Outward Ordinances

[Freedom]

We claim that our doctrines and principles are of ancient origin. As such, many or our current vocabulary are English translations of ancient Hebrew and may not be an entirely accurate presentation of the intended teaching. We see, for example, the command to be both honest and true. These are, arguably, the same thing in English.

In D&C 107:20 we find a list outlining the power and authority of the Aaronic priesthood:

1)    To hold the keys of the ministering of Angles

2)    To administer in out-ward ordinances

3)    The letter of the gospel

4)    The baptism of repentance for the remission of sings

 

Out-ward ordinances are defined as follows:

 

Church Handbook: thos who hold the Aaronic Priesthood may be authorized to administer the “outward ordinances” of baptism and the sacrament (see D&C 107:14)

The problem is, verse 14 mentions ‘outward ordinances’ but does not mention what these are.

 

Lorenzo Snow teaches that: the outward ordinances of baptism and confirmation are inseparably connected with the inward works of faith and repentance.

 

In ‘The Live and Teachings of Jesus Christ we read: “The church’s outward ordinances and requirements are but necessary – yet they are necessary – aids to the inner spiritual life. The church itself, the organization, meetings, ordinances, requirements, are only helps, but very necessary helps, to the practice of true religion - schoolmaster to do direct us in the way of eternal light and truth (smith, Gospel Doctrine p 121)

 

The expression ‘outward ordinances’ only shows up twice in the Scriptures: D&C 107:14 & 20. As with many such doctrines, it is completely unclear what this term is. All ordinances are outward, but not all outward ordinances can be performed by the Aaronic priesthood. We could always draw that conclusion that, since the Aaronic priesthood can only perform the two ordinances of sacrament and baptism, that by necessity this defines the meaning of outward ordinances.

It remains, however, that this expression could be problematic in English.

Nehemiah 11:16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.

Is the ‘outward business’ mentioned in the Old Testament the same as the ‘outward ordinances’ mentioned in D&C 107?

 

Any thoughts on this apparent ambiguity? 

[CV75]

Any thoughts on this apparent ambiguity? 

Perhaps the distinction is that the baptism and sacrament ordinances are performed outside the temple, and the rest of the Church's saving and exalting ordinances are performed within the temple. The oath and covenant of the priesthood applies in both the outward and the inward ordinances since receiving the Lord is expressed when one is baptized and again when one makes the temple covenants.

[Freedom]

Perhaps the distinction is that the baptism and sacrament ordinances are performed outside the temple, and the rest of the Church's saving and exalting ordinances are performed within the temple. The oath and covenant of the priesthood applies in both the outward and the inward ordinances since receiving the Lord is expressed when one is baptized and again when one makes the temple covenants.

That could be, but priesthood ordination, blessings and setting apart are performed outside the temple. The ordinance of dedicating a grave is performed in public, requires authorization from one holding priesthood keys, and must be performed by someone holding the Melchizedek priesthood. 

[JLHPROF]

We claim that our doctrines and principles are of ancient origin. As such, many or our current vocabulary are English translations of ancient Hebrew and may not be an entirely accurate presentation of the intended teaching. We see, for example, the command to be both honest and true. These are, arguably, the same thing in English.

In D&C 107:20 we find a list outlining the power and authority of the Aaronic priesthood:

1)    To hold the keys of the ministering of Angles

2)    To administer in out-ward ordinances

3)    The letter of the gospel

4)    The baptism of repentance for the remission of sings

 

Out-ward ordinances are defined as follows:

 

Church Handbook: thos who hold the Aaronic Priesthood may be authorized to administer the “outward ordinances” of baptism and the sacrament (see D&C 107:14)

The problem is, verse 14 mentions ‘outward ordinances’ but does not mention what these are.

 

Lorenzo Snow teaches that: the outward ordinances of baptism and confirmation are inseparably connected with the inward works of faith and repentance.

 

In ‘The Live and Teachings of Jesus Christ we read: “The church’s outward ordinances and requirements are but necessary – yet they are necessary – aids to the inner spiritual life. The church itself, the organization, meetings, ordinances, requirements, are only helps, but very necessary helps, to the practice of true religion - schoolmaster to do direct us in the way of eternal light and truth (smith, Gospel Doctrine p 121)

 

The expression ‘outward ordinances’ only shows up twice in the Scriptures: D&C 107:14 & 20. As with many such doctrines, it is completely unclear what this term is. All ordinances are outward, but not all outward ordinances can be performed by the Aaronic priesthood. We could always draw that conclusion that, since the Aaronic priesthood can only perform the two ordinances of sacrament and baptism, that by necessity this defines the meaning of outward ordinances.

It remains, however, that this expression could be problematic in English.

Nehemiah 11:16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.

Is the ‘outward business’ mentioned in the Old Testament the same as the ‘outward ordinances’ mentioned in D&C 107?

 

Any thoughts on this apparent ambiguity? 

 

Not sure about the verse in Nehemiah, but since the other two references come from the D&C I'm not sure we can apply Hebrew meaning to them.

 

As far as why Baptism & Sacrament are called "outward" ordinances, I think it's because they both are performed as outward signs of a spiritual commitment.  Other ordinances have spiritual symbolism too, but are not performed as outward signs (again, in my opinion).  Baptism and the sacrament are specifically explained as witnessing that we take upon us Christ's name.  Therefore, they are outward signs of that inward act.

[CV75]

That could be, but priesthood ordination, blessings and setting apart are performed outside the temple. The ordinance of dedicating a grave is performed in public, requires authorization from one holding priesthood keys, and must be performed by someone holding the Melchizedek priesthood. 

True--I'm just referring to the saving ordinances common to all members--ordination, callings, blessings, dedicated graves, etc. do not save us.

 

Confirmation must be performed by someone with the Melchizedek priesthood, and is done outside the temple, but isn't be done without the baptism first, which is the ordinance which saves (confirmation confirms the performance of the saving ordinance).

[Freedom]

Not sure about the verse in Nehemiah, but since the other two references come from the D&C I'm not sure we can apply Hebrew meaning to them.

 

As far as why Baptism & Sacrament are called "outward" ordinances, I think it's because they both are performed as outward signs of a spiritual commitment.  Other ordinances have spiritual symbolism too, but are not performed as outward signs (again, in my opinion).  Baptism and the sacrament are specifically explained as witnessing that we take upon us Christ's name.  Therefore, they are outward signs of that inward act.

Interesting thought, but there is the issue that some church references refer to confirmation as an outward ordinance. This could simply be a doctrinal error. I just don't see how the temple ordinances are not also outward signs of a spiritual commitment. perhaps I am reading too much into it 

[Freedom]

True--I'm just referring to the saving ordinances common to all members--ordination, callings, blessings, dedicated graves, etc. do not save us.

 

Confirmation must be performed by someone with the Melchizedek priesthood, and is done outside the temple, but isn't be done without the baptism first, which is the ordinance which saves (confirmation confirms the performance of the saving ordinance).

It is actually the gift of the  holy ghost that saves, bringing sanctification through the holy ghost. Baptism is the sign of the covenant, but it is the reception of the holy ghost that brings salvation. 

[Palerider]

Personally I think this is more of someone using the "Indiana Jones" urim and thummim, which means, "I don't know, I'm makin' this up as I go".......

 

As you said "all ordinances are outward" so there's not a lot of logic here.

 

Here's a quote from John taylor if you think it will help but I doubt it....

 

"The lesser priesthood is a part of, or an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances. The lesser or Aaronic priesthood can make appointments for the greater in preaching; can baptize, administer the sacrament, attend to the tithing, buy lands, settle people on possessions, divide inheritances, look after the poor, take care of the properties of the church, attend generally to temporal affairs; act as common judges in Israel, and assist in ordinances of the temple, under the direction of the greater or Melchizedek priesthood. They hold the keys of the ministering of angels and administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, and the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  

 

Also, I have to tell you, you are much more correct here than you will ever know........

 

"As with many such doctrines, it is completely unclear what this term is."

[janderich]

Interesting thought, but there is the issue that some church references refer to confirmation as an outward ordinance. This could simply be a doctrinal error. I just don't see how the temple ordinances are not also outward signs of a spiritual commitment. perhaps I am reading too much into it 

I don't think so. Actions and words are simply signs pointing to the inner change which must occur. The temple ordinances also partake of the outward forms. It is the person's commitment along with the Spirit which makes any ordinance meaningful. That is why salvation and exaltation are not guaranteed by simply receiving the ordinances of the Temple. The temple is a means to an end, not the end itself.

[CV75]

It is actually the gift of the  holy ghost that saves, bringing sanctification through the holy ghost. Baptism is the sign of the covenant, but it is the reception of the holy ghost that brings salvation.

But you're talking about the ordinances/performance themselves, not the spiritual rebirth processes they point us to if we are willing. All these processes are ultimately "inward" per Lorenzon Snow, as you pointed out in the OP. But the ordinances are performed by the authourity of one or both priesthooods: Aaron ("outward") and (Melchizedek ("private").

Where the Melichizedek Priesthood was taken from the Israelites, only the Aaronic Priesthood remained outwardly, so whatever they did were "outward ordinances." But where the Melichizedek Priesthood was alive and well in the background, and (for example) had among the Lehites, these same "outward ordinances" for the Law of Moses were performed by that higher priesthood--still outward ordinances, and who knows what more was done in private as well.

[CV75]

Interesting thought, but there is the issue that some church references refer to confirmation as an outward ordinance. This could simply be a doctrinal error. I just don't see how the temple ordinances are not also outward signs of a spiritual commitment. perhaps I am reading too much into it

It is confirmation of the outward ordinance, and also confirmation that the individual is now a member of the kingdom (which is not a saving ordinance in the asme sense baptism is; one is the gate into the kingdom and the other is the extension of fellowship, or acknowledgement into the kingdom; this is why a baptism without it is not a baptism).

Note that the Melchizedek Priesthood is not bestowing the Holy Ghost upon someone by ordinance, but simply acknowledging that this is the time for the baptized to receive the Holy Ghost. It is Jesus who actually bestows the Gift of the Holy Ghost, so neither the priest who baptizes nor the elder who confirms is involved with that ordinance, whether one views it as "outward" or "inward."

Sometimes the Melchizedek Priesthood operates in an official capacity for the aske of organization, but such operations are not necessarily saving covenants and ordinances.

In the days of yore, the temple ordinances were outward because they were officiated under the Levitical / Aaronic Priesthood while the Melchizedek Priesthood operated in the background. Since the Restoration, the temple ordinances are inward because they are of a different nature than those of the old temple and are officiated over by the Melchizedek Priesthood.