Washing and anointing

The washing and anointing is a temple ordinance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that pertains to exaltation within the Celestial Kingdom. Combined, the two ordinances are known as the initiatory, which is performed for both the living and the dead.

Contents

History

Ritual anointings were a prominent part of religious rites in the biblical world. Recipients of the anointing included temple officiants (e.g., Aaron), prophets (e.g., Elisha), and kings (e.g., Jehu, Solomon).[1] In addition, sacral objects associated with the Israelite sanctuary were anointed. Of equal importance in the religion of the Israelites were ablutions (ceremonial washings). To ensure religious purity, Mosaic law required that designated individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation for entering the temple.[1]

The washings and anointings of the biblical period have a parallel today in the LDS Church. In response to a commandment to gather the saints and to build a house "to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings, and anointings",[2] these ordinances were introduced in the Kirtland Temple on January 21, 1836.[3][4] In many respects similar in purpose to ancient Israelite practice and to the washing of feet by Jesus among his disciples, these modern LDS rites are performed only in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes, according to a January 19, 1841 revelation claimed by Joseph Smith, Jr. from Jesus Christ.[5]

Purpose and administration

The ordinances are "mostly symbolic in nature, but promising definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings," contingent upon continued righteous living.[6] Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".[1] The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment represents sanctification and consecration, so that both become "most holy" unto the Lord.[7] In this manner, profane persons and things are sanctified in similitude of the messiah (Hebrew "anointed one"), who is Christ (Greek "anointed one").[1]

The ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to often in the temple as initiatory ordinances since they precede the Endowment and sealing ordinances.[1] In connection with the initiatory ordinances, one is also clothed in the garment in the temple.[6] Washings and anointings are also conducted on behalf of deceased individuals as a type of "vicarious ordinance".[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Donald W. Perry (1992). "Washings and Anointings". Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Macmillan Publishers. http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Washings_and_Anointings. Retrieved 29 January 2010. 
  2. ^ Smith, Joseph Fielding (1938). Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Deseret Book. p. 308. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Joseph-Smith/Teachings/T6.html. Retrieved 2010-01-29. 
  3. ^ Roberts, B.H. (1904). History of the Church. Deseret Book. pp. 2:379–83. 
  4. ^ Buerger, David John (2002). The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship. Signature Books. p. 1. ISBN 978-1560851769. 
  5. ^ Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: LDS Church. 1985. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/124/37-38. Retrieved 2010-01-29. 
  6. ^ a b Boyd K. Packer (2007-10-01). "Come to the Temple". Liahona. LDS Church. http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7cd3ba12dc825110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD. Retrieved 29 January 2010. 
  7. ^ Exodus 30:29
  8. ^ Gaunt, LaRene Porter (1996-06-01). "Family History—Who Can Help Me?". Ensign. LDS Church. http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=59277cf34f40c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD. Retrieved 29 January 2010.