Temple Ordinances Ancient Modern Temple Ordinances Secret v

Temple Ordinances: Ancient & Modern

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred • QR Codes = Quick Response Codes • Originally made by the auto industry for their readability and capacity to store larger quantities of data than bar codes • Encryption: the process of transforming information… using an algorithm (called a cipher) to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. ” http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Encryption http: //oneclimbs. com/2012/02/12/of-parables-symbols-and-qr-codes/

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred • Information in plain sight of all • Locks access to the information with an algorithm • Information unlocked with special knowledge Photo Credit: http: //oneclimbs. com/2012/02/12/of-parables-symbols-and-qr-codes/

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. ~ D&C 84: 19 Photo Credit: http: //oneclimbs. com/2012/02/12/of-parables-symbols-and-qr-codes/

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred “And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom” ~ D&C 76: 7 “But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion” D&C 76: 114 “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables” ~ Mark 4: 11

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. ” ~ 1 Nephi 10: 19

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred One Eternal Round: • Ordinance is Unchanging • Prerequisites, Requirements, Responsibilities Shift • Very similar in nature • Same “codes” (food, modesty, chastity, etc. ) • Different needs of the people • Presentation May Change • Language • Technology • Progression (“Line upon line”) – Exodus 20 v. D&C 59 (removal is not a release)

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred “And it came to pass that I, Nephi…, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father…” ~ 1 Nephi 2: 16

Temple Ordinances: Secret v. Sacred And so I, Nephi, still very young but already large (tall) in stature (height), craved and yearned very much to really know and truly understand the mysteries (ordinances) of God (and His priesthood). ~ 1 Nephi 2: 16 (Hebrew to English)

Defining Ordinances And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. ~ D&C 84: 19

Defining Ordinances And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. ~ D&C 84: 19 This greater (Melchizedek) priesthood administers (power of bringing about salvation) and holds (authority to do so for Heavenly Father) the key (access to) the mysteries (ordinances) of the kingdom, even the key (access to) the knowledge of God.

Defining Ordinances are: • something done by specific people with specific steps in specific order (Hebrews 9: 10; Alma 13: 16; D&C 107: 20; D&C 188: 39) • • something we do (Leviticus 18: 4; 2 Kings 17: 37; Ezekiel 11: 20) something that teaches (Exodus 18: 20; Psalm 119: 104; Isaiah 28: 10; 2 Nephi 28: 30 ; D&C 98: 12, 128: 21) something necessary for progress (Exodus 12: 14; 1 Peter 2: 13; D&C 124: 33) something we practice (Luke 1: 6; Alma 30: 3; D&C 77: 14) something that gives power (Romans 13: 2; Alma 13: 8; D&C 84: 20) something that helps us remember (1 Corinthians 11: 12; Mosiah 13: 30) something that establishes covenants (Hebrews 9: 1; D&C 136: 4) something given by God (2 Nephi 25: 30; Mosiah 13: 30; D&C 124: 40)

Defining Ordinances are: • Sacred rites and ceremonies • Laws and statutes by which we are governed • Means by which laws and statutes are given • Means by which covenants are established • A physical act with spiritual effect Article of Faith #3: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Hebrews 4: 16

Defining Ordinances Article of Faith #4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 3: 16; D&C 20: 72 -74; D&C 20: 69; 33: 15 • Others: administration to the sick (James 5: 14 -15), blessing the sacrament (D&C 20: 77, 79), blessing of children (D&C 20: 70), conferring the priesthood (D&C 84: 6 -16; 107: 41 -52), temple ordinances (D&C 124: 39), and marriage in the new and everlasting covenant (D&C 132: 19 -20). Guide to the Scriptures, See also “Come to the Temple”

Defining Ordinances Joseph Smith: • “The Church is not fully organized, in its proper order, and cannot be, until the Temple is completed, where places will be provided for the administration of the ordinances of the Priesthood” (1842). • In 1844, the Prophet met with the Twelve and the Nauvoo Temple committee to discuss how to allocate the Church’s meager resources. In this meeting, the Prophet said: “We need the temple more than anything else. ” Teachings of Joseph Smith, 2011

Ancient Sources Modern revelation tells us that both: Tabernacle of Moses and Temple of Solomon were built so “those ordinances might be revealed which had been hid…” ~ D&C 124: 38

Ancient Sources • “All people of all ages have had temples in one form or another. “ (Widstoe, 1921) • The Lord taught the fullness of the Gospel to Adam and his posterity. (Joseph Fielding Smith, 1955, in Cowan, 1989) • Ancient “heathen” temples drew from truths and revealed ordinances. (Cowan, 1989) • Most ancient religions understood temple worship in some form. • Temples were considered to be halfway places between Heaven and Earth. • Temples were “meeting places at which men at specific times attempted to make contact with the powers above”. (Nibley, 1987) • We know almost nothing of Jewish life from the early middle ages. • We have the Oral Law of the Jews written down by the 9 th Century. Lasker in Elukin, 2007

Ancient Sources “The Lord's people in these Old Testament times had access to… the temple ordinances that would be restored in the latter days. Sidney B. Sperry reasoned that the Lord's requirements for exaltation, and therefore the need for temples, were the same then as they are now. ” Cowan, 1989; Sperry, 1955 & 1977

Ancient Sources While the Old Testament describes in detail the sacrifices and other performances associated with the lesser priesthood and the Mosaic law, it says almost nothing about any higher ordinances. "Because such ordinances are sacred and not for the world, " Joseph Fielding Smith explained, [there are] no detailed account of [higher ordinances]. "There are, however… references to covenants and obligations under which the members of the Church in those days were placed. . . " Smith, 1955, in Cowan, 1989

Ancient Sources • Melchizedek – the church existed, and the people paid tithes Genesis 14: 20 • Abraham received his priesthood from Melchizedek D&C 84: 14 • Abraham’s blessings – including exaltation D&C 132: 29– 39 • Isaac and Jacob D&C 132: 37 • Enoch and his people: Walked with God Moses 7: 69 Sperry, 1955

Ancient Sources “We do not know the extent to which ordinances pertaining to the Melchizedek Priesthood were performed in the tabernacle while in the wilderness and in Palestine up to the time of the building of Solomon’s Temple, but that such ordinances were performed seems certain in the light of such statements as this: “David’s wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power. …” (D&C 132: 39. ) It seems more reasonable to believe that Nathan and the other prophets would seal David’s wives and concubines to him in a holy place such as the tabernacle than in any other structure. ” Sperry, 1955

Ancient Sources The scriptures do emphasize, however, that those who participated in temple worship needed to be prepared. Specifically, the priests who officiated had to be ordained or consecrated: • Washed with Water • Anointed with Olive Oil (1 st press) • Clothed in “Holy Garments” • White Linen • Included: cap, robe, sash, and trousers • (See Exodus 28 -29) Ricks, 1994; Tvedtnes

Ancient Sources Chinese temple worship with stories of origin, including the first ancestors as a King and Queen holding a square and compass, to build a “society of heaven and earth” Ward & Sterling, 1926 kuci chü is used by modern Chinese to signify “the way things should be, the moral standard” Nibley, 1975; Lyons, 2010; Nüwa and Fuxi panel from tomb of Fan Yen-Shih, d. A. D. 689

Ancient Sources Egyptian temple worship, centered on receiving instructions to be able to return to the presence of God also included: • • • Washing Clothing Anointing Receiving instructions on returning to the presence of God Moving from room to room (symbolizing increasing understanding and progress) Nibley, 1975

Ancient Sources Jewish temple also had a “progression” in its design: • Levels of Sacredness: • Increasing from the Inner Court • Holy Place • Holy of Holies, or “Most Holy Place” • Levels representing cosmic regions or “worlds”: • Lower Court = “Sheol” (the abode of the dead) • Holy Place = Earth • Holy of Holies = Heaven. Christensen, 2004

Ancient Sources Similar Patterns in the Book of Mormon: • Lehi: • 1 Nephi 1: 8 – Heaven • 1 Nephi 1: 14 – Earth • 2 Nephi 1: 14 – Realm of the Dead • King Benjamin • Mosiah 2: 25 – Heaven • Mosiah 2: 26 – Earth • Mosiah 2: 41 – Realm of the Dead Christensen, 2004

Ancient Sources Similar Patterns in the Book of Mormon: • 3 Nephi: • (1) darkness/separation (3 Nephi 8– 10), • (2) preparation/initiation (3 Nephi 11: 1– 17: 23; 18: 1– 37; 19: 13; 20: 1– 28: 12), • (3) apotheosis/at-one-ment (3 Nephi 17: 24; 18: 36– 39; 19: 14, 25– 31; 28: 10– 18) • Common Elements: • • Story of Creation, Fall, Atonement Purpose is to Re-Enter God’s Presence The Ultimate Joyous State (Mosiah 2: 41) Meeting point of Heaven, Earth, and the Realm of the Dead. Christensen, 2004

Ancient Sources 1 Nephi 8: 20 -27: • “dark and dreary wilderness” that joins a “large and spacious field, as if it had been a world” • The Hebrew word ulam for the first part of the temple is very close, almost identical in sound, to olam, the word that means “world. ” • “Great building” = hekal, or the word for “temple” • “their manner of dress was exceedingly fine” = “fine” is only used in the Old Testament for the clothing of priests, and never for secular clothing • “Temple gone dark” – apostasy - priestcraft Butler, 2013

Ancient Sources Nephi’s Temple: • Pattern of Solomon’s Temple, though not as fancy. (2 Nephi 5: 16) • Temples not built without the Lord authorizing it. (Sperry, 1955) • All ordinances within a temple are revealed (Sperry, 1955) • Nephi & Another Nephi had sealing powers (2 Nephi 33: 15; Helaman 10: 7) • Nephi’s brother Jacob taught within this same temple (Sperry, 1955) • King Benjamin’s sermon was delivered at another temple space (Mosiah 1: 1, 18)

Ancient Sources Nephi’s Temple: • Zeniff’s people - either repaired Nephi’s temple or built a new one (Mosiah 7: 17) • King Noah – no authority, used it as a meeting place (Sperry, 1955) • Amulek makes a reference to Nephi’s temple (Alma 10: 2– 3) • The risen Savior appeared to the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful (3 Nephi 11: 1) • At Bountiful appearance, the Savior authorized temple work for the dead (3 Ne. 24: 1; 3 Ne. 26: 1, see also Malachi 3 and 4) • Mormon was not permitted to quote these explanations, but Moroni did teach them to Joseph Smith • Ordinance work for the dead following the Savior’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 29, 1 Peter 3)

Ancient Sources • Members of the New Testament church did not receive their sacred ordinances in Herod's Temple: • The temple had been defiled by money changers and others (see John 2: 14– 16; Matthew 21: 12– 13). • Heber C. Kimball affirmed that the early apostles received their blessings at the hands of the Savior himself. • Joseph Fielding Smith believed that Peter, James, and John received the endowment on the Mount of Transfiguration. • Jesus specifically charged the three apostles to speak to no one concerning the events on the mount (see Matthew 17: 9). Kimball, 1863; Smith, 2: 165

Ancient Sources Apocrypha: • Fifth-century Christians at Nag Hammadi, a settlement on the Nile • Christ's "forty-day ministry, " especially in Galilee • Cyril of Jerusalem: the faithful had "entered the Annex of the baptistry, . . , [and] removed [their] street clothes, " which act represented "putting off the old man and his works. " They were then washed in a "tank of holy running water, " anointed, and received a new garment Cyril, 2004; Cowan, 1989; Robinson, 1989; Layton, 1987; Madsen, 1984)

Temple Spaces Temples were, and still are, “celestial turf” (Murnan, 2012)

Temple Spaces SQUARE Earth “Four corners” Measurable Physical Time CIRCLE Heaven Infinite Immeasurable Spiritual Eternity

Temple Spaces “Let the mind´s interior compass first circle the whole extent of the material. Let a definite order chart in advance at what point the pen will take up its course. As a prudent workman, construct the whole fabric within the mind´s citadel; let it exist in the mind before it is on the lips. ” ~ Geoffrey of Vinshauf (1200) Codex Bruchsal, Medieval, common domain

Temple Spaces

Temple Spaces

Temple Spaces Austria http: //www. peterjohnsson. com/higher-understanding-and-deeper-reckoning/

Temple Spaces “That this ark is made of beams formed in a square, for a square stands firm on any side. That the length is six times the breadth, and ten times the height, like a human body, to show that Christ appeared in human body. That the breadth reaches to fifty cubits. That it is three hundred cubits long, to make up six times fifty. That it is thirty cubits high, a tenth part of the length. ~ Augustine, Contra Faustum XII. 14. The Vitruvian Man (edited), Leonardo da Vinci

Temple Spaces “…When the parts are arranged in this way, they all combine into the whole; so that out of all the parts in the universe there emerges one single wholeness of things. ” ~ Thomas of Aquino, 1225

Temple Spaces

Temple Spaces

Temple Spaces The Midrash states that only 1/5 th of the Jews actually left Egypt with Moses. (Rashi, quoting the Midrash, also see Va'yoel Moshe, Parshas Beshalach)

Temple Spaces The Midrash states that only 1/5 th of the Jews actually left Egypt with Moses. (Rashi, quoting the Midrash, also see Va'yoel Moshe, Parshas Beshalach) This is the same percentage of people in the Church with active temple recommends. (Church News, 1/16/82)

Temple Spaces When Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, one of the first things that he did was to try to get the people to accept the higher priesthood and receive the ordinance wherein “the power of godliness is manifest. ” (D&C 84: 19– 20. ) “And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God. ” (D&C 84: 21– 23. ) Sperry, 1955

Temple Recommends Psalm 15: 1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Temple Recommends Psalm 24: 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Temple Recommends Isaiah 33: 14 …Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? 15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; 16 He shall dwell on high:

Temple Ordinances “Salvation” - comes from the root for “to salvage”, and means to separate the refined and useful from the destroyed and worthless. Nothing refines us more than our own families, and thus our salvation cannot be complete (“made perfect”) without them. "We have been told by the Prophet Joseph Smith that without our dead we cannot be saved; or, as he stated it, 'Their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. '“ Widstoe, 1927; see also D&C 128: 18)

Temple Ordinances Vicarious ordinance: “A religious ordinance performed by a living person in behalf of one who is dead. These ordinances take effect only when those for whom the ordinances were performed accept them, keep the covenants associated with them, and become sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Such ordinances are performed today within temples. ” Guide to the Scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15: 29; D&C 124: 2936; D&C 138: 29 -34

Temple Ordinances Joseph Smith said the temple would be a place for them to conduct “your annointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, … by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name. ” (D&C 124: 39)

Temple Ordinances “and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi” • Memorial 1. something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc. , as a monument or a holiday. 2. a written statement of facts presented to a sovereign, a legislative body, etc. , as the ground of, or expressed in the form of, a petition or remonstrance. Dictionary. com • Something designed to preserve the memory of your priestly service • A written record to be presented to the King as a petition

Temple Ordinances “and for your oracles in your most holy places” • Oracle: 1. an utterance given by a priest or priestess at a shrine as the response of a god to an inquiry. 2. the agency or medium giving such responses. 3. a shrine or place at which such responses were given. 4. a person who delivers authoritative, wise, or influential pronouncements. 5. a divine communication or revelation. 6. any person or thing serving as an agency of divine communication. 7. any utterance made or received as authoritative, extremely wise, or infallible. • A holy place in the most holy place, wherein priests and priestesses receive revelatory responses from God, and testify with authority of truth and wisdom so that others also come to receive revelatory responses from God

Temple Ordinances “and your statutes and judgments” Statute: 1. Law expressed in formal documents 2. International Law applicable to all as a treaty between realms 3. A permanent rule established by an organization to govern its internal affairs Judgment: 1. The ability to act, make decisions, or behave wisely, with good sense, and discretion 2. The demonstration of such ability or capacity 3. The forming of a notion from circumstances presented to the mind 4. Knowledge agreed upon 5. Law and its positive and negative consequences as given by an authority 6. Obligations for debt settlement

Temple Ordinances Temple service is to aid and to help us in qualifying for this mighty work: ". . . to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. " (Widstoe, 1962, see also Moses 1: 39)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism מקווה Mikvah - Ritual bath still practiced by observant Jews (Berkowitz, 2007) • Must be below floor level • Immersion • Requires two witnesses • Crossing the Red Sea • Same word for “hope” and “living waters” • Reference to Jesus Christ (Isaiah 12: 3; Jeremiah 2: 13; John 4: 6– 15, John 7: 37; 1 Nephi 11: 25; D&C 10: 66; D&C 63: 23)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism in the Old Testament: • Solomon’s Temple “… the sea was for the priests to wash in … and he [Solomon] set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south [i. e. southeast of the temple]. ” (2 Chronicles 4: 6, 10; compare 1 Kings 7: 39) • Later, Ahaz (736– 721 B. C. ) took down the sea from off the brazen oxen and stood it upon a stone pavement. (2 Kings 16: 17) • When Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem (590 B. C. ), he broke the font into pieces. (2 Kings 25: 13; Jeremiah 27: 19– 22) • Babylonian temples also included “seas”. (Sperry, 1955)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism Joseph Fielding Smith clarified that Old Testament "washings" included baptisms, And that while there were no baptisms for the dead until the New Testament, live ordinances were available during Old Testament times. (Joseph Fielding Smith, 1955, in Cowan, 1989)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism Restoration of Temple Baptisms: On Thursday afternoon, 21 January 1836, the First Presidency were washed "in pure water. " That evening they met with others in the west room of the temple attic where they anointed one another with consecrated oil and pronounced blessings and prophecies. Then, "the heavens were opened, " the Prophet recorded, and he "beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof. " The Lord declared: "All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. " (D&C 137: 1– 4, 7) (Cowan, 1989)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism Restoration of Temple Baptisms for the Dead: The practice of vicarious baptisms for the dead was taught for the first time in the present dispensation on 15 August 1840. Until November 1841, when a font was dedicated in the partially completed temple, church members participated in this ordinance in the Mississippi River. The Saints eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to make gospel ordinances and blessings available to their departed loved ones. By 1844, the year of the Prophet's martyrdom, 15, 722 baptisms had been performed in behalf of the dead. (Cowan, 1989) (History of the Church, 4: 179; see also Doctrine and Covenants 124: 132; History of the Church, 4: 186)

Temple Ordinances: Baptism, as described in Acts 2: 38, 8: 16, and 1 Corinthians 1: 13, 15, requires one to acknowledge: 1. knowing the name, 2. accepting the name, and 3. testifying of the name. This is a blessing, a burden (message), a commission. The name may have been “Messiah” or the title “Son of Man” or both.

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. ” Acts 8: 14 -17

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation “And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of these sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he touched them. And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bare record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. ” 3 Nephi 18: 36 -37

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation “And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles. ” Moroni 2: 2

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation “But now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old. ” D&C 35: 6 “And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands. ” D&C 68: 27

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation “Confirmation includes more than conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost: To confirm means to “make more sure. ” “The ordinance of confirmation completes the ceremonial process of becoming a member of the Church, and as such, it is complementary to water baptism. ” Bible Dictionary

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation Laying on of Hands: “Such procedure is in accord with the revealed will of the Lord and is not a mere formality. ” (Bible Dictionary)

Temple Ordinances: Confirmation Laying on of Hands: “A procedure used from the earliest times in the manner of blessing, conferring the Holy Ghost, and ordaining to the priesthood. ” (Genesis 48: 14, 17; Numbers 27: 18, 23; Deuteronomy 34: 9; Matthew 9: 18; Mark 10: 13, 16; Luke 4: 40; Acts 6: 6; 8: 14– 17; 9: 12, 17; 13: 3; 19: 1– 7; 28: 8; 1 Timothy 4: 14; 5: 22; 2 Timothy 1: 6; Hebrews 6: 2; James 5: 14– 16; Alma 6: 1; Moroni 2; D&C 20: 41, 58, 68, 70; 36: 1– 2; A of F 1: 5).

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood Laying on of Hands: “The laying on of hands also formed part of the ritual of sacrifice under the law of Moses. ” (Bible Dictionary; Ex. 29: 10, 15, 19; Lev. 1: 4; 3: 2, 8, 13; 4: 4; 8: 14)

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood Conferring the Priesthood “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. ” Numbers 27: 18, 22 -23

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood DYS 19 DYS 388 DYS 390 DYS 391 DYS 392 DYS 393 Akiva, 2007

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood 6 Markers with 56% frequency DYS 19 DYS 388 DYS 390 DYS 391 DYS 392 DYS 393 Cohen Modal Haplotype J 1 Haplogroup – 70% Jewish/Arab share same 3 paternal ancestors

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood “These results establish the common origin of the Jewish priesthood caste in the Near East, coinciding with a timeframe beginning at approximately the biblically attributed date of the exodus from Egypt and extending to the Temple period. ” Professor Karl Skorec http: //www. eupedia. com/forum/threads/25310 -European-Admixture-Y-DNA-and-Mt. DNA

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood “There was a priesthood conferred upon the sons of Levi throughout all the generations of the Jews. They are born heirs to this priesthood. ” (Discourse of March 21 st 1841, recorded by William Mc. Intire) “This priesthood was given to Aaron and his posterity throughout all generations. ” (Discourse of July 23 rd 1843, recorded by James Burgess) “It is forever hereditary, fixed on the head of Aaron. ” (Discourse of July 23 rd 1843, recorded by Willard Richards)

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood • Joseph Smith was speaking of a hereditary priesthood lineage • Priesthood itself not inherited, just the right to it • Qualification still required: • Testimony of Yeshua • Righteousness • Ordination still required: • Melchizedek Priesthood • Called by Prophecy • Keys to make such a calling Hall, 2007, in Akiva, 2007

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood D&C 68 pertains specifically to the Presiding Bishopric of the Church: “But before the first-born among the literal descendants of Aaron can legally officiate in this calling, he must be: 1. designated by the First Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood; 2. found worthy of the position – including his capacity to fill the office with ability honor and dignity; 3. ordained under the hands of the First Presidency. ” (“Brigham H. Roberts, 1893. Outlines of Ecclesiastical History, Sec. 68, p. 350)

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood Modern Jewish Practice: • Authority exercised by the Aaronic priesthood is minimal; • Functions no differently than other members, except for a few holidays and minor rituals; • Lack of role primarily due to absence of a temple; • Not all born into the office are good at it or “ethical in its administration” “Thus, an entire class of ordained people, with direct authority, with the “laying on of hands” (Semikah), but without priesthood arose to prominence…. ultimately, the Rabbis. ” Akiva, 2007

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood “There is a difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power. Power and authority in the priesthood are not necessarily synonymous. All of us who hold the priesthood have the authority to act for the Lord, but the effectiveness of our authority— or if you please, the power that comes through that authority— depends on the pattern of our lives; it depends on our righteousness. ” Peterson, 1976

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood “We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be. ” Packer, 2010

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood “The priesthood of Almighty God is available to worthy men wherever they may be— no matter their ancestry, no matter how humble their circumstances, in the nearest or farthest reaches of the globe. It is available without money or any worldly price. To paraphrase the ancient prophet Isaiah, everyone who is thirsty can come to the waters. ” Uchtdorf, 2012

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood Adam Noah Melchizedek Abraham Isaac Jacob Moses The Church of the Twelve Apostles

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood MEL – CHI – ZE – DEK “King of Righteousness” The Church of the Twelve Apostles

Temple Ordinances: Priesthood Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, apse, right side. 6 -7 th Century. Basilica of St. Vitale, Ravenna, presbytery, left wall, central lunette. (Hamblin & Seely, Solomon's Temple, 111). (538 -545 AD)

Temple Ordinances: Initiatory “The ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to often in the temple as initiatory ordinances. It will be sufficient for our purposes to say only the following: Associated with the endowment are washings and anointings — mostly symbolic in nature, but promising definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings. ” Come to the Temple

Temple Ordinances: Initiatory “The washings, intended to cleanse us, are more than a physical ordinance. They testify to us about necessary individual purity and spiritual cleanliness. ” (Snuffer, 466)

Temple Ordinances: Garments • Upon entering the temple, we change into white clothing. • As you change privately in the locker area, you leave behind worries and distractions. • We wear white clothing as we do ordinance work in the temple. • This clothing is symbolic of purity and worthiness and cleanliness. • Endowed members wear the special garment or underclothing. • The garment represents sacred covenants. • The garment fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection. • The garment, covering the body, is a visual and tactile reminder of covenants. Come to the Temple

Temple Ordinances: Garments In a statement to the Church, the First Presidency said: “Church members who have been clothed with the garment in the temple have made a covenant to wear it throughout their lives. This has been interpreted to mean that it is worn as underclothing both day and night. … “The principles of modesty and keeping the body appropriately covered are implicit in the covenant… “How it is worn is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior. ” (First Presidency letter, 10 Oct. 1988)

Temple Ordinances: Garments Temple Garments in Judaism: • The Talmud states: “While they are clothed in the priestly garments, they are clothed in the priesthood; but when they are not wearing the garments, the priesthood is not upon them” (BT Zevachim 17: B) • Hebrew expression translated as “sacred” or “holy” garments also means “garments of the Temple” and means the wearer is in the Service of God One. Climbs

Temple Ordinances: Garments Temple Garments in Judaism: • These garments themselves possess a certain holiness powerful enough to sanctify all those who merely come in contact with them, as we read in the prophets: “… so as not to hallow the people with their garments. ” (Ezekiel 44: 19) • The very presence of the priestly garment worn by the priests during the Temple service, serves to atone for the sins of Israel. It is taught that just as the sacrifices facilitate an atonement for sin, so do the priestly garments. (BT Zevachim 88: B)

Temple Ordinances: Garments Temple Garments in Judaism: • Rabbis established that the priestly garments must be “for honor and for beauty”: • New and Dignified • Not stained, soiled, or ripped • Tailored to fit • When disqualified for use, garments were shredded and re-used: • Tunics – wicks for the menorah • Belts and Pants – wicks for the oil lamps during Sukkot • High Priest uniform was not destroyed, only hidden and not re-used Temple Institute

Temple Ordinances: Garments Trails of Apostasy: • Markings on the underclothing became markings on external robes • Markings on robes became markings on altar cloths • Markings on altar cloths became pattern sprinkling on altar • Ceasing of sprinkling on altar caused the markings to “disappear”, fading away in time St. Apollinare in Nuovo 5 th century mosiac

Temple Ordinances: Garments http: //www. mormonnewsroom. org/article/temple-garments

Temple Ordinances: Endowment – Noun: 1. the act of endowing 2. the property, funds, etc. , with which an institution or person is endowed 3. Usually, endowments, as an attribute of mind or body; a gift of nature.

Temple Ordinances: Endowment – Verb: 1. to provide with a permanent fund or source of income 2. to furnish, as with some talent, faculty, or quality; 3. to equip 4. an insurance policy; to become payable; yield its conditions

Temple Ordinances: Endowment • To endow is to enrich; • To endow is to give to another something long lasting; and • To endow is to give to another something of much worth. • The temple endowment ordinances enrich in three ways: 1. The one receiving the ordinance is given power from God. 2. A recipient is also endowed with information and knowledge. 3. When sealed at the altar, a person is the recipient of glorious blessings, powers, and honors as part of his or her endowment. Come to the Temple

Temple Ordinances: Endowment • The temple endowment truly is a gift from God. • The ordinance consists of a series of instructions • It includes covenants to live righteously • It includes covenants to follow the requirements of the gospel. • The endowment focuses on 1. The Savior, 2. His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and 3. The personal commitment of each member to follow Him. Lds. org - Temples

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Brigham Young said: “Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the House of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being able to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell. ” Young in Widstoe, 1971

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Elder James E. Talmage explained the instruction of the Temple Endowment: “This course of instruction includes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. a recital of the most prominent events of the creative period, the condition of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, their disobedience and consequent expulsion from that blissful abode, their condition in the lone and dreary world when doomed to live by labor and sweat, the plan of redemption by which the great transgression may be atoned, the period of the great apostasy, the restoration of the Gospel with all its ancient powers and privileges, the absolute and indispensable condition of personal purity and devotion to the right in present life, and a strict compliance with Gospel requirements. ” Come to the Temple, Talmage, 1962

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Widstoe’s Genealogical Address (1921): • Eternal Existence of Man [Godhead, Ordinances/Covenants] • Eternal Life (Progression) of Man [Plan of Salvation] • Free Agency of Man [Plan of Salvation, Atonement] • Judgment of Man by Works / Works as Evidence [Commandments] • Love of God for Man [Atonement] • Authority of God and Plan for Man [Dispensation/Apostasy/Restoration, [Prophets/Revelation, Priesthood/Priesthood Keys, Marriage/Family]

Temple Ordinances: Endowment “The endowment and the temple work as revealed by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith… fall clearly into four distinct parts: 1. 2. 3. 4. The preparatory ordinances; the giving of instruction by lectures and representations; covenants; and, finally, tests of knowledge. ” Widstoe, 1921

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Elder Talmage said: “The ordinances of the endowment embody certain obligations on the part of the individual, such as: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. covenant and promise to observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her King, —the Lord Jesus Christ. We covenant with the Lord to devote our time, talents, and means to His kingdom. ” Come to the Temple, Talmage, 1962

Temple Ordinances: Ancient & Modern Endowment

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Beatitudes as Endowment: • • Taught only to Disciples Went up to a Mountain Goal is exaltation, to become whole/perfect Pattern (Matthew 5; see also 3 Nephi 12): • Law of the Gospel: Contrition, Repentance (vv. 3 -4) • Law of Obedience: Humility, Striving for Righteousness (vv. 5 -6) • Law of the Sacrifice: daily nourishment, strength needed, laws and principles (vv. 5 -7) • Law of Chastity: purity, seeing God, not offending/mocking (v. 8 -9) • Law of Consecration: righteousness (doing/serving), persecution (enduring) (v. 10 -11) • Becoming: “Ye are the Light of the World” - go and do (vv. 13 -16)

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Name Changes: • God changed Abram’s "high father" name to “Abraham, ” "father of a multitude" (Genesis 17: 5) • Abraham’s wife’s name from “Sarai, ” “my princess, ” to “Sarah, ” “mother of nations” (Genesis 17: 15) • Jacob’s "supplanter" name to “Israel, ” “having power with God” (Genesis 32: 28) • Simon’s "God has heard" name to “Peter, ” "rock" (John 1: 42) • Naomi Ruth

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Name Changes: • When Rebecca moves into Sarah's home, Isaac is just returning from "the vicinity of Beer-lahai-roi”, which means ‘the well of the Living One who sees me’ • Well was named by Hagar • Genesis 25: Abraham has now remarried to a woman named Keturah, for another 37 years • When Abraham dies, both boys (Isaac and Ishmael) bury him together • That's when Isaac settles near that same place, Beer-lahai-roi • Talmud, the oral tradition tells us Keturah was the very same Hagar • Her name changed after repentance and re-covenanting with God. . . • And that Isaac having lived in Beer-lahai-roi before finding Rebecca, indicates he could have very well been living with his stepmother Hagar (Keturah) and his half-brother Ishmael, to whom he returns again after Abraham dies to settle near Beer-lahai-roi

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Name Changes: • In names, especially divine names, is concentrated divine power. • Through ritual processes one may gain access to these names and take them upon oneself. • These ritual processes are often explicitly temple-related. • In the temple ritual setting, names are not seen as mere labels. • They mark degrees or attributes or roles in one’s transformation process. • They are symbolic of new births or beginnings. • Thus, an individual, while retaining his identity, may take on several names as he moves through stages toward the divine. Nibley, 1975; Dahood, 1984; Oaks, 1985

Temple Ordinances: Endowment “In Egyptian initiation rites, one puts off his former nature by discarding his name, after which he receives a new name. Prior to coronation, the candidate is presented to the gods without his own personal name. In order to pass the obstacles, he recites the name of his god and thus is allowed to pass. If the candidate cannot produce the name, the gatekeepers are aggressive and unyielding. ” Nibley, 1975; Dahood, 1984; Oaks, 1985

Temple Ordinances: Endowment During the First and Second Temple periods, receiving the name was a privilege of obedience: • In the hands (Isaiah 56) • On the inward parts (Jeremiah 31: 31 -34) • New heart and new spirit (Ezekiel 36: 21 -28) Josephus, Jewish Antiquities III In Jewish practice to this day, a person who recovers from a severe illness is given a new name which, in effect, celebrates his return from near death. The names are new to the person because it is assumed the person is himself new, having overcome or been healed from death.

Temple Ordinances: Endowment The name is transmitted only to the reserved— this word can also be translated as “the initiate” – • who are not prone to anger, • who are humble and God-fearing, • and carry out the commandments of their Creator. • And it is transmitted only over water. “Before the master teaches it to his pupil, they must both immerse themselves and bathe in forty measures of flowing water, then put on white garments and fast on the day of instruction. Then both must stand up to their ankles in the water, and the master must say a prayer…” Avigad, 1980; Buber, 1947; Clifford

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Isaiah 56: 4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Isaiah 56 For thus saith the Lord (unto the priests and covenant keepers) (in my Temple) : I will give to them (in the holy parts of the temple) a hand a name (which is) better than sons or daughters (posterity for inheritance) I will give them an eternal name that shall not be cut off (posterity upon posterity, inheritance upon inheritance). See also 1 Samuel 15: 12 and 2 Samuel 18: 18 I will give a handclasp and a name within the walls of my house that is better than sons and daughters; I will endow them with an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Donald Parry, Victor Ludlow, and Avraham Gileadi

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Leonard Nimoy, I Am Not Spock (Cutchogue, NY: Buccaneer Books, 1997), cover

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Shin = ש = Shaddai, or “Almighty God” Pictures a position of prayer: arms raised above the head Abraham replies to the king of Sodom: “I have lift[ed] up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high” (Genesis 14: 22). In Hebrew it means literally, “I raised up my hand. ” In other words, “I have already covenanted with my God. ” Grave of Rabbi Meschullam Kohn

Temple Ordinances: Endowment The Priestly Blessing • One of the few rituals remaining on certain holy days • Only said with heads covered • Arms held horizontally in front, at shoulder level Rabbi Gershom, 2009 ". . . the Kohanim prepare themselves by removing their shoes and washing their hands (as before participating in the Temple service) with the assistance of the Levites…” Kohen could be disqualified from service for: • • • Idolatry Forbidden sexual intercourse Murder Intoxication Not articulating the words properly Eisenberg, 2004

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Temple Songs – Psalm 132 (See also Psalm 89) 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Cross

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Prayer Circle “The prayer circle is a part of Latter-day Saint temple worship, usually associated with the Endowment ceremony. Participants, an equal number of men and women dressed in temple clothing, surround an altar in a circle formation to participate unitedly in prayer. ” Encyclopedia of Mormonism; Eisenberg, 2004

Temple Ordinances: Endowment Prayer Circle “If you are inducted into the Christian mysteries, then you must perform a ring-dance round the altar… not only with the other novitiates but also with the angels! For they are present and participate in the mystery. ” Backman, 1952; Classen, 1977; Nibley, 1978

Temple Ordinances: Sealings “During his earthly ministry, the Master had stressed the sanctity of the family. ‘What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. ’ “The apostle Paul similarly insisted: ‘Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. ’ During the present dispensation a revelation had affirmed that "marriage is ordained of God" as the means of providing earthly tabernacles for the spirits that had lived before the world was made. ” Cowan, 1989; Mark 10: 9, 10: 6 -8; 1 Corinthians 11: 11; D&C 49: 15 -17; Family Proclamation

Temple Ordinances: Sealings In January 1833 in Kirtland, Ohio, the Prophet wrote: “The Lord commanded us, in Kirtland, to build a house of God; … this is the word of the Lord to us, and we must, yea, the Lord helping us, we will obey: as on conditions of our obedience He has promised us great things; yea, even a visit from the heavens to honor us with His own presence. We greatly fear before the Lord lest we should fail of this great honor, which our Master proposes to confer on us; we are seeking for humility and great faith lest we be ashamed in His presence. ” Teachings of Joseph Smith

Temple Ordinances: Sealings Celestial Marriage • In this ordinance husband wife are sealed to one another for eternity. • A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband wife are faithful to the covenants they make. • Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. • Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. • People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents. LDS. org; Come to the Temple

Temple Ordinances: Sealings Celestial Marriage The writer of the Gospel of Philip, one of the apocryphal documents in the Nag Hammadi library, believed that the most sacred part of the temple was what he called the “bridal chamber, ” where a “woman is united to her husband” and “will no longer be separated. ” If a person does not receive these blessings in this world, he asserted, they cannot be received elsewhere (compare D&C 132: 15– 18). Cowan, 1989

Temple Ordinances President Joseph Fielding Smith defines the new and everlasting covenant in these words: “What is the new and everlasting covenant? “I regret to say that there are some members of the Church who are misled and misinformed in regard to what the new and everlasting covenant really is. “The new and everlasting covenant is the sum total of all gospel covenants and obligations. ” Come to the Temple; Doctrines of Salvation, 1: 158 Mosaic in Jerusalem

Temple Ordinances The Prophet Joseph Smith said he was frequently asked the question: “Can we not be saved without going through with all those ordinances, etc. ? ” “I would answer, No, not the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, “There are many mansions in my Father’s house, and I will go and prepare a place for you. ” House here named should have been translated kingdom; and any person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a celestial law, and the whole law too. Come to the Temple, Roberts, 1949

Temple Ordinances Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide ordinances necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples. LDS. org

Temple Ordinances These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. We need guidance. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in the day of our urgent need. There are more in that other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in becoming collaborators in the Lord's mighty work for human redemption. Widstoe, 1943

Temple Ordinances Premortal • But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2: 7 • And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead. ~ D&C 35: 18 • 59 And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. Amen. Moses 5: 59

Temple Ordinances Progressive • And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. Alma 12: 10 • Covenanters spoke of “seeing God” as an extension of worshipping in the temple (Isaiah 6: 1; Psalm 24: 3– 6; Matthew 5: 8). • To see! • To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. ~ D&C 107: 19

Temple Ordinances Testify • And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. ~ D&C 6: 11 • Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4: 1 • And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, Ephesians 6: 19 • 22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance. Alma 26: 22

Temple Ordinances • Because I know what I know, this is what I do: • I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. • 1 nephi 1: 1 • And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom, provide for him food and raiment, and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish the work wherewith I have commanded him; D&C 43: 14 • 23 But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. D&C 63: 23

Temple Ordinances Secret v sacred • Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon. Alma 37: 4 • And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. Alma 12: 9 • Joseph Smith warned the Saints: “Let us be faithful and silent, brethren, and if God gives you a manifestation, keep it to yourselves. ” Of this remark, Elder Dallin H. Oaks wrote: "By and large, Latter-day Saints observe this direction. They do not speak publicly of their most sacred experiences. They seldom mention miracles in bearing their testimonies, and they rarely preach from the pulpit about signs that the gospel is true. They usually affirm their testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel by asserting the conclusion, not by giving details on how it was obtained. " (The Lord's Way) • By revelation and manifestation only: • Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. ~ Jacob 4: 8

Temple Ordinances • President Hunter: “The temple is a place of instruction where profound truths pertaining to the Kingdom of God are unfolded. It is a place of peace where minds can be centered upon things of the spirit and the worries of the world can be laid aside. In the temple we make covenants to obey the laws of God, and promises are made to us, conditioned always on our faithfulness, which extend into eternity” (The Priesthood and You [Melchizedek Priesthood Study Guide, 1966], p. 293; see also Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 2).

Temple Ordinances • “But to have the temple indeed be a symbol unto us, we must desire it to be so. We must live worthy to enter the temple. We must keep the commandments of our Lord. If we can pattern our life after the Master, and take His teaching and example as the supreme pattern for our own, we will not find it difficult to be temple worthy, to be consistent and loyal in every walk of life, for we will be committed to a single, sacred standard of conduct and belief” • (Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 5; italics added).

Temple Ordinances • President Harold B. Lee said: “The temple ceremonies are designed by a wise Heavenly Father who has revealed them to us in these last days as a guide and a protection throughout our lives, that you and I might not fail to merit exaltation in the celestial kingdom where God and Christ dwell” • (“Enter a Holy Temple, ” Improvement Era, June 1967, 144).

Temple Ordinances • President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “These blessings insure to us, through our faithfulness, the pearl of great price the Lord has offered us, for these are the greatest blessings we can receive in this life. It is a wonderful thing to come into the Church, but you cannot receive an exaltation until you have made covenants in the house of the Lord and received the keys and authorities that are there bestowed and which cannot be given in any other place on the earth today” • (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. Mc. Conkie, 3 vols. [1954– 56], 2: 253).