October 2010 The Ensign of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Special Issue Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Welcome! You’ve probably already noticed that An official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints something is different about this issue of your magazine. October 2010 Volume 40 • Number 10 The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, ore than a year ago, the decision was made to revise Dieter F. Uchtdorf Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Saints, a booklet that discusses temple worship in the Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Church and highlights temples around the world. The booklet Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Mwas out of print in some languages, and members were asking how David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen they could get a copy. Rather than reprint a booklet that did not Editor: Paul B. Pieper contain a message from President Thomas S. Monson and ignored Advisers: Stanley G. Ellis, Christoffel Golden Jr., the scores of temples that have been built since the last edition was Yoshihiko Kikuchi Managing Director: printed, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles David L. Frischknecht approved the creation of an updated edition. Evaluation, Planning, and Editorial Director: Vincent A. Vaughn Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg What Is Different? Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson This new edition has some of what appeared in earlier editions, but Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt it also contains new items that will help more readers—including youth Senior Editors: Matthew D. Flitton, and children—better understand why the temple is so important in our Larry Hiller, Michael R. Morris, Joshua J. Perkey Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, In the past the temples booklet was available only through Church Jenifer L. Greenwood, Adam C. Olson, Distribution Services. This time, to get the booklet into as many homes Laurel Teuscher Editorial Intern: Diane M. Ferguson as possible, it is being sent to all ­Liahona and ­Ensign subscribers. Senior Secretary: Faith S. Watson Additional copies—in many languages—will also be available through Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Art Director: Scott Van Kampen Distribution Services in the near future. Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, Thomas S. Child, Colleen Hinckley, How Can I Use This Issue? Eric P. Johnsen, Scott M. Mooy Production Staff: Cali R. Arroyo, Home teachers and visiting teachers will note that messages from Collette Nebeker Aune, Howard G. Brown, Julie the First Presidency and Relief Society are missing from this issue. Burdett, Reginald J. Christensen, Kathleen Howard, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Jane Ann Peters You can meet the needs of those you visit by prayerfully selecting and Prepress: Byron Warner sharing a message from within these pages. The article by President Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Evan Larsen Thomas S. Monson would be a good choice for many families. Distribution Director: © 2010 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Please note as well that inside the back of this wraparound cover is All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884- a song that can be used in Primary. 1136) is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Temple worship lies at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, USA. pleased to offer this issue in the hope that it will bring comfort, direc- Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. To change address: Send both old and new tion, and inspiration to families and individuals trying to understand, address information to Distribution Services at the practice, and share with others this fundamentally important doctrine above address. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. and divinely mandated practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Copyright information: Text and visual day Saints. material in the Ensign may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Calls for Submissions Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0018 USA; Is there a particular verse, insight, or story from the Book of Mormon e-mail: [email protected]. that has influenced you? What experience or understanding did you POSTMASTER: Send address changes to gain as a result of that particular scripture? Please share your expe- Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. rience or testimony of a Book of Mormon scripture by e-mailing it to Canada Post Information: Publication [email protected]. Agreement #40017431.

TEMPLESof the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jesus Christ said,

“I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

John 8:12

In the house of the Lord,

we feel the influence of the

Holy Ghost and draw nearer to

God, our Eternal Father, and to

His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

No temple photos, including exterior and interior Photos and Illustrations: images, may be duplicated or copied. Unless otherwise noted here, photos and illustration are Page 27: © 2000 John Telford Published by owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Page 48: © Pacific Press Publishing Association, Inc. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are used by permission of the artist or photographer. (Seventh-Day Adventist Church) Salt Lake City, Utah Pages 4–5: © Robert A. Baird Page 54: Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry, © 2010 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Page 5: © Altus Photo Design by Harry Anderson, © IRI. All rights reserved Page 6: © Val Brinkerhoff Page 55: Solomon Prays at the Temple Dedication, Printed in the United States of America © Robert T. Barrett; do not copy English approval: 8/09. 09339 Page 7: © Scott Cannon Pages 8–9: © Fredy Apaza Ramirez Inside back cover: © Martin Van Hemert Page 10: © Val Brinkerhoff Back cover: © Robert A. Baird Contents Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regard the temple as the house of the Lord—the most sacred place on earth. In this booklet you will find helpful information about the purpose and importance of temples and the eternal significance of the ordinances performed there.

This booklet can be found online at temples.lds.org.

4 Houses of the Lord 60 Things Pertaining to Photo Essay This House Photo Essay 12 Blessings of the Temple President Thomas S. Monson 68 Temple Service, Temple Blessings

20 Why These Temples? Our Temple Marriage Was Worth President Gordon B. Hinckley Any Price Geovanny Medina

28 The Holy Temple How the Temple Helps President Boyd K. Packer Frances W. Hodgson

36 A Temple-Motivated People 72 For Children: President Howard W. Hunter Your Path to the Temple

40 Prepare for the Blessings 76 For Youth: Making the Temple of the Temple a Part of Your Life Elder Russell M. Nelson 79 Commonly Asked Questions 52 A History of Temples Elder James E. Talmage

◀ Copenhagen Denmark Temple. Dedicated May 23, 2004. ▲ Adelaide Australia Temple. Dedicated June 15, 2000. Front cover: Salt Lake Temple. Dedicated Apr. 6, 1893. Back cover: Portland Oregon Temple. Dedicated Aug. 19, 1989.

3 Houses of the Lord

The temple is literally the house of the Lord. It is a place where God in- structs His children and prepares them to return to His presence. It is a place where we are united as families and taught the ways of the Lord. he temple Twas a place of learning for the Savior when He was on the earth; it was very much a part of His life. Temple blessings are available once again in our day” (James E. Faust, “The Restoration of All Things,” Liahona­ and ­Ensign, May 2006, 67).

◀ Washington D.C. Temple. Dedicated Nov. 19, 1974. ▲ Fountain, Nashville Tennessee Temple.

5 6 “By identifying our ances- tors and performing for them the saving ordi- nances they could not themselves perform, we are testifying of the infi- nite reach of the Atone- ment of Jesus Christ” (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus,” Liahona,­ Jan. 2001, 11; Ensign,­ Nov. 2000, 10).

◀ Stained glass, Palmyra New York Temple (far left). ◀ Hong Kong China Temple. Dedicated May 26, 1996. ▲ Arches, Bountiful Utah Temple.

7

“The process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ that is commenced in the waters of baptism is continued and enlarged in the house of the Lord. . . . In the ordinances of the holy temple we more completely and fully take upon us the name of Jesus Christ” (David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Liahona­ and ­Ensign, May 2009, 98).

◀ Cochabamba Bolivia Temple. Dedicated Apr. 30, 2000. ▲ Masonry detail, Cardston Alberta Temple.

9 “In its gleaming glory, the temple seems to beckon to each who views its splendor, ‘Come! Come to the house of the Lord. Here is found rest for the weary and peace for the soul.’ . . . The [temple] prepares all who enter to return homeward— homeward to heaven, homeward to family, homeward to God” (Thomas S. Monson, “Days Never to Be Forgot- ten,” Ensign,­ Nov. 1990, 67, 70).

▲ Fencing, Sacramento California Temple. ▶ Accra Ghana Temple. Dedicated Jan. 11, 2004.

10

Blessings of the Temple

By President Thomas S. Monson he temple Sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints T provides purpose In the temple we can feel close to “For where your treasure is, there for our lives. It brings the Lord will your heart be also.” 1 peace to our souls— I think there is no place in the world To members of The Church of Jesus not the peace provided where I feel closer to the Lord than in Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple by men but the peace one of His holy temples. To paraphrase is the most sacred place on earth. It a poem: is the house of the Lord, and just as promised by the Son of How far is heaven? the inscription on the exterior of the God when He said, It’s not very far. temple states, the temple is “holiness to “Peace I leave with the Lord.” In temples of God, you, my peace I give It’s right where we are. The temple lifts and exalts us unto you.” The Lord said: In the temple, the precious plan of God “Lay not up for yourselves trea- is taught. It is in the temple that eternal sures upon earth, where moth and rust covenants are made. The temple lifts doth corrupt, and where thieves break us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all through and steal: to see, and points us toward celestial “But lay up for yourselves treasures glory. It is the house of God. All that in heaven, where neither moth nor rust occurs within the walls of the temple is doth corrupt, and where thieves do not uplifting and ennobling. break through nor steal:

◀ Lima Peru Temple. Dedicated Jan. 10, 1986.

13

As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation.

The temple is for families, one of the house of the Lord. She had touched greatest treasures we have in mortal- the temple, and the temple had ity. The Lord has been very explicit in touched her. talking to us fathers, indicating that we have a responsibility to love our wives The temple brings peace to our souls with all of our hearts and to provide As we touch the temple and love the for them and for our children. He has temple, our lives will reflect our faith. indicated that the greatest work we As we go to the holy house, as we parents can do is performed in our remember the covenants we make homes, and our homes can be heaven, therein, we will be able to bear every particularly when our marriages are trial and overcome each temptation. sealed in the house of God. The temple provides purpose for our The late Elder Matthew Cowley, lives. It brings peace to our souls—not who was a member of the Quorum of the peace provided by men but the The Lord has indicated the Twelve Apostles, once recounted peace promised by the Son of God that the greatest work the Saturday afternoon experience of when He said, “Peace I leave with you, we parents can do is a grandfather as hand in hand he took my peace I give unto you: not as the performed in our homes, his small granddaughter on a birthday world giveth, give I unto you. Let not visit—not to the zoo or to the mov- your heart be troubled, neither let it be and our homes can be ies but to the temple grounds. With afraid.” 2 heaven, particularly when permission of the groundskeeper, the There is great faith among the our marriages are sealed two walked to the large doors of the Latter-day Saints. The Lord gives us in the house of God. temple. He suggested that she place opportunities to see if we will follow her hand on the sturdy wall and then His commandments, if we will follow on the massive door. Tenderly he then the pathway that Jesus of Nazareth said to her, “Remember that this day followed, if we will love the Lord you touched the temple. One day you with all our heart, might, mind, and will go inside.” His gift to the little strength, and love our neighbors as one was not candy or ice cream but ourselves. 3 an experience far more significant and everlasting—an appreciation of the

◀ St. George Utah Temple. Dedicated Apr. 6, 1877. Rededicated Nov. 11, 1975.

15 I believe in the proverb “Trust in proxy for those who have died without Worthy young men and the Lord with all thine heart; and lean the blessings of baptism. This would be young women as young not unto thine own understanding. In our Heavenly Father’s desire for you all thy ways acknowledge him, and he and for me. as 12 years of age can shall direct thy paths.” 4 be proxy for those who So it has always been; so it shall A miracle occurred have died without the always be. If we do our duty and Many years ago, a humble and faithful patriarch, Brother Percy K. Fetzer, was blessings of baptism. trust fully in the Lord, we will fill His temples, not only doing our own called to give patriarchal blessings to ordinance work, but also having the Church members living behind the privilege of doing work for others. We Iron Curtain. will kneel at sacred altars to be proxies Brother Fetzer went into the land in sealings that unite husbands and of Poland in those dark days. The wives and children for all eternity. borders were sealed, and no citizens Worthy young men and young women were permitted to leave. Brother Fetzer as young as 12 years of age can be

▲ Manila Philippines Temple. Dedicated Sept. 25, 1984. ▶ Bountiful Utah Temple. Dedicated Jan. 8, 1995.

16 met with German Saints who had wanted you to do.” The two of us knelt been trapped there when the borders down beside my desk and poured out were redefined following World War our hearts to our Heavenly Father, in- II and the land where they were living dicating that promises had been given became part of Poland. to a devoted family pertaining to the Our leader among all of those Ger- temple of God and other blessings now man Saints was Brother Eric P. Konietz, denied to them. Only He could bring who lived there with his wife and chil- forth the miracle we needed. dren. Brother Fetzer gave Brother and The miracle occurred. A pact was Sister Konietz and the older children signed between the leaders of the patriarchal blessings. Polish government and the leaders When Brother Fetzer returned to the of the Federal Republic of Germany, United States, he called and asked if he permitting German nationals who could come visit with me. As he sat in had been trapped in that area to move my office, he began to weep. He said, to West Germany. Brother and Sister “Brother Monson, as I laid my hands Konietz and their children moved to If we do our duty and upon the heads of the members of the West Germany, and Brother Konietz trust fully in the Lord, Konietz family, I made promises which became the bishop of the ward in cannot be fulfilled. I promised Brother which they resided. we will fill His temples, and Sister Konietz that they would be The entire Konietz family went to not only doing our own able to return to their native Germany, the holy temple in Switzerland. And ordinance work, but also that they would not be held captive who was the temple president who having the privilege of by the arbitrary decisions of conquer- greeted them in a white suit with open ing countries and that they would be arms? None other than Percy Fetzer— doing work for others. sealed together as a family in the house the patriarch who gave them the prom- of the Lord. I promised their son that ise. Now, in his capacity as president of he would fill a mission, and I prom- the Bern Switzerland Temple, he wel- ised their daughter that she would be comed them to the house of the Lord, married in the holy temple of God. You to the fulfillment of that promise, and and I know that because of the closed sealed the husband and wife together borders, they will not be able to receive and the children to their parents. the fulfillment of those blessings. What The young daughter eventually have I done?” married in the house of the Lord. The I said, “Brother Fetzer, I know you young son received his call and ful- well enough to know that you have filled a full-time mission. done just what our Heavenly Father

17

In the temple, the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling.

“We’ll see you in the temple!” One year later I had the opportu- For some of us, our journey to the nity to greet the Nield family in the temple is but a few blocks. For others, Salt Lake Temple. In a peaceful sealing there are oceans to cross and miles to room I had the privilege to unite for go before they enter the holy temple of eternity, as well as for time, Brother God. and Sister Nield. The doors were then Some few years ago, before the opened, and those beautiful daughters, completion of a temple in South Africa, each of them dressed in spotless white, while attending a district conference entered the room. They embraced in what was then Salisbury, Rhodesia, mother, then father. Tears were in their I met the district president, Reginald J. eyes, and gratitude was in their hearts. Nield. He and his wife and lovely We were next to heaven. Well could In a peaceful sealing daughters met me as I entered the each one say, “Now we are a family for chapel. They explained to me that they eternity.” room I had the privilege had been saving their means and had This is the marvelous blessing that to unite for eternity, as been preparing for the day when they awaits those who come to the temple. well as for time, Brother could journey to the temple of the Lord. May each of us live worthy lives, with and Sister Nield and their But, oh, the temple was so far away. clean hands and pure hearts, so that At the conclusion of the meeting, the temple may touch our lives and our daughters. Tears were in the four lovely daughters asked me families. their eyes, and gratitude questions about the temple: “What is How far is heaven? I testify that in was in their hearts. We the temple like? All we have seen is the holy temples it is not far at all—for a picture.” “How will we feel when it is in these sacred places that heaven were next to heaven. we enter the temple?” “What will we and earth meet and our Heavenly remember most?” For about an hour Father gives His children His greatest I had the opportunity to talk to four blessings. girls about the house of the Lord. As I Notes departed for the airport, they waved to 1. Matthew 6:19–21. me, and the youngest girl said, “We’ll 2. John 14:27. see you in the temple!” 3. See Matthew 22:37–39. 4. Proverbs 3:5–6.

◀ Bern Switzerland Temple. Dedicated Sept. 11, 1955. Rededicated Oct. 23, 1992. ▲ Sealing room, Salt Lake Temple.

19 THIS PHOTO IS FOR CONCEPT ONLY. A SIMILAR PHOTO WILL BE TAKEN, AND WILL INCLUDE: • Young Adult woman with dark hair, wearing a modest shirt with longer sleeves than shown here. • Contemplative mood is critical. • Soft focused details of a temple in the background. Why These Temples?

By President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) emples of Fifteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints T The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Temples are places where our other eternal questions are answered. questions about life receive the Each is dedicated as a house of the day Saints are sacred answers of eternity Lord, a place of holiness and peace set structures in which Was there ever a man or woman who, apart from the world. There truths are in a time of quiet introspection, has not eternal questions are taught and ordinances are performed pondered the solemn mysteries of life? answered. that bring knowledge of things eternal Has he or she not asked, “Where did and motivate the participants to live I come from? Why am I here? Where with an understanding of our divine am I going? What is my relationship inheritance as children of God and an to my Maker? Will death rob me of the awareness of our potential as eternal treasured associations of life? What beings. of my family? Will there be another existence after this, and, if so, will we Temples are unique in purpose know one another there?” and function from all other religious The answers to these questions are edifices not found in the wisdom of the world. These buildings, different from the They are found only in the revealed thousands of regular Church houses of word of God. Temples of The Church worship scattered over the earth, are of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unique in purpose and function from sacred structures in which these and all other religious edifices. It is not the

21 size of these buildings or their archi- temples, where special ordinances were The teachings set forth tectural beauty that makes them so. It performed and where only those who in modern temples give is the work that goes on within their met the required qualifications could walls. participate in these ordinances. powerful emphasis to our The designation of certain buildings So it is today. Prior to the dedication duty to our Maker and to for special ordinances, as distinguished of a temple, The Church of Jesus Christ our neighbors. from regular places of worship, is not of Latter-day Saints invites the public new. This was the practice in ancient to go through the building and inspect Israel, where the people worshipped its various facilities. But when it is regularly in the synagogues. Their dedicated it becomes the house of the more sacred place was, first, the taber- Lord, vested with a character so sacred nacle in the wilderness with its Holy that only members of the Church in of Holies, and then a succession of good standing are permitted to enter. It is not a matter of secrecy. It is a matter of sanctity.

22 Temple work is concerned with each of The teachings set forth in modern us as members of God’s eternal family temples give powerful emphasis to The work that goes on in these build- this most fundamental concept of our ings sets forth God’s eternal purposes duty to our Maker and to our neigh- with reference to man, who is God’s bors. Sacred ordinances amplify this child and creation. For the most part, ennobling philosophy of the family of temple work is concerned with the God. They teach that the spirit within family, with each of us as members of each of us is eternal, in contrast with God’s eternal family and with each of the body, which is mortal. They not us as members of earthly families. It is only give understanding of these concerned with the sanctity and eternal great truths but also motivate the nature of the marriage covenant and participant to a love of God and en- family relationships. courage him to demonstrate a greater In language both beau- It affirms that each man and woman neighborliness toward others of our born into the world is a child of God, Father’s children. tiful and impressive, the endowed with something of His divine Accepting the premise that each per- participant comes to nature. The repetition of these basic son is a child of God helps us see that realize that since every and fundamental teachings has a there is divine purpose in mortal life. salutary effect upon those who receive Here again, revealed truth is taught man and woman is a them, for as the doctrine is enunciated in the house of the Lord. Earth life is child of Heavenly Father, in language both beautiful and impres- part of an eternal journey. We lived as then each is a member of sive, the participant comes to realize spirit children before we came here. a divine family. that since every man and woman is a The scriptures bear testimony of this. child of Heavenly Father, then each is Witness the word of the Lord to Jere- a member of a divine family; hence, miah: “Before I formed thee in the belly every person is his brother or sister. I knew thee; and before thou camest When asked by the scribe, “Which forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, is the first commandment of all?” the and I ordained thee a prophet unto the Savior replied, “Thou shalt love the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy The treasured relationships of family life may continue in the world to come mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. We come into this life as children of “And the second is like, namely mortal parents and as members of fam- this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as ilies. Parents are partners with God in thyself” (Mark 12:28, 30–31).

23 bringing to pass His eternal purposes mortal lives but for all eternity. They with reference to His children. The are bound together under authority family, therefore, is a divine institution, not only of the law of the land that the most important both in mortality joins them until death but also through and in eternity. the eternal priesthood of God, which Much of the work that goes on binds in heaven that which is bound within temples is concerned with the on earth. The couple so married has family. Basic to an understanding of its the assurance of divine revelation that Reason demands that the meaning is recognition of the fact that their relationship and that of their chil- family relationship shall even as we existed as children of God dren will not end with death but will continue after death. before we were born into this world, continue in eternity, provided they live so also shall we continue to live after worthy of that blessing. The human heart longs death, and the treasured and satisfying Was there ever a man who truly for it, and the God of relationships of mortality, the most loved a woman, or a woman who heaven has revealed beautiful and meaningful of which are truly loved a man, who did not pray a way whereby it may found in the family, may continue in that their relationship might continue the world to come. beyond the grave? Has a child ever be secured. The sacred When a man and a woman are been buried by parents who did not ­ordinances of the house married in house of the Lord, they are long for the assurance that their loved of the Lord provide for it. joined not only for the period of their one would again be theirs in a world to come? Can anyone believing in eternal life doubt that the God of heaven would grant His sons and daughters that most precious attribute of life, the love that finds its most meaningful expression in family relationships? No, reason demands that the family relationship shall continue after death. The human heart longs for it, and the God of heaven has revealed a way whereby it may be secured. The sacred ordinances of the house of the Lord provide for it.

24 Can anyone believing in eternal life doubt that the God of heaven would grant His sons and daughters that most precious attribute of life, the love that finds its most meaningful expression in family relationships?

The blessings of the temple from mortality. In the spirit world these are available to all same individuals are then free to accept But all of this would appear to be or reject those earthly ordinances per- unfair indeed if the blessings of these formed for them, including baptism, ordinances were available only to marriage, and the sealing of family those who are now members of The relationships. There’s no compulsion in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day the work of the Lord, but there must be Saints. The fact is that the opportunity opportunity. to come into the temple and partake of its blessings is open to all who will Work in the temple is a labor of love on the part of the living in behalf of accept the gospel and be baptized into the dead the Church. For this reason, the Church Through living proxies This vicarious work constitutes an carries forward an extensive mission- unprecedented labor of love on the who stand in behalf of ary program in much of the world and part of the living in behalf of the dead. will continue to expand this program the dead, the ordinances It makes necessary a vast undertaking as widely as possible, for it has the of the gospel are avail- of family history research to find and responsibility, under divine revelation, identify those who have gone before. able to those who have to teach the gospel to every nation, To assist in this research, the Church passed from mortality. kindred, tongue, and people. coordinates a family history program But there are uncounted millions and maintains research facilities un- who have walked the earth and who matched in all the world. Its archives have never had the opportunity to hear are open to the public and have been the gospel. Shall they be denied such used by many who are not members of blessings as are offered in the temples the Church in tracing their forebears. of the Lord? This program has been praised by Through living proxies who stand in genealogists throughout the world and behalf of the dead, the same ordinances has been utilized by various nations are available to those who have passed as a safeguard of their own records.

▲ Baptismal font, Papeete Tahiti Temple.

25 But its primary purpose is to afford certified as to their worthiness. They members of the Church the resources are expected to come clean in thought, needed to identify their ancestors that clean in body, and clean in dress to they might extend to them the bless- enter the temple of God. As they enter ings that they themselves enjoy. They they are expected to leave the world in effect say to themselves, “If I love behind them and concentrate on things my wife and children so dearly that I divine. want them for all eternity, then should This very exercise, if such it may be not my deceased grandfather and called, carries with it a reward of its great-grandfather and other forebears own, for who in these times of stress have opportunity to receive the same would not welcome an opportunity to eternal blessings?” shut out the world and enter into the Lord’s house, there to ponder qui- Temples offer the opportunity to learn etly the eternal things of God? These of the truly meaningful things of life Surely these temples are sacred precincts offer the opportunity, unique among all build- And so these sacred buildings are available nowhere else, to learn of and scenes of tremendous activity, quietly ings. They are houses reflect on the truly meaningful things and reverently carried forward. They of life—our relationship to Deity and of instruction. They are call to mind a part of the vision of John our eternal journey from a premortal places of covenants and the Revelator wherein are recorded this state into this life and on to a future es- promises. At their altars question and this answer: “What are tate where we shall know and associate these which are arrayed in white robes? we kneel before God our one with another, including our own and whence came they? . . . loved ones and our forebears who have Creator and are given “These are they which came out of preceded us and from whom has come promise of His everlasting great tribulation, and have washed our inheritance of things of the body, blessings. their robes, and made them white in mind, and spirit. the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore are they before the In the temples we are given promise of throne of God, and serve him day God’s everlasting blessings and night in his temple” (Revelation Surely these temples are unique among 7:13–15). all buildings. They are houses of in- Those who come to these holy struction. They are places of covenants houses are arrayed in white as they and promises. At their altars we kneel participate therein. They come only before God, our Creator, and are given on recommendation of their local promise of His everlasting blessings. ecclesiastical authorities, having been

▲ Stockholm Sweden Temple. Dedicated July 2, 1985. ▶ Manti Utah Temple. Dedicated May 21, 1888. Rededicated June 14, 1985.

26 In the sanctity of their appointments These sacred buildings were con- we commune with Him and reflect on structed even during those dark years These sacred buildings, His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, the when the Latter-day Saints were re- built and maintained Lord Jesus Christ, who served as proxy lentlessly driven and persecuted. They in times of poverty and for each of us in a vicarious sacrifice in have been built and maintained in our behalf. Here we set aside our own times of poverty and prosperity. They prosperity, come from selfishness and serve for those who come from the vital faith of an ever- the vital faith of an cannot serve themselves. Here, under growing number who bear witness of ever-growing number the true priesthood power of God, a living God, of the resurrected Lord, who bear witness of a we are bound together in the most of prophets and divine revelation, and sacred of all human relationships—as of the peace and assurance of eternal living God and of the husbands and wives, as children and blessings to be found only in the house resurrected Lord. parents, as families under a sealing of the Lord. that time cannot destroy and death Adapted from Ensign,­ Aug. 1974, 37–41 cannot disrupt.

27

The Holy Temple

By President Boyd K. Packer n the temples, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I members of the Church who make In temples we can participate in ourselves, we may officiate for those the most exalted of the redeeming who have died without having had themselves eligible can ordinances the same opportunity. In the temples participate in the most There are many reasons one should sacred ordinances are performed for want to come to the temple. Even its exalted of the redeem- the living and for the dead alike. external appearance seems to hint of its ing ordinances that deeply spiritual purposes. This is much The ordinances and ceremonies have been revealed to more evident within its walls. Over the of the temple are simple, beautiful, mankind. door to the temple appears the tribute and sacred “Holiness to the Lord.” When you A careful reading of the scriptures enter any dedicated temple, you are in reveals that the Lord did not tell all the house of the Lord. things to all people. There were some In the temples, members of the qualifications set that were prerequisite Church who make themselves eligible to receiving sacred information. Temple can participate in the most exalted of ceremonies fall within this category. the redeeming ordinances that have We do not discuss the temple been revealed to mankind. There, in a ordinances outside the temples. It was sacred ceremony, an individual may be never intended that knowledge of these washed and anointed and instructed temple ceremonies would be limited and endowed and sealed. And when we have received these blessings for

◀ Panama City Panama Temple. Dedicated Aug. 10, 2008.

29 to a select few who would be obliged Those who are worthy may to ensure that others never learn of enter the temple them. It is quite the opposite, in fact. All who are worthy and qualify in With great effort we urge every soul every way may enter the temple, there to qualify and prepare for the temple to be introduced to the sacred rites and experience. Those who have been to ordinances. the temple have been taught an ideal: Once you have some feeling for the Someday every living soul and every value of temple blessings and for the soul who has ever lived shall have the sacredness of the ordinances per- opportunity to hear the gospel and to formed in the temple, you would be accept or reject what the temple offers. If hesitant to question the high standards this opportunity is rejected, the rejection set by the Lord for entrance into the must be on the part of the individual. holy temple. The ordinances and ceremonies You must possess a current recom- Only those who are of the temple are simple. They are mend to be admitted to the temple. worthy should go to the beautiful. They are sacred. They are This recommend must be signed by kept confidential lest they be given to the proper officers of the Church. Only temple. Your local bishop those who are unprepared. Curiosity is those who are worthy should go to the or branch president not a preparation. Deep interest itself is temple. Your local bishop or branch has the responsibility of not a preparation. Preparation for the president has the responsibility of making inquiries into ordinances includes preliminary steps: making inquiries into your personal faith, repentance, baptism, confirma- worthiness before you receive your your personal worthiness tion, worthiness, a maturity and dig- temple ordinances. This interview is of before you receive your nity worthy of one who comes invited great importance, for it is an occasion temple ordinances. as a guest into the house of the Lord. to explore with an ordained servant of the Lord the pattern of your life. If anything is amiss in your life, the bishop will be able to help you resolve it. Through this procedure, you can declare or can be helped to establish your worthiness to enter the temple with the Lord’s approval. The interview for a temple recom- mend is conducted privately between the bishop and the Church member concerned. Here the member is asked searching questions about his or her personal conduct, worthiness, and loyalty to the Church and its officers. The person must certify that he or she

30 Preparation for the ordinances of the temple includes preliminary steps: faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, worthiness, a maturity and dignity worthy of one who comes invited as a guest into the house of the Lord.

is morally clean and is keeping the The Lord, the Master Teacher, gave Word of Wisdom, paying a full tithing, much of His instruction in this way. living in harmony with the teachings of The temple is a great school. It is a the Church, and not maintaining any house of learning. In the temples the affiliation or sympathy with apos- atmosphere is maintained so that it is tate groups. The bishop is instructed ideal for instruction on matters that are that confidentiality in handling these deeply spiritual. The late Elder John A. matters with each interviewee is of the Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve utmost importance. Apostles was a distinguished univer- Acceptable answers to the bishop’s sity president and a world-renowned questions will ordinarily establish the scholar. He had great reverence for worthiness of an individual to receive temple work and said on one occasion: Before going to the a temple recommend. If an applicant “The temple ordinances encompass temple for the first time, is not keeping the commandments or the whole plan of salvation, as taught there is something unsettled about his from time to time by the leaders of the or even after many times, or her life that needs putting in order, Church, and elucidate matters difficult it may help you to realize it will be necessary to demonstrate true of understanding. There is no warping that the teaching in the repentance before a temple recommend or twisting in fitting the temple teach- is issued. ings into the great scheme of salvation. temples is done in sym- After the bishop has conducted The philosophical completeness of the bolic fashion. The Lord, such an interview, the stake president endowment is one of the great argu- the Master Teacher, gave likewise interviews you before you can ments for the veracity of the temple much of His instruction receive your temple ordinances. ordinances. Moreover, this complete- ness of survey and expounding of the in this way. Teaching in the temple is symbolic Gospel plan, makes temple worship Before going to the temple for the first one of the most effective methods of time, or even after many times, it may refreshing the memory concerning help you to realize that the teaching in the whole structure of the Gospel” the temples is done in symbolic fashion. (“Temple Worship,” Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Apr. 1921, 58).

31 If you will go to the temple and Temple marriage is the ultimate remember that the teaching is symbolic, ordinance of the temple you will never go in the proper spirit Those of you who look forward to a without coming away with your vision temple marriage may want to know extended, feeling a little more exalted, what will occur. We do not quote the with your knowledge increased as to words of the sealing (marriage) ordi- things that are spiritual. The teaching nance outside of the temple, but we plan is superb. It is inspired. The Lord may describe the sealing room as being Himself, the Master Teacher, taught beautiful in its appointment, quiet and His disciples constantly in parables—a serene in spirit, and hallowed by the verbal way to represent symbolically sacred work that is performed there. things that might otherwise be difficult Before the couple comes to the altar to understand. for the sealing ordinance, it is the The house of the Lord, The temple itself becomes a symbol. privilege of the officiator to extend, bathed in light, stand- If you have seen one of the temples at and of the young couple to receive, ing out in the darkness, night, fully lighted, you know what an some counsel. These are among the becomes symbolic of the impressive sight that can be. The house thoughts that a young couple might of the Lord, bathed in light, standing hear on this occasion. power and the inspi- out in the darkness, becomes symbolic “Today is your wedding day. You are ration of the gospel of of the power and the inspiration of caught up in the emotion of your mar- Jesus Christ standing as the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as riage. Temples were built as a sanctuary a beacon in a world that a beacon in a world that sinks ever for such ordinances as this. We are not further into spiritual darkness. in the world. The things of the world sinks ever further into Upon entering the temple, you do not apply here and should have no spiritual darkness. exchange your street clothing for the influence upon what we do here. We white clothing of the temple. This have come out of the world into the change of clothing takes place in the temple of the Lord. This becomes the dressing room, where each individual is most important day of your lives. provided with a locker and a dressing “You were born, invited to earth, by space that is completely private. In the parents who prepared a mortal taber- temple the ideal of modesty is carefully nacle for your spirit to inhabit. Each maintained. As you put your clothing of you has been baptized. Baptism, in the locker, you leave your cares and a sacred ordinance, is symbolic of a concerns and distractions there with cleansing, symbolic of death and res- them. You step out of this private little urrection, symbolic of coming forward dressing area dressed in white, and you in a newness of life. It contemplates feel a oneness and a sense of equality, for all around you are similarly dressed.

▲ Tokyo Japan Temple. Dedicated Oct. 27, 1980.

32 If you will go to the temple and remember that the teaching is symbolic, you will never go in the proper spirit without coming away with your vision extended, feeling a little more exalted, with your knowledge increased as to things that are spiritual.

repentance and a remission of sins. foster them safely through their mortal The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is existence; to see them come one day, as a renewal of the covenant of baptism, you have come, to participate in these and we can, if we live for it, retain a sacred temple ordinances. remission of our sins. “You come willingly and have been “You, the groom, were ordained to judged to be worthy. To accept one the priesthood. You had first conferred another in the marriage covenant is a upon you the Aaronic Priesthood and great responsibility, one that carries probably have progressed through all with it blessings without measure.” the offices thereof—deacon, teacher, and priest. Then the day came when The sealing power binds on earth and in heaven you were found worthy to receive the All of the ordinances Melchizedek Priesthood. That priest- If we would understand both the his- hood, the higher priesthood, is defined tory and the doctrine of temple work, of the gospel, in one as the priesthood after the holiest order we must understand what the sealing sense, are preliminary power is. We must envision, at least to of God, or the Holy Priesthood after to coming to the temple the Order of the Son of God (see Alma a degree, why the keys of authority to to be sealed as husband 13:18; Helaman 8:18; Doctrine and employ the sealing power are crucial. Covenants 107:2–4). You were given an “When Jesus came into the coasts of and wife for time and office in the priesthood. You are now Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disci- for all eternity. an elder. ples, saying, Whom do men say that I “Each of you has received your the Son of man am? . . . endowment. In that endowment you “And Simon Peter answered and received an investment of eternal said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the potential. But all of these things, in one living God. sense, were preliminary and prepara- “And Jesus answered and said tory to your coming to the altar to be unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon sealed as husband and wife for time Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not and for all eternity. You now become revealed it unto thee, but my Father a family, free to act in the creation of which is in heaven. life, to have the opportunity through devotion and sacrifice to bring children into the world and to raise them and

33 “And I say also unto thee, That thou authority. Nothing is more closely held. art Peter, and upon this rock I will There are relatively few men who have build my church; and the gates of hell been delegated this sealing power upon shall not prevail against it. the earth at any given time—in each “And I will give unto thee the keys temple are brethren who have been of the kingdom of heaven: and whatso- given the sealing power. No one can ever thou shalt bind on earth shall be get it except from the prophet, seer, and bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou revelator and President of The Church shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No work is more of a heaven” (Matthew 16:13, 16–19). The Prophet Joseph Smith said he protection to this Church Peter was to hold the keys. Peter was was frequently asked the question than temple work and to hold the sealing power, that author- “‘Can we not be saved without going ity which carries the power to bind or through with all those ordinances, the family history research seal on earth or to loose on earth and etc.?’ I would answer, No, not the full- that supports it. No work it would be so in the heavens. Those ness of salvation. Jesus said, ‘There are is more spiritually refining. keys belong to the President of the many mansions in my Father’s house, No work we do gives us Church—to the prophet, seer, and reve- and I will go and prepare a place for lator. That sacred sealing power is with you.’ [See John 14:2.] House here named more power. No work the Church now. Nothing is regarded should have been translated kingdom; requires a higher standard with more sacred contemplation by and any person who is exalted to the of righteousness. those who know the significance of this highest mansion has to abide a celestial

34 law, and the whole law too” (in History spiritual perspective. There, during the of the Church, 6:184). time of the temple service, we are “out of the world.” Temple work is a source of spiritual Sometimes our minds are so beset power with problems and there are so many Temples are the very center of the things clamoring for attention at once spiritual strength of the Church. We that we just cannot think clearly and should expect that the adversary will see clearly. At the temple the dust of try to interfere with us as a Church distraction seems to settle out, the fog and with us individually as we seek to and the haze seem to lift, and we can participate in this sacred and inspired “see” things that we were not able work. Temple work brings so much to see before and find a way through resistance because it is the source of so our troubles that we had not previ- “Every foundation much spiritual power to the Latter-day ously known. stone that is laid for Saints and to the entire Church. The Lord will bless us as we attend a Temple, and every At the Logan Utah Temple corner- to the sacred ordinance work of the stone dedication, President George Q. temples. Blessings there will not be Temple completed Cannon, then of the First Presidency, limited to our temple service. We will according to the order made this statement: be blessed in all of our affairs. the Lord has revealed “Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple com- Our labors in the temple cover us for his holy Priesthood, pleted according to the order the Lord with a shield and a protection lessens the power of has revealed for his holy Priesthood, No work is more of a protection to Satan on the earth, and lessens the power of Satan on the earth, this Church than temple work and the increases the power of and increases the power of God and family history research that supports Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty it. No work is more spiritually refining. God and Godliness.” power in our behalf, invokes and calls No work we do gives us more power. —President George Q. down upon us the blessings of the No work requires a higher standard of Cannon Eternal Gods, and those who reside in righteousness. their presence” (in “The Logan Temple,” Our labors in the temple cover us Millennial Star, Nov. 12, 1877, 743). with a shield and a protection, both When members of the Church are individually and as a people. troubled or when crucial decisions So come to the temple—come and weigh heavily upon their minds, it is claim your blessings. It is a sacred work. a common thing for them to go to the Adapted from Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple (booklet, 2002) temple. It is a good place to take our cares. In the temple we can receive

▲ Curitiba Brazil Temple. Dedicated June 1, 2008.

35

A Temple-Motivated People

By President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) eep a picture Fourteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints K of a temple in your home that your The temple is the great symbol pointed us toward in the counsel He of our membership gave to the Kirtland Saints through the children may see it. What a glorious thing it is for us to Prophet Joseph Smith as they were pre- Teach them about the have the privilege of going to the paring to build a temple. This counsel purposes of the house temple for our own blessings. Then is still applicable: of the Lord. after going to the temple for our own “Organize yourselves; prepare blessings, what a glorious privilege to every needful thing; and establish a do the work for those who have gone house, even a house of prayer, a house on before us. This aspect of temple of fasting, a house of faith, a house of work is an unselfish work. Yet when- learning, a house of glory, a house of ever we do temple work for other peo- order, a house of God” (Doctrine and ple, there is a blessing that comes back Covenants 88:119). Are these attitudes to us. Thus it should be no surprise to and behaviors indeed reflective of what us that the Lord does desire that His each of us desires and seeks to be? people be a temple-motivated people. It is the Lord Himself who, in His All of our efforts in the Church lead to the holy temple revelations to us, has made the temple the great symbol for members of the All of our efforts in proclaiming the Church. Think of the attitudes and gospel, perfecting the Saints, and righteous behaviors that the Lord

◀ Freiberg Germany Temple. Dedicated June 29, 1985. Rededicated Sept. 7, 2002.

37 redeeming the dead lead to the holy The temple is holy unto the Lord; The Lord told the Kirtland temple. This is because the temple it should be holy unto us Saints as they were pre- ordinances are absolutely crucial; we Let us be a temple-attending and a cannot return to God’s presence with- temple-loving people. Let us hasten to paring to build a temple, out them. the temple as frequently as time and “Establish a house, even a Truly, the Lord desires that His means and personal circumstances al- house of prayer, a house people be a temple-motivated people. low. Let us go not only for our kindred It would be the deepest desire of my dead, but let us also go for the personal of fasting, a house of heart to have every member of the blessing of temple worship, for the faith, a house of learn- Church be temple worthy. I would sanctity and safety which is provided ing, a house of glory, a hope that every adult member would within those hallowed and consecrated house of order, a house be worthy of—and carry—a current walls. The temple is a place of beauty, temple recommend, even if proximity it is a place of revelation, it is a place of of God.” to a temple does not allow immediate peace. It is the house of the Lord. It is or frequent use of it.

▲ Kirtland Temple. Dedicated Mar. 27, 1836. ▶ Logan Utah Temple. Dedicated May 17, 1884. Rededicated Mar. 13, 1979.

38 holy unto the Lord. It should be holy commandments of our Lord. If we can unto us. pattern our life after the Master, and Let us share with our children take His teaching and example as the the spiritual feelings we have in the supreme pattern for our own, we will temple. And let us teach them more not find it difficult to be temple worthy, earnestly and more comfortably the to be consistent and loyal in every walk things we can appropriately say about of life, for we will be committed to a the purposes of the house of the Lord. single, sacred standard of conduct and Keep a picture of a temple in your belief. Whether at home or in the mar- home that your children may see it. ketplace, whether at school or long after Teach them about the purposes of the school is behind us, whether we are house of the Lord. Have them plan acting totally alone or in concert with a from their earliest years to go there and host of other people, our course will be to remain worthy of that blessing. clear and our standards will be obvious. The ability to stand by one’s prin- It is pleasing to the Lord when we go ciples, to live with integrity and faith Let us be a temple- worthily to the temple according to one’s belief—that is what attending and a temple- It is pleasing to the Lord for our youth matters. That devotion to true prin- loving people. Let us to worthily go to the temple and ciple—in our individual lives, in our perform vicarious baptisms for those homes and families, and in all places hasten to the temple as who did not have the opportunity that we meet and influence other frequently as time and to be baptized in life. It is pleasing people—that devotion is what God is means and personal to the Lord when we worthily go to ultimately requesting of us. It requires the temple to personally make our commitment—whole-souled, deeply circumstances allow. own covenants with Him and to be held, eternally cherished commitment sealed as couples and as families. And to the principles we know to be true it is pleasing to the Lord when we in the commandments God has given. worthily go to the temple to perform If we will be true and faithful to the these same saving ordinances for Lord’s principles, then we will always those who have died, many of whom be temple worthy, and the Lord and eagerly await the completion of these His holy temples will be the great sym- ordinances in their behalf. bols of our discipleship with Him. To have the temple indeed be a Adapted from ­Ensign, Oct. 1994, 2–5; Feb. 1995, 2–5 symbol unto us, we must desire it to be so. We must live worthy to enter the temple. We must keep the

39

Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple

By Elder Russell M. Nelson ach temple is Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles E symbolic of our faith in God and an As temples are prepared for the ordinances include baptisms, mar- people, the people need to prepare riages, endowments, and sealings. evidence of our faith themselves for the temple Each temple is symbolic of our faith in life after death. The Inscribed on each temple are the words in God and an evidence of our faith in “holiness to the Lord.” 1 That statement temple is the object of life after death. The temple is the object designates both the temple and its every activity, every of every activity, every lesson, every purposes as holy. Those who enter the progressive step in the Church. All of lesson, every progres- temple are also to bear the attribute of our efforts in proclaiming the gospel, sive step in the Church. holiness. 2 As temples are prepared for perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the people, the people need to prepare the dead lead to the holy temple. Ordi- themselves for the temple. nances of the temple are absolutely cru- A temple differs from other houses cial. We cannot return to God’s glory of worship. Unlike chapels, the temple without them. is closed on the Sabbath so that people can attend church and be with their Each temple ordinance is an act of families on that hallowed day. Temples solemn promising are open for sacred work on other days In the temple we receive an endow- of the week. A temple is literally the ment, which is, literally speaking, house of the Lord, reserved for ordi- a gift. We need to understand the nances of eternal significance. Those

◀ Houston Texas Temple. Dedicated Aug. 26, 2000.

41 spiritual significance of it and the of the priesthood also transcend time. importance of keeping the sacred The first revelation given by the angel covenants and obligations we make in Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith receiving this gift. Each “temple ordi- referred to this priesthood authority. 7 nance is not just a ritual to go through, In later instructions to the Prophet it is an act of solemn promising.” 3 regarding the temple, the Lord said: The temple endowment was given “Let this house be built unto my by revelation. Thus, it is best under- name, that I may reveal mine ordi- stood by revelation, vigorously sought nances therein unto my people; with a pure heart. President Brigham “For I deign to reveal unto my Young explained that “your endow- church things which have been kept President Brigham Young ment is, to receive all those ordinances hid from before the foundation of the explained that “your en- in the house of the Lord, which are nec- world, things that pertain to the dis- dowment is, to receive all essary for you, after you have departed pensation of the fulness of times.” 8 those ordinances in the this life, to enable you to walk back to We are living in that dispensa- the presence of the Father, passing the tion. Temples, ordinances, covenants, house of the Lord, which angels who stand as sentinels, . . . and endowments, and sealings have been are necessary for you, gain your eternal exaltation.” 4 restored, precisely as prophesied. after you have departed Ordinances of the temple provide for Obedience to the sacred covenants reconciliation with the Lord and seal this life, to enable you to made in temples qualifies us for families together forever. Obedience to eternal life walk back to the pres- the sacred covenants made in temples In each temple the sealing authority of ence of the Father.” qualifies us for eternal life—the great- the priesthood is exercised. President est gift of God to man. 9 Gordon B. Hinckley explained that “no king, no president of a nation, no offi- Anyone who is willing to prepare well cial of any entity in the world of which may enter the temple we are a part has any authority over Because a temple is sacred, the Lord matters beyond the grave. Everyone asks that it be protected from desecra- is helpless before the reach of death, tion. Anyone may enter who is willing but the humblest, good, righteous high to prepare well for that privilege. The priest who has received the sealing concept of preparation prevails in other authority may bind in the heavens that fields of endeavor. I remember when I 5 which is bound on the earth.” was but a young boy, I told my parents Just as priesthood is eternal— I wanted to attend the university. They without beginning or end—so is the said I could, but only if I worked hard 6 authority of that priesthood. Conse- in preliminary schooling and met all quently, the ordinances and covenants

42 the requirements for admission to the interviews are conducted in a spirit of university. Similarly, we must qual- accountability. We must qualify for ify for admission to the temple. We How do you prepare for a temple admission to the temple. prepare physically, intellectually, and recommend? You may consult with We prepare physically, spiritually. Eligibility is determined your bishopric, as well as your par- individually for each person applying ents, family, stake presidency, teacher, intellectually, and for a recommend. or quorum adviser. The requirements spiritually. Those who hold keys of priesthood are simple. Succinctly stated, an indi- authority and responsibility help us vidual is required to keep the com- prepare by conducting temple recom- mandments of Him whose house it mend interviews. These leaders care is. He has set the standards. We enter for us and help us determine if we the temple as His guests. are ready to attend the temple. They The Lord would be pleased if also love the Lord and ensure “that every adult member would be no unclean thing shall be permitted to worthy of—and carry—a current come into [His] house.” 10 Thus, these temple recommend. “Interviews . . . for temple recommends, with

43 44 You prepare physically by dressing properly to go to the temple. It is not a place for casual attire. Respect for our physical bodies should be observed especially by those who enter a holy temple.

[members of your bishopric and All sit side by side and are considered members of your stake presidency are equal in the eyes of the Lord. Through precious experiences. And, in a way, a democracy of dress, temple atten- they could be considered meaningful dance reminds us that “God is no ‘dress rehearsals’ for that grand col- respecter of persons.” 14 loquy when you will stand before the Brides and grooms enter the temple Great Judge.” 11 to be married for time and all eternity. In the temple, brides wear dresses that Prepare physically to go to the temple are white, long sleeved, modest in Now, with a temple recommend in design and fabric, and free of elaborate hand, you are ready for additional ornamentation. Men do not wear tuxe- preparation. You prepare physically dos or formal wear. President Boyd K. by dressing properly to go to the Packer, now President of the Quorum temple. It is not a place for casual attire. of the Twelve Apostles, wrote: “It is Latter-day prophets have emphasized pleasing to the Lord when we bathe self-respect for our physical bodies. our bodies and put on clean clothing, That respect should be observed espe- however inexpensive the clothing may cially by those who would enter a holy be. We should dress in such a way that temple. 12 we might comfortably attend a sac- In the temple, all are dressed in rament meeting or a gathering that is In the temple, all are spotless white. “The symbolic purity of proper and dignified.” 15 dressed in spotless white. white likewise reminds us that God is Speaking of temple attire, mothers to have a pure people.” 13 Age, nation- and grandmothers can exert a great Through a democracy of ality, language—even position in the influence for good among their children dress, temple attendance Church—are of secondary significance. and grandchildren. As their skill and reminds us that “God is I have attended many endowment ses- circumstances permit, they can provide sions when the President of the Church tangible motivation for their family. A no respecter of persons.” participated. Every man in the room mother’s gift of a hand-embroidered was accorded the same high regard handkerchief or other article of temple that was extended to the President.

▲ Johannesburg South Africa Temple. Dedicated Aug. 24, 1985.

45 clothing can be a powerful incentive for “Practices frequently observed Mothers and grand- a loving child or grandchild to cherish. among the members of the Church mothers can exert a suggest that some members do not The temple garment symbolizes fully understand the covenant they great influence for good continuing commitment make in the temple to wear the gar- among their children and The wearing of the temple garment ment in accordance with the spirit of grandchildren regarding bears great symbolic significance and the holy endowment. represents a continuing commitment. proper temple attire. “Church members who have been Just as the Savior gave us an example clothed with the garment in the temple of His ability to endure to the end, have made a covenant to wear it wearing the garment is one way we throughout their lives. This has been demonstrate enduring faith in Him interpreted to mean that it is worn as and in His eternal covenants with us. underclothing both day and night. . . . The First Presidency prepared a The promise of protection and blessings letter to the Church on this subject. is conditioned upon worthiness and They wrote: faithfulness in keeping the covenant.

46 “The fundamental principle ought In this house of learning, we are to be to wear the garment and not taught in the Lord’s way. His ways to find occasions to remove it. Thus, are not our ways. 17 We should not be members should not remove either all surprised if teaching techniques differ or part of the garment to work in the from those employed in educational yard or to lounge around the home in pursuits more familiar to us. Temple swimwear or immodest clothing. Nor ordinances and covenants have been should they remove it to participate in an integral part of the gospel since recreational activities that can reason- the days of Adam and Eve. Anciently, ably be done with the garment worn symbols were used to teach profound properly beneath regular clothing. truths, and this method of instruction When the garment must be removed, is used in the temple today. such as for swimming, it should be It is necessary, therefore, that we restored as soon as possible. ponder the symbols presented in the “The principles of modesty and temple and see the mighty realities keeping the body appropriately for which each symbol stands. 18 “The In this house of learning, covered are implicit in the covenant temple ordinances are so imbued with we are taught in the and should govern the nature of all symbolic meaning as to provide a Lord’s ways. His ways clothing worn. Endowed members lifetime of productive contemplation are not our ways. The of the Church wear the garment as a and learning.” 19 The teachings of the reminder of the sacred covenants they temple are beautifully simple and sim- teachings of the temple have made with the Lord and also as ply beautiful. They are understood by are beautifully simple and a protection against temptation and those who have had little opportunity simply beautiful. evil. How it is worn is an outward for education, yet they can excite the expression of an inward commitment intellect of the highly educated. to follow the Savior.” 16 I recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read entries Prepare mentally and spiritually to go in the Bible Dictionary that are related to the temple to the temple, such as “Anoint,” “Cov- In addition to physical preparation, enant,” “Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” we need to be prepared mentally and One may also wish to read Exodus, spiritually. Because the ordinances and chapters 26–29, and Leviticus, chapter covenants of the temple are sacred, we 8. The Old Testament, as well as the are under absolute obligation not to books of Moses and Abraham in the discuss outside the temple that which Pearl of Great Price, underscores the occurs in the temple. Sacred matters antiquity of temple work and the en- deserve sacred consideration. during nature of its ordinances.

▲ Helsinki Finland Temple. Dedicated Oct. 22, 2006.

47 48 Without the infinite Atonement, all mankind would be irretrievably lost. Temple ordinances and covenants teach of the redeeming power of the Atonement.

Keeping a covenant with God is both Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central protective and enabling act of all human history. It is the core There are two concepts we especially of the plan of salvation. Without the need to keep in mind as we prepare infinite Atonement, all mankind would for the temple. The first is covenant. We be irretrievably lost. Temple ordinances need to remember that a covenant is a and covenants teach of the redeeming promise. A covenant made with God power of the Atonement. should be regarded not as restrictive but as protective. Covenants with Him Eternal life is available to us through our obedience to covenants made in protect us from danger. the temple This concept is not new. If our water Service in the temple brings blessings to Blessed with eternal supply is of questionable quality, for us in this life as well as in eternity. Elder example, we filter the water. Similarly, sealings, we can face Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of divine covenants shield us from harm. death as a necessary the Twelve Apostles said that “temple When we choose to deny ourselves of work is not an escape from the world component of God’s all ungodliness, 20 we lose nothing of but a reinforcing of our need to better great plan of happiness. value and gain glory known only to the world while preparing ourselves those who obtain eternal life. Keeping a for another and far better world. Thus, temple covenant is not constraining but being in the Lord’s house can help us to enabling. It elevates us beyond limits be different from the world in order to of our own perspective and power. It make more difference in the world.” 21 is like the difference between plodding If we are true and faithful in this through a muddy field and soaring life, we may obtain eternal life. Im- through the skies in a supersonic jet. mortality is to live forever. Eternal life Keeping a covenant with God is both means more than simply being immor- protective and enabling. tal. Eternal life is to gain exaltation in The second concept to stress in our the highest heaven and live in the fam- mental preparation is Atonement. The ily unit. God declared that His grand

49 mission statement—“my work and separation is but temporary provides my glory”—is “to bring to pass the peace that passes ordinary under- “Through the power of immortality and eternal life of man.” 22 standing. 23 President Joseph Fielding [the] priesthood . . . , His gift of immortality is uncondi- Smith wrote, “Through the power of husband and wife may tional—a free gift of salvation to all this priesthood which Elijah bestowed, be sealed, or married for humankind. The possibility of eternal husband and wife may be sealed, or life—even exaltation—is available to married for eternity; children may be eternity; children may be us through our obedience to covenants sealed to their parents for eternity; thus sealed to their parents made and ordinances received in holy the family is made eternal, and death for eternity; thus the temples of God. does not separate the members.” 24 The blessings of the temple become Blessed with eternal sealings, we can family is made eternal.” most meaningful when our loved ones face death as a necessary component of —President Joseph are taken in death from our family God’s great plan of happiness. 25 Fielding Smith circles. To know that our period of The eternal perspective we receive in the temple gives us strength to endure the trials of life An eternal perspective helps us main- tain complete fidelity to the covenants we make. President Packer empha- sized that “ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into [God’s] presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality.” 26 Ordinances of the temple relate not only to our eternal glory but also to that of our departed ancestors. “For their salvation is necessary and essen- tial to our salvation, . . . they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made per- fect.” 27 Service in their behalf provides an opportunity for our continuing temple worship, selflessly rendered as

50 a vicarious work patterned after that of This perspective gives us strength the Lord as He wrought the Atonement to endure the trials of life. President to bless all who would ever live. Packer stated, “The ultimate purpose of One day we will surely meet our all we teach is to unite parents and chil- Maker and stand before Him at the dren in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, bar of judgment. Scripture teaches that they are happy at home, sealed in us that “the keeper of the gate is the an eternal marriage, linked to their gen- Holy One of Israel; and he employeth erations, and assured of exaltation in no servant there; and there is none the presence of our Heavenly Father.” 29 other way save it be by the gate; for he Each temple stands as a symbol of cannot be deceived, for the Lord God our membership in the Church, as a is his name.” 28 The Lord Himself will sign of our faith in life after death, and determine whether we have been true as a stepping-stone to eternal glory to the covenants we made with Him in for us and our family. I pray that each the temple and thus merit the glorious member of the Church will prepare for blessings He has promised those who the marvelous blessings of the temple. keep their covenants. Adapted from Ensign­ , Mar. 2002, 17–23 Each temple stands as Notes a symbol of our member- 1. See Exodus 28:36; 39:30; Psalm 93:5. and Prayer for Youth,” New Era, Jan. 2001, 11; ship in the Church, 2. See Exodus 19:5–6; Leviticus 19:1–2; Psalm ­Ensign, Jan. 2001, 7–8. 24:3–5; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Moroni 10:32–33; 13. Neal A. Maxwell, Not My Will, But Thine (1988), as a sign of our faith in Doctrine and Covenants 20:69; 110:6–9; see also 135; see also Doctrine and Covenants 100:16. Bible Dictionary, “Holiness.” 14. Acts 10:34; see also Moroni 8:12. life after death, and 3. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 638. 15. Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple (1980), 73. 4. Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widt- 16. First Presidency letter, Oct. 10, 1988. as a stepping-stone to soe (1954), 416. 17. See Isaiah 55:8–9. 5. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 639. 18. See John A. Widtsoe, “Temple Worship,” Utah eternal glory for us and 6. See Joseph Smith Translation, Hebrews 7:3, in Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Apr. 1921, Bible appendix; Alma 13:8. 62. our family. 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 2:1 (dated Sept. 21, 19. Richard G. Scott, in Conference Report, Apr. 1823); see also 138:47–48. 1999, 33; or Ensign­ , May 1999, 27. 8. Doctrine and Covenants 124:40–41. 20. See Moroni 10:32; Joseph Smith Translation, 9. See Doctrine and Covenants 14:7. Matthew 16:26, in Matthew 16:24, footnote d. 10. Doctrine and Covenants 109:20. 21. Neal A. Maxwell, Not My Will, But Thine, 135. 11. Russell M. Nelson, in Conference Report, Oct. 22. Moses 1:39. 1990, 96; or Ensign,­ Nov. 1990, 75. 23. See Philippians 4:7. 12. See Gordon B. Hinckley, in Conference Report, 24. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Oct. 2000, 70–71; or Ensign,­ Nov. 2000, 52; comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (1954–56), “Your Greatest Challenge, Mother,” Ensign,­ 2:118. Nov. 2000, 99. In these addresses, President 25. See Alma 42:8. Hinckley read the statement of the First 26. Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, Apr. Presidency and the Twelve that “the Church 1987, 27; or Ensign,­ May 1987, 24. discourages tattoos. It also discourages the 27. Doctrine and Covenants 128:15. piercing of the body for other than medicinal 28. 2 Nephi 9:41. purposes, although it takes no position on the 29. Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, Apr. minimal piercing of the ears by women for one 1995, 8; or Ensign,­ May 1995, 8. pair of earrings.” See also “A Prophet’s Counsel

▲ Recife Brazil Temple. Dedicated Dec. 15, 2000.

51

A History of Temples

By Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) n both ancient Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I and modern times the covenant A Place Set Apart consecrated priests might enter and The essential idea of a temple is and wherein, it was claimed, the presence people of the Lord have ever has been that of a place specially of the deity was manifest. Temples regarded the building set apart for service regarded as have never been regarded as places of of temples as a labor sacred; in a more restricted sense, a ordinary public assembly but as sacred specifically required at temple is a building constructed for enclosures consecrated to the most and exclusively devoted to sacred solemn ceremonials of that particular their hands. rites and ceremonies. system of worship. The Latin templum was the equiv- alent of the Hebrew beth Elohim and The Tabernacle of Ancient Israel signified the abode of Deity; hence it In olden times, the people meant literally the house of the Lord. of Israel were distin- Such structures have been raised in guished among nations as many different ages, both by wor- the builders of sanctuaries shippers of idols and by the followers to the name of the living God. This of the true and living God. While the service was specifically required of outer courts of such temples were them by Jehovah, whom they professed used as places of general assembly and to serve. The history of Israel as a nation public ceremony, there were always dates from the Exodus. No sooner had inner precincts into which only the

◀ The interior of the Kirtland Temple as photographed in the early 20th century.

53 ▲ Moses anointed Aaron to serve ▲ The tabernacle served as a portable temple as a priest in the tabernacle. during Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness.

they escaped from the environment after four decades of wandering in But the Lord spake by the mouth of of Egyptian idolatry than they were the wilderness, the covenant people Nathan the prophet, declining the required to prepare a sanctuary, possessed at last a Canaan of their proposed offering, because David, wherein Jehovah would manifest own, the tabernacle was given a king of Israel, though in many His presence and make known His resting place in Shiloh; and thither respects a man after God’s own will as their accepted Lord and King. came the tribes to learn the will and heart, had sinned; and his sin had The tabernacle was sacred to word of God (see Joshua 18:1; 19:51; not been forgiven (see 2 Samuel Israel as the sanctuary of Jehovah. It 21:2; Judges 18:31; 1 Samuel 1:3, 24; 7:1–13; 1 Chronicles 28:2–3). Never- had been built according to revealed 4:3–4). Afterward it was removed theless, David was permitted to plan and specifi cations (see Exodus to Gibeon (see 1 Chronicles 21:29; gather material for the house of the 26–27). It was a compact and porta- 2 Chronicles 1:3) and yet later to the Lord, which edifi ce not he but ble structure, and, though but a tent, City of David, or Zion (see 2 Samuel Solomon, his son, should build. it was made of the best, the most 6:12; 2 Chronicles 5:2). Soon after Solomon’s accession to prized, and the costliest materials the throne he set about the labor. He the people possessed. This condition Solomon’s Temple laid the foundation in the fourth year of excellence was a nation’s offering David, the second king of his reign, and the building was unto the Lord. It was in every respect of Israel, desired and completed within seven years and the best the people could give, and planned to build a a half. The erection of the Temple Jehovah sanctifi ed the proffered gift house unto the Lord, of Solomon was an epoch-making by His divine acceptance. declaring that it was unfi t that he, event, not alone in the history of After Israel had become estab- the king, should dwell in a palace of Israel but in that of the world. lished in the land of promise, when, cedar, while the sanctuary of God was but a tent (see 2 Samuel 7:2).

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▲ Completed in 1005 b.c. , Solomon’s Temple is ▲ The dedicatory services of Solomon’s Temple lasted one of the most remarkable buildings in history. seven days—a week of holy rejoicing in Israel.

According to commonly accepted develop into general spoliation and and the font and left but a house chronology, the temple was fi nished fi nally to become an actual desecra- where once had stood a temple about 1005 b.c. In architecture and tion. Solomon had been led astray (see 2 Kings 16:7–9, 17–18; see construction, in design and costli- by the wiles of idolatrous women, also 2 Chronicles 28:24–25). Later, ness, it is known as one of the most and his wayward ways had fostered Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, remarkable buildings in history. The iniquity in Israel. The temple soon completed the despoiling of the dedicatory services lasted seven lost its sanctity, and Jehovah with- temple and destroyed the building days—a week of holy rejoicing in Is- drew His protecting presence from by fi re (see 2 Chronicles 36:18–19; rael. The Lord’s gracious acceptance the place no longer holy. see also 2 Kings 24:13; 25:9). was manifest in the cloud that fi lled The Egyptians, from whose the sacred chambers as the priests bondage the people had been The Temple of Zerubbabel withdrew, “for the glory of the delivered, were again permitted Thus, about 600 years Lord had fi lled the house of God” to oppress Israel. Shishak, king before the earthly (2 Chronicles 5:14; see also Exodus of Egypt, captured Jerusalem, advent of our Lord, 40:35; 2 Chronicles 7:1–2). “and he took away the treasures Israel was left without of the house of the Lord” (1 Kings a temple. The people had become Desecration of Solomon’s Temple 14:25–26). The work of desecration idolatrous and altogether wicked, The glorious preeminence of this continued through centuries. Two and the Lord had rejected them and splendid structure was of brief dura- hundred and sixteen years after their sanctuary. The kingdom of tion. Thirty-four years after its dedi- the Egyptian spoliation, Ahaz, Israel, comprising approximately 10 cation, and but fi ve years subsequent king of Judah, removed the altar of the 12 tribes, had been made to the death of Solomon, its decline subject to Assyria about 721 b.c., began; and this decline was soon to

55 ▲ During their Babylonian captivity, the Jews were ▲ Many incidents in the Savior’s earthly life show allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. that He recognized the sanctity of the temple.

and a century later the kingdom of The Temple of Herod The absolute destruction of the Judah was subdued by the Babylo- About 16 years before temple had been foretold by our nians. For 70 years the people of the birth of Christ, Lord while He yet lived in the Judah—thereafter known as Jews Herod I, king of Judea, fl esh (see Matthew 24:1–2; Mark —remained in captivity, even as commenced the 13:1–2; Luke 21:6). In the year a.d. had been predicted (see Jeremiah reconstruction of the then decayed 70 the temple was utterly destroyed 25:11–12; 29:10). and generally ruinous Temple of by fi re in connection with the cap- Then, under the friendly rule of Zerubbabel. For fi ve centuries that ture of Jerusalem by the Romans Cyrus (see Ezra 1, 2) and Darius structure had stood, and doubtless it under Titus. (see Ezra 6), they were permitted to had become largely a wreck of time. Temples in Ancient America return to Jerusalem and once more Many incidents in the earthly life to raise a temple in accordance with of the Savior are associated with The Temple of Herod their faith. In remembrance of the the Temple of Herod. It is evident was the last temple director of the work, the restored from scripture that while opposed reared in the Eastern temple is known in history as the to the degraded and commercial Hemisphere in ancient Temple of Zerubbabel. While this uses to which the temple had been times. From the destruction of that temple was greatly inferior in betrayed, Christ recognized and great edifi ce onward to the time of richness of fi nish and furniture as acknowledged the sanctity of the the reestablishment of the Church compared with the splendid Temple temple precincts. By whatsoever of Jesus Christ in the 19th century, of Solomon, it was nevertheless the name it might have been known, it our only record of temple building best the people could build, and was to Him the house of the Lord. is such mention as is found in the the Lord accepted it as an offering Book of Mormon, which affi rms typifying the love and devotion of that temples were erected on what His covenant children.

56 ▲ When the resurrected Savior appeared on the ▲ After years of apostasy, the authority needed for American continent, He came to the temple. temple worship was restored through Joseph Smith.

is now known as the American came to an end within about four and cathedrals, the Son of Man had continent, but we have few details centuries after Christ. It is evident, not a place to call His own. of construction and fewer facts as to therefore, that on both hemi- Not until the gospel was restored administrative ordinances pertain- spheres temples ceased to exist in in the 19th century, with its ancient ing to these western temples. The the early period of the Apostasy powers and privileges, was the holy people constructed a temple about and the very conception of a temple priesthood manifest again among 570 b.c., and this we learn was in the distinctive sense perished men. And be it remembered that patterned after the Temple of among mankind. the authority to speak and act in the Solomon, though it was greatly name of God is essential to a temple, inferior to that gorgeous structure Apostasy and Restoration and a temple is void without the in grandeur and costliness (see For many centuries no offer of a sacred authority of the holy priest- 2 Nephi 5:16). sanctuary was made unto the Lord; hood. Through Joseph Smith, the When the resurrected Lord indeed, it appears that no need of gospel of old was restored to earth, manifested Himself to the Nephites such was recognized. True, many and the ancient law was reestab- on the western continent, He found edifi ces, most of them costly and lished. In course of time, through the them assembled about the temple grand, were erected. Of these some ministry of the Prophet, The Church (see 3 Nephi 11:1–10). were dedicated to Peter and Paul, of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Book of Mormon, however, to James and John; others to the was organized and established by makes no mention of temples even Magdalene and the Virgin; but not manifestations of divine power. as late as the time of the destruc- one was raised by authority and tion of the temple at Jerusalem; name to the honor of Jesus, the and, moreover, the Nephite nation Christ. Among the multitude of chapels and shrines, of churches

57 ▲ The fi rst temple of the latter days was dedicated ▲ Soon after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham at Kirtland, Ohio, in March 1836. Young proclaimed, “Here will be the temple.”

Latter-day Temples times was dedicated at Kirtland, later to Nauvoo, Illinois. Scarcely This Church began in Ohio (see Doctrine and Covenants had they become settled in their the very early days of 109). The dedicatory services were new abode when the voice of its history to provide marked by divine manifestations revelation was heard calling upon for the erection of a comparable to those attending the the people to again build a house temple (see Doctrine and Covenants offering of the fi rst temple of olden sacred to the name of God. 36:8; 42:36; 133:2). On the fi rst day times, and on later occasions Though it was evident that the of June 1833, in a revelation to the heavenly beings appeared within people would be forced to fl ee Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord the sacred precincts with revela- again, and though they knew that directed the immediate building of tions of the divine will to man. In the temple would have to be aban- a holy house in which He promised that place the Lord Jesus was again doned soon after completion, they to endow His chosen servants with seen and heard (see Doctrine and labored with might and diligence power and authority (see Doctrine Covenants 110:1–10). to fi nish and properly furnish the and Covenants 95). The people Within two years from the time structure. It was dedicated April 30, responded to the call with willing- of its dedication, the Kirtland 1846, but even before the comple- ness and devotion. In spite of dire Temple was abandoned by the peo- tion of the building, the exodus of poverty and in the face of unrelent- ple who built it; they were forced the people had begun. ing persecution, the work was to fl ee because of persecution, and The temple was abandoned carried to completion, and in March with their departure the sacred by those who in poverty and by 1836 the fi rst temple of modern temple became an ordinary house. sacrifi ce had reared it. In November The migration of the Latter-day 1848 it became a prey to incendiary Saints was fi rst to Missouri and

58 ▲ From 1893 to the present, more than 130 temples have been constructed and dedicated around the world.

fl ames, and in May 1850 a tornado A Divine Commission The Church of Jesus Christ of demolished what remained of the In both ancient and Latter-day Saints proclaims that it is blackened walls. modern times the the possessor of the holy priesthood On July 24, 1847, the Mormon covenant people have again restored to earth and that it is pioneers established a settlement regarded the building invested with divine commission to where now stands Salt Lake City. of temples as a labor specifi cally erect and maintain temples dedi- A few days later, Brigham Young, required at their hands. It is plain cated to the name and service of the prophet and leader, indicated a that a temple is more than chapel or true and living God, and to admin- site in the sagebrush wastes and, church, more than synagogue or ister within those sacred structures striking the arid ground with his cathedral; it is a structure erected as the ordinances of the priesthood, staff, proclaimed, “Here will be the the house of the Lord, sacred to the the effect of which shall be binding temple of our God.” That site is now closest communion between the both on earth and beyond the grave. the beautiful temple block, around Lord and the holy priesthood, and Adapted from The House of the Lord: A Study of Holy Sanctuaries, Ancient and Modern (1968) which the city has grown. The Salt devoted to the highest and most For a list of latter-day temples, visit Lake Temple was 40 years in build- sacred ordinances. Moreover, to be temples.lds.org ing; the capstone was laid on April indeed a holy temple—accepted of 6, 1892, and the completed temple God and by Him acknowledged as was dedicated one year later. His house—the offering must have been called for, and both gift and giver must be worthy.

▲ Tampico Mexico Temple. Dedicated May 20, 2000. ▲ Apia Samoa Temple. Dedicated Aug. 5, 1983. Rededicated Sept. 4, 2005. ▲ Madrid Spain Temple. Dedicated Mar. 19, 1999.

59 Things Pertaining to This House

60 60 he temple’s T baptismal font rests on the backs of twelve oxen (see 2 Chronicles 4:2–4), symbolically represent- ing the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the Savior’s example of selfless service, we can perform baptisms for our ancestors who died without receiving this ordinance.

◀ Stained glass, Nauvoo Illinois Temple (far left). ◀ Baptismal font, Draper Utah Temple. ▲ Baptismal font, The Gila Valley Arizona Temple.

61 In ordinance rooms an overview is given of God’s plan for His children. Latter-day Saints learn of their premortal and mortal lives, the creation of the world and the Fall of man, the central role of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of all God’s children, and the blessings they can receive in the next life.

▲ Ordinance room, Manhattan New York Temple. ▶ Ordinance room, Newport Beach California Temple.

62

64 The celestial room symbolizes the exalted and peaceful state that all may achieve through living the gospel of Jesus Christ. This room represents the content- ment, inner harmony, and peace available to eternal families in the presence of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

◀ Celestial room, San Antonio Texas Temple. ▲ Grand staircase, Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.

65 In a sealing room, a bride and bridegroom are mar- ried not only for this life but also for eternity.

▲ Inlaid wood table, Mexico City Mexico Temple. ▶ Sealing room, Vancouver British Columbia Temple.

66 67

Temple Service, Temple Blessings

Our Temple Marriage The day after I proposed, I lost my ecause we Was Worth Any Price job. Undaunted, I decided to earn believed in the money by giving bus tours. My bus By Geovanny Medina B sealing power of the broke down the first night. Concerned It wasn’t until after my first business but determined, I next decided to sell priesthood restored in venture broke down and my second T-shirts. The morning I went to pick our day, we didn’t give one burned to the ground that I won- up the shirts from the manufacturer, I up, knowing that our dered if I would be able to take my found that the building had burned to temple marriage—for fiancée, Beny, to the temple. We had the ground the night before. It seemed heard that getting there would be a that my hopes had gone up in smoke time and all eternity— trial of faith, but when we made temple too. was worth whatever It was only a few months before the marriage our goal, we had no idea how sacrifice we had to thoroughly our faith would be tested. next scheduled temple trip, yet to this make. Beny and I met in our native Pan- point, every effort I had made to raise ama after serving missions. Because money had ended in abrupt failure. I of the laws in Panama, couples who left the smoldering rubble and went to wanted to start their married lives in find Beny. the temple were married civilly just “I have nothing,” I told her. “Maybe before traveling to the nearest temple, you shouldn’t marry me.” the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. “If I were marrying for money, I’d be It would be an expensive and difficult married already,” she said. “But I’m not trip, but being sealed was a blessing we marrying for money. I’m marrying you did not want to live without. because I love you.”

◀ Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. Dedicated Dec. 14, 1984.

69 around and leave us, we walked into Costa Rica. We kept walking, sleeping in roadside shelters, until we reached the Nicaraguan border. From there we managed to take a taxi to the capital city, where we purchased a bus ticket to the Hon- duran border. Two days—and two more buses—later we finally arrived at the temple. We were dirty and tired, and we had spent far more than we had planned, but we were happy. The next day, after all our trials and delays, we were finally sealed eternally as husband and wife. Our joy—worth the working, the wait- ing, and the worrying—was full! Not everyone getting married in the temple will face such challenges, but for Beny and me (and the others That was a turning point. We felt After earning enough money to who went to the temple with us), that we had passed an important travel to the temple, we married these experiences were a refining test. As we pushed ahead with faith, civilly and were at last on our process. It was one of the greatest doors began opening. I found work way to Guatemala with 10 other experiences of my life. making furniture, though the pay Church members. But our test If our goal to marry in the temple wasn’t enough to meet our needs. wasn’t over yet. had been only for worldly love, we Then a kind bishop offered to help Widespread transportation wouldn’t have made it. But because us with our bus fare. As exciting as strikes stopped us at the border we believed in the sealing power of his offer was, it didn’t feel right. We of Costa Rica. After waiting at the the priesthood restored in our day, were intent on being self-sufficient. border for two days, our driver we didn’t give up, knowing that But seeing that he truly desired to decided to turn back. But Beny and our temple marriage—for time and help, we asked him if he could give I, along with two brothers and one all eternity—was worth whatever Beny a job instead. He did. other couple, decided not to give sacrifice we had to make. up. After watching our bus turn

70 How the Temple Helps appropriate thoughts and attitudes blessing our children. On one occa- By Frances W. Hodgson prior to entering the temple. When sion, my husband faced a very per- appropriate, our meditations while plexing employment problem that Every parent knows that rearing inside the temple are about our role he decided to take to the temple. children brings unexpected chal- as parents and about the needs of On that day, the Lord blessed him lenges and blessings. My husband that particular child. with the impression that a particu- and I have discovered that when we Sometimes answers have come lar scripture was the answer to his consider the eternal perspective of rapidly and clearly. The first time it question. the role of parenting, we feel a great happened, we perhaps considered it Upon arriving home, he anx- weight of responsibility along with a coincidence. But soon it was obvi- iously opened the scriptures and, great hope. ous that we indeed were engaging to his delight, found help for his Of course, the Lord has given in a process that was bringing down problem. This experience opened us spiritual rewards to ease our the blessings of heaven. up a whole new application of the burdens. For our family, the great- Answers sometimes came in the scriptures. The Lord can speak to est of those spiritual rewards has form of people who influenced our His children by reminding us of been going to the house of the Lord children’s lives, such as a loving scriptures that contain answers to to receive His help as our children bishop who helped our college-age our challenges. We appreciate this have grown and life has become daughter through a difficult crisis. principle we learned in the temple. more complicated. We have discov- Other children have been simi- In a world where evil abounds ered that we can take very specific larly blessed. Each has his or her and where Satan has unleashed his problems to the Lord in His temple. agency, and they may choose not to powers to destroy homes, it is com- As our children became teen- respond the way we hope, but we forting to know that we can go to agers we realized they had the feel that our service in the temple the house of the Lord and seek guid- potential to make serious mistakes. has brought heaven’s help in our ance. Regardless of what challenges Probably the most frightening re- children’s lives. we face as we care for our families, alization was that we had basically Our benefits from worship in we find joy when we seek the sanc- done all we knew how to do, yet the temple have extended beyond tuary and solace of the temple. danger signs loomed before us. Then we discovered that temple worship could be an important element in our efforts to help our children choose the right. We have found great strength and blessing from attending the temple in the spirit of fasting and prayer for our children. We pray for a feeling of personal preparation, for the

71

For Children

Your Path to the Temple

he temple is the house of the Lord. When you are 12 years old, you can TIt is a place where we learn about go to the temple and help these people Heavenly Father, make covenants (or by being baptized and confirmed in promises) with Him, and receive great their name. They can then choose blessings. In the temple, we do impor- whether or not they want to accept tant work for ourselves and for family baptism and confirmation. You will members who have died. The work wear all white when you are baptized that is done in the temple includes for the dead, just as you do when you baptisms for the dead, endowments, are baptized for yourself. and sealings. These are called temple Ask your parents to help you make ordinances. a list of family members who have died o you know without being baptized in The Church What Happens inside of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. which temple is Find out if anyone has been to the D the Temple closest to you? Draw a temple to be baptized for them. picture of that temple, Baptisms for the Dead The Endowment and hang it where you When you are eight years old, you can One of the great blessings of the will see it every day. be baptized and confirmed a member temple is the endowment. Endowment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- means “gift.” When you receive your day Saints. Many of your ancestors endowment, you will learn more have died without being baptized and about the plan of salvation and make confirmed. Though their bodies are covenants. Covenants are promises dead, their spirits are still alive in the spirit world, where they can be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. ▲ Boston Massachusetts Temple. Dedicated Oct. 1, 2000.

73 we make with Heavenly Father. The Temple Recommend As you keep those covenants, you The temple is a holy place. Bishops and prepare to live with Heavenly Father branch presidents make sure that those and Jesus Christ someday. who enter the temple are prepared and Inside the temple is a beautiful, worthy. Before you go to the temple, peaceful room called the celestial room. you will have a special interview with In the celestial room we feel close to your bishop or branch president. He Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and will ask if you have a testimony of the Look at the mirror in this we feel a little of what it will be like to Church, keep the commandments, picture. Some sealing live with Them in the celestial kingdom. support the Church leaders, obey the rooms have mirrors like Word of Wisdom, pay tithing, and are this one. Because of Sealings for Time and Eternity honest in everything you do and say. sealings in the temple, When a man and a woman get married He will help you know what to do to our families, just like the in the temple, they kneel at an altar be worthy to enter the temple. refl ection in this mirror, and are sealed for time and all eternity. can continue forever. This means that they and their children can be united together as an eternal family. Plan to be married in the temple

▲ Sealing room, Aba Nigeria Temple. someday. This is the greatest blessing of the temple.

Follow the path below to learn how you can prepare to enter the temple.

Obey the commandments. Have faith in Jesus Christ. Pray to gain a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

74 Prepare Now to Enter yourself and others. Although you the Temple may not be able to enter the temple now, if there is a temple nearby, you Heavenly Father gives many blessings can visit the temple grounds and feel to those who live righteously and the spirit that is there. You can also attend the temple. It is important to keep a picture of the temple in your prepare to enter the temple while you home to remind you of how important are young. the temple is. Live righteously so that Look at the celestial room Heavenly Father loves you and you will be worthy to enter the house in this picture and in the wants you to receive the blessings of the Lord. picture on page 64. How of the temple. He will bless you for do you feel when you see performing temple ordinances for a celestial room?

▲ Celestial room, Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple.

After you are baptized and con rmed, always try to live worthy to have the Holy Ghost with you, and repent when you make a wrong decision.

Learn to be reverent, because the temple is a very reverent place. Be baptized, and keep your baptismal covenants.

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For Youth

Making the Temple a Part of Your Life

he temple is the most sacred place participated in baptisms for those who lthough you Ton earth—a place where earth had passed beyond. Their hair was are preparing and heaven meet and where we feel wet. Their smiles were radiant. Their A to receive your temple close to our Heavenly Father and Jesus hearts were filled with joy. One girl Christ. Although you are preparing to turned back to face the temple and ex- ordinances in the future, receive your temple ordinances in the pressed her feelings. ‘This has been the the temple can have a 1 future, the temple can have a profound happiest day of my life,’ she said.” profound influence on influence on your life right now. Here Thirteen-year-old Jessica Hahn of your life right now. are some things you can do to make the Daphne, Alabama, was baptized for temple a part of your life while you are some of her ancestors in the Atlanta young. Georgia Temple. Though it took five hours to travel to the temple, she says Participate in Baptisms for the Dead the experience was wonderful. “Being Worthy young men and young women able to put on pure white clothes and ages 12 and older can visit the temple be baptized for my ancestors gave me to be baptized for their ancestors who a great feeling,” she said. “I feel like I have died without being baptized. know them now.” President Thomas S. Monson spoke of Go to the temple as often as you can. the joy this service brings: There you can experience the joy of “One morning as I walked to helping others receive the blessings of the temple, I saw a group of young baptism. women who, early that morning, had

◀ Seoul Korea Temple. Dedicated Dec. 14, 1985.

77 Support the Work of the Temple a reason to stay worthy,” said Marlon There are many ways to support Ruiz, age 16, of Sunrise, Florida. “As temple work, even if you can’t go to long as you have that goal, you always the temple often yourself. You can think about what you do because you learn about your ancestors and see can’t go into the temple when you’re that temple ordinances are performed not worthy.” for them. You can offer to take care of Plan for a Temple Marriage young children so their parents can attend the temple. Because temple “I see the temple and think of being service focuses so much on families, married there someday,” said Annika Reithmeier, age 16, of Oslo, Norway. “I President Dieter F. you can work to strengthen your own family. And you can share with others know that the promises you make in Uchtdorf explained that your testimony that the temple truly is the temple are promises with the Lord. “the standards set by the house of the Lord. The things you learn there won’t just the Lord in the temple change or disappear.” Live Worthy to Enter the Temple Keep a picture of the temple some- recommend questions Because the temple is such a sacred place where you will see it often, and are very similar to the place, the Lord has set high standards look forward to the day when you can standards found in For for us to live by before we can go receive your own temple ordinances. When she was 14 years old, Jody the Strength of Youth.” inside. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained that “the standards set by Hazelbaker of American Fork, Utah, the Lord in the temple recommend visited the Mount Timpanogos Utah questions are very similar to the stan- Temple during the open house. “When dards found in For the Strength of Youth. I was walking through the bride’s In times of calmness but also in times room, I paused for a moment and of greatest temptation, these standards gazed into the mirror,” she recalled. and the guidance of the Holy Ghost “As I looked, I could see myself in the will help you make the right choices. future, wearing a beautiful wedding . . . How you apply these standards gown and a big smile. I knew this was will say much about who you are and the place where I was going to be mar- what you seek to become.” 2 ried, in the temple, close to my Father Live the Lord’s standards, and in Heaven.”

you’ll be worthy to enter the temple. Notes

Having the desire to enter the temple 1. Thomas S. Monson, “Your Celestial Journey,” in the future can help you turn away ­Ensign, May 1999, 97–98. 2. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in Conference Report, Apr. from temptation today. “It gives you 2006, 46–47; or Ensign­ , May 2006, 44.

78 Commonly Asked Questions

What do people do in the temple? died without receiving essential just as you would in a sacrament In the temple we are taught, we ordinances such as baptism and meeting. You show reverence and make covenants, and we are prom- confirmation, the endowment, and respect for the Lord and His house ised blessings. We receive ordi- sealing have the opportunity to and invite the Spirit by being clean nances that enable us to live in the accept these ordinances. and presentable. presence of God. In the temple there are private What is it like inside the temple? One ordinance we receive in the dressing rooms where you change temple is the endowment. The word The temple is a peaceful, sacred out of your Sunday clothing and endowment means “gift” or “be- place, set apart from the cares and put on white clothing. This change stowal.” As part of this ordinance, turmoil of the world. All areas of clothing serves as a reminder we are taught about the purpose of of the temple are beautifully and that you are temporarily leaving life, the mission and Atonement of carefully maintained to preserve a the world behind and entering a Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father’s spirit of reverence. Because it is the holy place. White clothing symbol- plan for His children. We gain a Lord’s house, and because of the izes purity, and the fact that all are glimpse of what it will be like to sacred work performed there, in the dressed alike in the temple creates a live in His presence as we feel the temple we can feel the Spirit abun- sense of unity and equality. peaceful atmosphere of the temple. dantly and feel close to the Lord. When should I receive my Another temple ordinance is There we can receive personal reve- endowment? the sealing ordinance, in which lation and spiritual strength to help Most likely you will receive your husbands and wives are sealed to us overcome our trials. This is part endowment shortly before you each other and children are sealed of the reason we are encouraged to serve a full-time mission or before to their parents in eternal families. attend the temple regularly. you are married in the temple. This means that if we are faithful to How should I dress when I go to Single members in their late teens our covenants, our family relation- the temple? or early twenties who have not ships will continue for eternity. Wear modest Sunday dress when received a mission call and are not In addition to receiving these you attend the temple. Avoid engaged to be married in the temple ordinances for ourselves, we can extremes in dress and grooming, are generally not recommended to receive them for our deceased receive their own endowment. ancestors. In this way, people who

▲ Celestial room, Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple.

79 New members wait at least or another Church member to stay one year after their baptism and with them in the waiting room. confirmation before receiving their A couple may also arrange endowment. with their bishop to hold a special Receiving your own endowment meeting afterward for relatives is an important matter. Discuss it and friends who do not have a with your bishop. Pray and ponder recommend. This meeting provides to know when you are ready. an opportunity for them to feel included and to learn about eternal What can I say to others about my marriage. Although no ceremony experience in the temple? is performed and no vows are ex- You can talk about what the interior changed, rings may be exchanged of the temple looks like, and you at such a meeting. can freely share the feelings you have in the temple. However, What should I do to prepare to temple covenants and ordinances, receive temple ordinances? including the words used, are too You can prepare by attending the Holy Ghost, they can help you rec- sacred to be discussed in detail temple regularly to participate in ognize truth, learn about Heavenly outside the temple. By avoiding baptisms for the dead, by partici­ Father and Jesus Christ, and grow discussion of these sacred things pating in a temple preparation spiritually. outside the temple, we protect seminar organized by your bishop, them from mocking, ridicule, or I have family members who cannot and by studying the scriptures and disrespect. Do not be casual when enter the temple. What can I do the articles in this booklet. talking about your experiences in to help them feel included in my You can also prepare by living the temple marriage? the temple. Lord’s standards of temple worthi- This can be a tender subject. Since ness. Nurture your testimony of God Why is symbolism used in the the temple is the house of the Lord, the Father and of Jesus Christ and temple? dedicated to Him, those who enter His restored gospel. Obey the Word During His earthly ministry, the must hold a current temple recom- of Wisdom and the law of chastity. Savior often taught in parables mend, which certifies that they are Sustain your Church leaders, pay a to represent eternal truths sym- living by the standards He has set. full tithing, and attend your Church bolically. He has directed that we However, those who do not have meetings. Be honest in your dealings be taught in a similar way in the a current temple recommend are with others, and ensure that your temple. There is symbolism in the welcome on temple grounds, and family life is in harmony with the temple ordinances and covenants, most temples have a room where teachings of the Church. Keep your their presentation, the physical they can wait while family mem- baptismal covenants so that you setting, and the clothing worn. If bers are being sealed. A couple with will be ready to receive the higher you ponder the meaning of these family members who cannot enter covenants of the temple. symbols with the guidance of the the temple may invite their bishop

▲ Jordan River Utah Temple. Dedicated Nov. 16, 1981. ▶ Nauvoo Illinois Temple. Dedicated June 27, 2002.

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I Lived in Heaven Simplified ow far is heaven?” H asks President Thomas S. Monson. “I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all—for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest blessings.”

See “Blessings of the Temple,” page 13. Salt L ake T em p le d oorknob by John uke L ake TE m p le by Craig Dimon d ; B a c k: Photogra h o f Salt Photogra p h o f Salt Front: