Alma 13: 2, 16

 

How do priesthood ordinances point you to Jesus Christ?

"2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption." (Alma 13: 2)

"16 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord." (Alma 13: 16)

"19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live." (Doctrine and Covenants 84: 10-22)

And here's the ending part of the commentary entitled: "Priesthood ordinances point me to Jesus Christ for redemption." :

"Have you ever thought about priesthood ordinances as a gift from God to help you “look forward to his Son for redemption”? (verse 2; see also verse 16). Maybe you could make a list of ordinances you’ve received, such as baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, setting apart for a calling, a blessing of comfort or healing, a patriarchal blessing, and temple ordinances. Ponder your experiences with ordinances like these. Consider the symbolism involved and the Spirit you felt. How does each of these ordinances point you to Jesus Christ for redemption?

Some people mistakenly believe that ordinances—and the priesthood authority to perform them—aren’t necessary. How would you respond to this idea? Here are two general conference messages that could inform your thinking; pick one, and write down any answers that come to you: Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79; Dale G. Renlund, “The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 64–67.

See also Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22; Gospel Topics, “Covenant,” Gospel Library."

The place my husband and I live at the moment is just about an hour ride away from the temple. This is the closest we both have lived to the temple. Back home in our country, the Philippines, my hometown is about 8 hours away from the temple. It's a great blessing that the Bangkok Thailand temple has been constructed in its location because it's easily accessible to us. And my husband has been taking the initiative to schedule our visit to perform ordinances inside the temple since the temple started its operation after its dedication about 8 months ago. 

Each of the temple ordinances does point us to Jesus Christ for redemption. There are deeper insights provided only inside the temple that we're able to hear over and over again whenever we visit the temple and perform the ordinances. Hearing those repeatedly helps the mind and heart to remember them. And they do strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ as I'm able to draw closer to them more as I recall the covenants I have made with them.