The Initiatory Ordinances: Washings and Anointings

Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Mormonism [1992], 4:1551) The ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to “Garments” in Encyclopedia of Mormonism often in the temple as initiatory ordinances. It will be sufficient by Evelyn T. Marshall for our purposes to say only the following: Associated with the The word "garment" has distinctive meanings to Latter-day endowment are washings and anointings-mostly symbolic in Saints. The white undergarment worn by those members who nature, but promising definite, immediate blessings as well as have received the ordinance of the temple Endowment is a future blessings. Concerning these ordinances the Lord has ceremonial one. All adults who enter the temple are required said: "I say unto you, how shall your washings be acceptable to wear it. In LDS temples, men and women who receive unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have priesthood ordinances wear this undergarment and other built to my name?." (D&C 124:37.) priestly robes. The garment is worn at all times, but the robes And again: "I say unto you, that your anointings, and your are worn only in the temple. Having made covenants of washings . . . are ordained by the ordinance of my holy righteousness, the members wear the garment under their house." (D&C 124:39.) regular clothing for the rest of their lives, day and night, In connection with these ordinances, in the temple you will partially to remind them of the sacred covenants they have be officially clothed in the garment and promised marvelous made with God. blessings in connection with it. It is important that you listen The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure carefully as these ordinances are administered and that you modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree try to remember the blessings promised and the conditions it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon upon which they will be realized. (The Holy Temple [1980], p.155) one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15). It is an outward expression of an inward covenant, and “Washings and Anointings” in Encyclopedia of Mormonism symbolizes Christlike attributes in one's mission in life. by Donald W. Parry Garments bear several simple marks of orientation toward the Ritual anointings were a prominent part of religious rites in gospel principles of obedience, truth, life, and discipleship in the biblical world. Recipients of the anointing included temple Christ. officiants (Ex. 28:41), prophets (1 Kgs. 19:16), and kings (1 An agency of the Church manufactures these garments in Sam. 16:3; 1 Kgs. 1:39). In addition, sacral objects associated contemporary, comfortable, and lightweight fabrics. They are with the Israelite sanctuary were anointed (Ex. 30:22-29). Of available for purchase through Church distribution centers. equal importance in the religion of the Israelites were Scripture, as well as legends from many lands and cultures, ablutions or ceremonial washings (Ex. 29:4-7). To ensure points toward the significance of sacral clothing. A biblical religious purity, Mosaic law required that designated tradition teaches that Adam and Eve, prior to their expulsion individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation from Eden, wore sacred clothing. "Unto Adam also and to his for entering the temple (Ex. 30:17-21; Lev. 14:7-8; 15:5-27). wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them" The washings and anointings of the biblical period have a (Gen. 3:21). These were given in a context of repentance and parallel today in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day forgiveness, and of offering sacrifice and making covenants. Saints. In response to a commandment to gather the saints In antiquity, priestly vestments were part of widespread and to build a house "to prepare them for the ordinances and tradition. The Targums (Aramaic paraphrases of the Old endowments, washings, and anointings" (Teachings of the Testament) teach that these garments were "precious Prophet Joseph Smith [1976], p. 308), these ordinances were garments" or "glorious garments" or "garments of honor." introduced in the Kirtland Temple on January 21, 1836 (History Rabbi Eleazer called them "coats of glory." A rabbinic source of the Church, 6 vols., 2:379-83). In many respects similar in asks: "And what were those garments?" The answer is, "The purpose to ancient Israelite practice and to the washing of vestments of the High Priesthood, with which the Almighty feet by Jesus among his disciples, these modern LDS rites clothed them because Adam was the world's first-born" are performed only in temples set apart and dedicated for (Kasher, Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 1, p. 137). In sacred purposes (D&C 124:37-38; History of the Church 6 vols., Moses' time those who officiated in the Tabernacle wore a 6:318-19). certain kind of garment: "And [Moses] put upon [Aaron] the Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10: D&C robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the 124:37) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith" iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of (Lev. 8:7; see Testament of Levi 8). Latter-day Saints similarly the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human wear temple garments in connection with their priesthood longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine functions. iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" (cf. Ps. 73:13; Isa. The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major 1:16). faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from represents sanctification (Lev. 8:10-12) and consecration (Ex. all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and 28:41), so that both become "most holy" (Ex. 30:29) unto the blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, Lord. In this manner, profane persons and things are representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than sanctified in similitude of the messiah (Hebrew "anointed outside their street clothes. one"), who is Christ (Greek "anointed one"). (Encyclopedia of In a Messianic passage Isaiah declared: "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isa. 61:10). In the current dispensation, the principle has been reaffirmed in prophetic idiom: "Zion must increase in beauty,and put on her beautiful garments" (D&C 82:14). Latter-day Saints believe that all such clothing is symbolic of the submission, sanctification, and spotless purity of those who desire to serve God and Christ and ultimately regain their eternal presence (D&C 61:34; 135:5). (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., ed. Daniel H. Ludlow [1992], p.534-535)