List of Terms

AtonementThe event that enables us to be reconciled to God. To atone is to suffer the penalty for sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from repentant sinners. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement for all mankind. His Atonement included His suffering for our sins, the shedding of His blood, and His death and Resurrection. Because of the Atonement, everyone who has lived will be resurrected. The Atonement also provides us with a way to be forgiven of our sins and to live forever with God.

BaptismAn essential step in receiving forgiveness of sins. Through baptism and confirmation by priesthood authority, we become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. Baptism is by immersion, meaning that the person being baptized is briefly submerged in water. Baptism shows our willingness to follow Christ’s example and to make covenants with God.

ConfirmationThe way a person receives the Holy Ghost. In this ordinance, which usually takes place in sacrament meeting soon after baptism, the person is confirmed, or made, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints.

CovenantAn agreement between God and His children. God gives the conditions for the covenant, and we agree to obey Him. God promises certain blessings for our obedience.

Divine help and strength given through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through His grace, made possible by His Atonement, all mankind will be resurrected. Through His grace, those who continually repent and live according to His gospel will feel an enduring closeness to their Heavenly Father in this life and live in His presence after this life.

OrdinanceA sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Examples include baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament. Ordinances are often a means of entering into covenants with God.

SacramentAn ordinance that reminds Church members of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. By partaking of the sacrament, we renew the covenants we make at baptism. Bread and water are blessed and given to the congregation. The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ, and the water represents His blood. This ordinance occurs each week in a worship service called sacrament meeting.

SalvationDeliverance from sin and death. Salvation is made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, everyone will be able to overcome the effects of death. We can also be saved from the effects of our sins through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is manifested in a life of repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel and service to Christ.