For members of the Church, the temple is the most sacred place on earth. Understanding the deep doctrines behind temples and temple work is essential for anyone seeking eternal life and the continuation of their family beyond the grave. These holy buildings are far more than just beautiful architecture; they are literal houses of the Lord.
The embedded document below contains a masterful collection of 107 apostolic quotes detailing the history, ordinances, and profound blessings of the temple. By studying these inspired teachings, you will gain a massive appreciation for the covenants that empower and protect our families today.
The Essential Nature of Temples and Temple Work
Prophets have repeatedly taught that temple ordinances are absolutely crucial, and we simply cannot return to God’s presence without them. In fact, all of our efforts in proclaiming the gospel and perfecting the Saints ultimately lead directly to the holy temple. Enabling the exaltation of both the living and the dead is the Lord’s primary purpose for building these sacred structures.
We do not worship in holy temples solely to have a memorable individual experience. Rather, we seek to fulfill the divinely appointed responsibility to offer the ordinances of salvation to the entire human family. Here, we are bound together as husbands, wives, and children under a sacred sealing that time cannot destroy and death cannot disrupt.
The Endowment and Sealing Ordinances
The endowment is a beautiful ordinance performed in our temples that consists of two main parts. First, it involves a series of instructions, and second, it includes making sacred covenants to live righteously and comply with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This powerful ordinance is performed for the great blessing of both the living Saints and deceased individuals.
Furthermore, sealing ordinances are the crowning blessings of the temple. Couples kneel at a sacred altar for marriage “for time and all eternity”. Children born to parents who are already sealed are born “under the covenant” and are automatically sealed to them.
Unlocking Astounding Spiritual Power
The document outlines 52 specific blessings of temple attendance, including receiving priesthood power, finding a place of safety, and being caught up to meet the Lord. The covenant path through the temple requires sacrifice, but it leads directly to eternal life.
Consider the incredible story of a young couple from Cali, Colombia, who desired a temple marriage when the closest temple was in faraway Peru. Because all the bus seats were taken, they rode for five days and five nights sitting entirely on the floor of the bus just to reach the temple. The Lord richly rewarded them with the immense spiritual growth that only comes from true sacrifice.
Requirements to Enter the House of the Lord
Because the temple is a place of such immense spiritual power, strict worthiness is required to enter. President Gordon B. Hinckley outlined several specific requirements for temple entrance. These include having a testimony of God and Jesus Christ, sustaining church leadership, and observing the law of chastity.
Additionally, members must be completely honest, pay an honest tithing, and faithfully live the Word of Wisdom. When we live worthy of these requirements, we cover ourselves and our families with a powerful shield of protection.
Overcoming Satan’s Direct Opposition
Because this work is so vital, the adversary fights incredibly hard to hinder us. The document shares a chilling account of Marriner W. Merrill, who was confronted by Satan himself on the grounds of the Logan Temple. Satan boldly declared that he did not like the work going on and demanded that it be stopped.
When Brother Merrill emphatically refused, Satan promised to distribute his followers to whisper in the ears of the people, persuading them not to attend the temple. We must actively fight this indifference and make time to attend the temple! Take a few minutes to read the excellent 27-page document below, and learn how the family in God’s plan is eternally solidified through these sacred ordinances. You can also explore official temple resources and locations to plan your next visit!
