Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Twelve

Thoughts on Temple Worship

Introduction – While serving in the temple we have thought much about the reason and purpose of temples.  The following are some more of the things we have thought about:

The temple teaches the plan of salvation – “In the ordinance room, instruction is given about the purpose of mortal life and the blessings that await the faithful in the next life.  Lecture and video presentation are used to teach about the Creation of the earth, the beginning of mortal life through Adam and Eve [the fall], and the central role of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of all God’s children” (Draper Temple Dedication Brochure).

Jesus Christ is the center of temple worship – “The temple is a place of worship that is dedicated to the Lord.  Everything done in the temple – ordinances, instruction, promises, and prayer – is done in the name of Jesus Christ because the Savior and His atoning sacrifice make possible every hope and blessing of the temple.  “In the baptistery, for example, baptisms are performed in the name of Jesus Christ for those who are dead so that, if they choose, they can receive the full blessings of Christ’s Atonement.  Paintings and murals throughout the temple reflect the life and teachings of the Savior.  And the celestial room represents our eternal home in God’s kingdom, reminding us of the rewards of faithful devotion.  The Lord’s invitation is available to all: ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10)” (Draper Temple Dedication Brochure).

The Lord manifests himself in mercy to his people in the temple –When the Lord accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house He said:  “Behold, I have accepted this house…and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house….And this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people” (D&C 110:7, 10).  In the temple our prayers are answered and we receive guidance and direction.

The temple is where we take upon us the name of Christ – The sacramental prayer states “that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments…” (Moroni 4:3, emphasis added).  The temple is where we can take upon us His name and experience the full redemptive power of the atonement.  The promise of the temple is “that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them” (D&C 109:22).  To take the name of Christ is a symbolic way of saying we become the children of Christ because our thoughts are His thoughts, and our ways are His ways.  (See Mosiah 5:7-8)

Testimony - The family the basic unit of the kingdom of God both on earth and in heaven - When we leave this life the only things we can take with us is the knowledge we have gained, the character we have developed, and out eternal family. Everything else stays behind and is of no value then. Everything we do in the Church and everything we do in the temple culminates at the sealing room alter.