Washings and anointings in the temple ceremonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represent a sacred and symbolic ordinance with deep roots in ancient religious tradition. These ordinances are performed as part of the preparatory aspects of the endowment and serve to sanctify and set apart individuals for their spiritual journey. The practice of washings and anointings, while reminiscent of biblical rituals, is uniquely restored and administered in the Church today under divine authority.

Scriptural precedents for washings and anointings are found throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, where such practices were integral to temple worship and priestly consecration. In Exodus 40:12-15, the Lord commands Moses to wash and anoint Aaron and his sons as part of their ordination to the priesthood: "And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." This pattern of ritual cleansing and consecration continued among the Israelites and was later fulfilled in the anointing of Jesus Christ as the Messiah (Luke 4:18). The anointing with oil signified divine favor, healing, and empowerment, as demonstrated in James 5:14, where elders are instructed to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord.

The restoration of these sacred practices in the latter days follows the precedent set by ancient prophets and the temple practices of early Christianity. The Doctrine & Covenants affirms the necessity of such ordinances, particularly in relation to the restoration of temple blessings. In Doctrine & Covenants 124:39, the Lord declares that washings, anointings, baptisms for the dead, and other ordinances are essential to His house: "Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places...are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house."

Latter-day Saint temples serve as the modern setting for these sacred ordinances, wherein participants receive blessings of sanctification and preparation for their covenantal journey. The washings symbolize spiritual purification, while the anointings invoke divine promises of strength, protection, and eventual exaltation. These ordinances are not merely symbolic; they are performed under priesthood authority, ensuring that participants receive real spiritual power and blessings in accordance with God’s plan.

The uniqueness of washings and anointings in the Church lies in their direct restoration by revelation rather than through human tradition or historical adaptation. While many religious traditions incorporate forms of anointing—such as Catholic confirmation, Orthodox chrismation, and Protestant healing rites—the temple ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints restore the full priesthood power associated with these practices. Unlike other Christian denominations, which often limit anointing to select clergy or sacraments of healing, the Church administers these ordinances broadly within the temple setting, allowing all endowed members to receive them as part of their spiritual progression.

The benefits of embracing this understanding extend beyond the ritual itself. Washings and anointings in the temple prepare individuals to make and keep sacred covenants with God, drawing them closer to Him. They provide strength, divine guidance, and an assurance of one’s place in God’s eternal plan. They also establish a tangible link to the ordinances performed in antiquity, reinforcing the belief that the Church is the divinely restored kingdom of God on earth. Through these sacred rites, individuals are reminded of their divine potential and the blessings that await those who remain faithful.

The restoration of washings and anointings stands as a testament to the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the continuity of divine authority in the modern Church. These ordinances, while deeply rooted in ancient religious tradition, are distinct in their Latter-day Saint administration and meaning. Their unique role within temple worship underscores the Church’s commitment to preserving the fullness of the gospel as revealed by God. The profound spiritual blessings associated with these ordinances affirm their significance as a gift from God to His covenant people in the latter days.