Members of the faith establish sacred covenants with God in Latter-day Saint temples through symbolic ordinances. The endowment is the name of one of the temple’s rituals. The temple endowment is referred to by the Church as “a gift from God whereby He bestows sacred blessings upon you.”
Just as God promises to bestow these sacred blessings on us now and in the eternities, we also make promises to Him. Here are the five covenants in the temple endowment that we should prepare for, embrace, and keep:
- Law of Obedience
- Law of Sacrifice
- Law of the Gospel
- Law of Chastity
- Law of Consecration
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Law of Obedience
The law of obedience means we strive to keep Heavenly Father’s commandments. Obedience has been called the first law of heaven and all blessings are predicated upon obedience. When we obey God’s commandments, we express our love for Him. Rather than restrict us, commandments are meant to keep us safe and teach us how to become more like God.
Law of Sacrifice
We keep this covenant when we sacrifice to support the Lord’s work and repent with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Joseph Smith once said, “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation.”
The law of sacrifice was practiced in the Old Testament through burnt offerings. Today, Jesus has asked instead that we bring our broken hearts to the altar as a sacrifice. We have also been invited to sacrifice our will for the will of God. We put God first in our lives.
Law of the Gospel
When Jesus Christ came to Earth, He fulfilled the law of sacrifice and taught the law of the gospel. It is the higher law. Ezra Taft Benson explained the law of the gospel like this:
“The law of the gospel embraces all laws, principles, and ordinances necessary for our exaltation. We agree to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance borne out of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. As we comply with the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and continue in faith and prayer, the power of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice covers our sins and we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.”
Law of Chastity
The law of chastity states that persons have no sexual activity except with those to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded according to God’s law. The Church teaches that “Those who keep themselves sexually pure will be sensitive to the Holy Ghost’s guidance, strength, comfort, and protection and will fulfill an important requirement for receiving a temple recommend and participating in temple ordinances.”
Law of Consecration
When we live the law of consecration, we dedicate our time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to building up Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth. The video below explains how early Latter-day Saints lived this law and what it may look like for us today.
Learn More About the Temple
A better understanding of the Holy Temple brings us closer to Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Latter-day Saint temples, temple covenants, and how to make temple worship more meaningful here. This video features two Apostles of Jesus Christ walking you through a temple and explaining what goes on inside.
