Temple covenants are sacred promises made with God during temple worship. They help members strengthen their commitment to Jesus Christ through ordinances performed only in temples.
Temples are also where eternal marriages, family sealings, and proxy baptisms for ancestors take place.
Temple Ordinances
The temple is the only place where certain sacred ordinances are performed in the Church of Jesus Christ.
One of these is the endowment, where participants receive spiritual instruction and make covenants with God to guide their lives.
The Five Temple Covenants
During the endowment, participants covenant to live five gospel principles.
- Obedience – keeping God’s commandments.
- Sacrifice – supporting God’s work with a willing heart.
- The Gospel – living the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Chastity – reserving sexual relations for marriage between a husband and wife.
- Consecration – dedicating time, talents, and resources to God’s kingdom.
These covenants are intended to help disciples follow Jesus Christ more faithfully.
Eternal Marriage and Family Sealings
Temples are also where couples are sealed in marriage for time and eternity.
During the sealing ordinance, husbands and wives make sacred promises to God and to one another. Children can also be sealed to their parents, emphasizing the belief that families can remain together forever.
Proxy Baptisms
Another temple ordinance is proxy baptism for deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to receive the gospel during mortality.
According to Church teachings, individuals in the spirit world remain free to accept or reject this ordinance performed on their behalf.
The Purpose of Temple Covenants
Temple covenants invite believers to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through sacred promises and ordinances.
Whether through the endowment, eternal marriage, family sealings, or proxy baptisms, the temple centers on faith, discipleship, and devotion to God.
