blessings—special individual guidance and promised blessings

  • Blessings for the sick—help and healing

  • Father’s blessings and other blessings of comfort and counsel—peace and guidance when needed

Eternal life (celestial kingdom with family)

Helps along the Way

Scriptures—guidance and instruction received as part of covenant between God and His people (see D&C 84:57)

Prayer—“[The Master] offers us the covenant to ‘always remember Him’ and the warning to ‘pray always’ so that we will place our reliance on Him, our only safety” (President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “‘Always,’” Ensign, Oct. 1999, 9).

Service—fulfilling our covenants by serving God and His children, including callings, temple and family history work, sharing the gospel, full-time missionary service

Repentance—remembering our covenants and drawing closer to the Savior when we have strayed, sometimes including help from priesthood leaders

Illustration by Bryan Beach