Mormon. What,if any, is the difference between "commandments" and "ordinances"?

[hanginginthere]

Root word of commandments is "command" and the root word of ordinances is "order" according to the dictionary. Does the mormon religion have their own special meaning for these words or are their definitions the same as what is found in the american dictionary? -------------------------------------- I am researching the mormon religion and this question is part of that ongoing research. I use the word "mormon" as a tag so these questions can be found and answered by ANYONE who is knowledgable in this area. My email and questions are open in my profile. As always, if you think this question is interesting enough to share with a star then PLEASE DO. Thank You.

[cadisneygirl76BenistheDEVIL1359]

OrdinancesIn the Church, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. These ordinances are called saving ordinances. They include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), the temple endowment, and the marriage sealing. With each of these ordinances, we enter into solemn covenants with the LordCommandmentInstructions given by God to His children to prepare them for eternal life in the world to come.

[slackjaw79]

Mormons use the term commandment the same as any other religion, it is basically something you should be doing. An ordinance is a sacred ceremony like baptism, or marriage. I think the Catholics refer to sacred ceremonies using the word sacrament. For us, the word sacrament refers to the taking of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus.

[MsStevieDuck]

In Christian religions, the term ordinance is used for religious rituals, and LDS have several gospel ordinances of specific significance. Secularly the term is meant to denote a form of legislative action.Commandments are the directives from God.