Washing of the feet, the sacrament, and baptism for the dead are all ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Washing of the feet is an ordinance given only to the few who have been faithful enough to be washed and cleansed of blood of this generation and have made sure of their calling and election. The sacrament was also instituted as an ordinance to renew our covenants that we make at baptism to always remember the Lord and follow after his ways. Here is the sacrament prayer given by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79
77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Jesus also taught that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, a man must be born of both the water and the spirit. Joseph Smith nor any in these latter-days did not invent this ordinance but it was had from the days of Christ. Paul the apostle taught that one of the reason for being baptized for the dead was the belief in the resurrection and that it was hope of a more glorious resurrection for those who are dead.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus taught that all mankind must receive baptism of water and of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands or they cannot enter the kingdom of God. For this reason baptism of the dead was practiced and gave those who had not the opportunity to be baptized in this life to receive it after they are dead.
1 Corinthians 15:29
29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Here Paul argues that without the resurrection of the dead there would be no need for baptism for the dead. To his Christian audience, they knew what he spoke of and understood his reasoning. In order for all mankind to enter the kingdom of God, they must receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life or in the life to come. For this reason was the gospel preached unto the dead.
1 Peter 4:6
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Those who live by Christ's required ordinances and follow his commandments will receive the grace needed to enter the kingdom of heaven.
But those who mock the ways of the Lord will also find their reward.
- he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, Matt. 2:16.
- to mock, and to scourge, Matt. 20:19 (Mark 10:34; Luke 18:32).
- mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews, Matt. 27:29.
- the chief priests mocking him, Matt. 27:41 (Mark 15:31).
- they shall mock him, Mark 10:34 (Luke 18:32; 1 Ne. 1:19).
- they had mocked him … and led him out to crucify him, Mark 15:20.
- Lest … all that behold it begin to mock him, Luke 14:29.
- men that held Jesus mocked him, Luke 22:63.
- Herod with his men of war … mocked him, Luke 23:11.
- soldiers also mocked him, Luke 23:36.
- Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine, Acts 2:13.
- heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, Acts 17:32.
- Be not deceived; God is not mocked, Gal. 6:7.
- others had trial of cruel mockings, Heb. 11:36.
- should be mockers in the last time, Jude 1:18.
- attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers, 1 Ne. 8:27.
- make a mock of the great plan of redemption, Jacob 6:8.
- suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, Mosiah 15:5.
- one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, Alma 5:30.
- making a mock of that which was sacred, Hel. 4:12.
- people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them, Ether 7:24.
- I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words, Ether 12:25.
- Fools mock, but they shall mourn, Ether 12:26.
- solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children, Moro. 8:9.
- calamity shall cover the mocker, D&C 45:50.
- Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days, D&C 63:58 (104:6).
- Lord … cannot be mocked in any of these things, D&C 124:71.
. Jesus did it are we better than Jesus?
