Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Sixteen

Temple Symbolism

“The atonement of Jesus Christ is the basis of the gospel and of all the blessings we receive.  It makes salvation possible.  Therefore, most of the symbols in the scriptures teach us about the Savior and His sacrifice” (Endowed From On High, 22-23).  “The Lord Himself, the Master Teacher, in His own teaching to His disciples taught constantly in parables, a verbal way to represent symbolically things that might otherwise be difficult to understand” (Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple, 8).

The temple reminds us, in many symbolic ways, of the atonement of Christ  – In the ordinances and covenants of the temple we learn more about the atonement of Christ, and we learn in unique and wonderful ways.  “The most sacred symbolic teachings on earth are received in the temple.  In a symbolic way the teachings and rituals of the temple take us on an upward journey toward eternal life, ending with a symbolic entrance into the presence of God” (Endowed From On High, 24).

Symbols teach profound truth to those who are spiritually prepared – “The Lord reveals truth to those who are spiritually ready to understand it.  Those who receive truth with faith and obedience continue to receive more truth.  Those who are not spiritually prepared and who fail to receive truth or receive it with a doubtful heart will gradually lose the truth they have” (Ibid, 23, see also Alma 12:9-11).

Temple worship symbolizes equality before the Lord – The temple is a reminder that “the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God” (I Nephi 17:35).  Everyone in the temple from the President of the Church to the newest member wears the same temple clothing which reminds us we are all on equal standing before the Lord.  Temple clothing is white which is a symbol of purity.  President James E. Faust  further explained:  “Fundamental to temple worship is the principle that ‘God is no respecter of persons.’ [Acts 10:34.]  Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position, wealth, status, race, or education.  All dress in white.  All receive the same instruction.  All make the same covenants and promises.  All receive the same instruction.  All make the same covenants and promises.  All receive the same transcendent, eternal blessings if they live worthy to claim them” (All are Equal Before Their Creator, Ensign, May 1997, 20)

Symbolism of temple alters – The alters in the House of the Lord remind us of the Lord’s sacrifice and of the importance of our being willing to follow His example and do whatever is required of us for the Lord and for His work.  (See Moses 5:5-8)

Symbolism of temple chandeliers – The chandeliers in the sealing rooms and in the celestial room bring a marvelous flood of light.  They remind us of Jesus who 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).

Symbolism of sealing room mirrors – Elder David A. Bednar explained the symbolism of the sealing room mirrors.  He pointed out that mirrors are placed on the two wall on either side of the alter in a way that they reflect back and forth.  He continued:  “If I look into the mirrors and look at my wife, and if she looks into the mirrors and looks at me the reflections continue forever.  As long as we are looking at our companion and are concerned about his or her wellbeing then our marriage will be eternal.  But if I look only into my own eyes and she looks only into hers and all we can see is ourselves, then the symbolism of the eternal nature of the marriage is lost.  Another wonderful symbolism of these mirrors is as we look down the mirrors in one direction we are reminded of our ancestors and those who made it possible for us to be in the temple.  As we look in the other direction we are reminded of the need to set a worthy example for our children, grandchildren, and for all the generations yet to come.”

Testimony – I have been a recipient of the Lord’s promise that “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house” (D&C 110:7). It is my testimony that the Lord will fulfill this promises again and again as His people truly worship in the temple of our God.