Dear Gramps —
I’ve wondered for a time why is it that when we baptize we do it in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as is also the case in the temple marriage. Why then are the other ordinances, such as confirmation, priesthood ordination, Sacrament, initiatory, etc.,performed only in the name of the Son? —-
Lisle
Dear Lisle,
The authority to act officially in the name of Diety is a sacred privilege, that has not existed on the earth since shortly after the Savior’s mortal sojourn until the restoration of the gospel by the prophet, Joseph Smith. Baptizm was administered in the days of the Savior by invoking the sanction of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Savior commisioned his disciples to Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19.)
Think of the significance of the ordinance by which an indiviual may qualify to enter the Kindom of God though the waters of baptism, and the other great ordinance by which individuals may enter into exaltation in the Celestial kingdom through observing the eternal marriage covenant. These two ordinances that permit entrance into the Kingdom and into exalatation within the Kingdom are administered in the names of all three members of the Godhead. The other ordinances are for different positions and responsibilities within the Kingdom, and are appropriately administered in the name of the Head of the Church and organization that bears His name.
Gramps
