What Happens Inside Latter-Day Saint Temples?
What Happens Inside Latter-Day Saint Temples?
By Kathy Penrod
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we build temples. Temples are beautiful buildings we consider to literally be the house of the Lord. These are sacred places of instruction and worship where we make sacred covenants that bind us to God for eternity.
Like many members of the church, my first experience in the temple was in the temple baptistry. The baptisms performed here are performed by an individual for and in behalf of an ancestor who has already died. Not everybody who lives on earth will have the opportunity to hear about and accept Jesus Christ. Because baptism in His name is required for entry into the kingdom of God (John 3:5), we perform these baptisms for those who have gone before us so they have the chance to accept Jesus as their Savior. We are not compelling our ancestors to accept this baptism. Rather, it is offered as a sacred gift, with love, for those who want it.
In the temple, we have sacred instruction rooms where we are taught about Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness for His children. We also learn about the important role Jesus Christ plays in our salvation. We learn about our place in God’s kingdom and make sacred covenants to follow Jesus Christ’s example and live God’s laws. This ordnance is called an Endowment. You may hear members of the church referring to going to the temple to do endowments. This is what they are talking about. Once an individual has completed an endowment for themselves, they then can complete them by proxy for a deceased ancestor, just like the baptisms.
Lastly, in the temple, we perform sealings. Sealings are marriages in which the couple is sealed together, with God, for time and all eternity. These marriages do not end at death. There is a beautiful brides room for the bride to prepare for the ceremony. She is doted on by temple workers and excitement builds for the coming ceremony. Then she is brought to the sealing room with the groom. Family members and close friends have gathered there to witness the couple make their covenants. In each sealing room, there are two mirrors facing each other on either side of the alter where the bride and groom can see each other endlessly. This symbolizes the eternal nature of family and how there is no end. It is powerfully beautiful. Just as with baptisms and endowments, sealings can be done by proxy for our deceased ancestors too. It is here that families are sealed together forever.
Temples are so sacred to us since we believe they are literal houses of God. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints must qualify to go into the temple. However, there is a time before the temples are dedicated in which the general public is invited to tour the temple for themselves. This is a great opportunity for those who are curious to get a look for themselves at what it is like inside. These temple open houses happen after a temple has been renovated or after the construction of a new temple.
I love the temple. I love the sacredness of it. I love that I am reminded of who I am and what my purpose in life is. I invite all to come to the temple. Make yourselves ready to visit the House of the Lord. You will be enlightened and strengthened.
