Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021
Lesson No. Thirty-Five
Restoration of Temple Worship Began with the Kirtland Temple
The Lord commanded that the first temple in this dispensation was to be built in Kirtland Ohio – On January 2, 1831, less than a year after the Church was organized, the Lord commanded the Prophet “to go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:32). The saints led by Joseph moved to Kirtland. Two years later on January 3, 1833 the Lord commanded them to build a temple (see D&C 88:119-136), but the saints were slow to harken to this commandment.
The saints were chastised and they repented for their delay in starting to build the temple – Five months later, on June 1, 1833, the Lord chastised the saints saying: “Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face; For ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things, that I have given unto you concerning the building of mine house” (D&C 95:2-3). They immediately repented and got started. Eliza Snow described the sacrifice in building the Kirtland Temple as, “brain, bone and sinew” and “all living as abstemiously as possible” so that “every cent might be appropriated to the grand object.” The exact patterns of the Tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s temple were revealed, and so were the design, measurements, and functions of the Kirtland Temple. (See D&C 95:13-17)
Washings, anointings, and great knowledge were restored in the Kirtland Temple – Ritual washings and anointings were an important part of temple worship anciently, and so they are today. Joseph explained that the saints were to build the Kirtland Temple “to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings, and anointings” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 308). The ordinances of washing, anointing with consecrated oil, and sealing these ordinances were first administered in the Kirtland temple on January 21, 1836. On this same date Joseph was given a vision of his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom. He “marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus came the voice of the Loud unto me, saying: 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 137:5-7).
At the Kirtland Temple dedication great manifestations were given, and a week later the promised endowment was received – The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836, and the dedicatory prayer given by revelation and is recorded in D&C 109. This prayer is the basic pattern that has been used in all subsequent temple dedications. A week later on April 3, 1836 the Lord appeared in glory and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house. Moses appeared and gave the keys of the gathering of Israel; Elias appeared and gave the keys of celestial marriage; and Elijah appeared and gave the keys necessary to bind on earth and seal in heaven. More concerning these most important events will be discussed in Lessons on D&C 109 and 110.
Building temples is evidence that the true Church of Jesus Christ has been restored, and Satan is always in opposition – The Lord said, “my people are always commanded to build [temples] unto my holy name” (D&C 124:39-40). Not surprisingly, whenever a temple is built there is opposition from the adversary. Less than two months before he was martyred the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “We need the temple more than anything else” (Journal History of the Church, May 4, 1844). If we need the temple so much no wonder Satan gives such great opposition. Brigham Young said: “When a new temple is built the bells of hell ring; I like to hear them ring.”