LDS Church is building temples rapidly all around the world. 300 existing or planned temples worldwide. 168 currently operating, compared to 50 thirty years ago and just 19 fifty years ago. The Bible talks a lot about the temple. Are LDS temples the same? What are they all about?How Mormons View Their Temples LDS consider temples to be “The House of the Lord”Faithful members participate in Mormonism’s highest ritesSee their temples as the most sacred buildings on earthLDS President RM Nelson: “every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house”Thus temple is very different from a meeting-houseTemple is sacred → a seriously holy placeNot spoken ofSacred, not secretPotential to be really offensive to LDS if take this lightly / mock / make funRequires level of worthiness to enterInterview required / “temple recommend card” issuedTemple recommend questionsBecause “holy”, general public can enter only prior to temple’s consecrationThe Purpose of LDS TemplesTraining - learn how to return to heavenly FatherOrdinances - perform necessary ordinances to return to FatherThe training takes place in context of those ordinancesMake covenants (vows / commitments) in temple that you are held accountable toThis is what makes LDS temple more important than any other element of MormonismAbsolutely necessary for the LDS plan of salvation to take placeWithout temples → no way for people to be exalted in eternityReflectionTemple creates a sort of church within a church → 2 tiers of MormonismThose temple worthy, those who are not → very different experiences of MormonismA Look at Temple OrdinancesThe Endowment ceremonySeen as one of the most sacred events in a person’s lifeNormally received before serving a mission / before a temple marriageAlso available to other members if local leaders approveMust be at least 18, out of high schoolBe faithful (interview) and prepare themselvesFirst part: initiatory ordinancesIncludes rituals of washing & anointingMake certain covenants with God → to obey / sacrificeTaught secret signs needed to allow entrance into God’s presenceSecond part: group instruction / plan of salvation presentedAfter initiatory ordinances → receive and begin to wear temple garmentMembers encouraged to return to temple oftenDo the endowment ceremony for ancestorsTemple sealingsEternal marriage & family is a significant part of MormonismHighest salvation / exaltation is achieved through familiesThis kind marriage is only possible through a temple sealingChildren born or adopted into such marriages are automatically sealedChildren not “born in the covenant” can be sealed to parents laterProxy ordinances for the dead - including the 2 above but also baptism / confirmationA stated purpose of the LDS Church = “redeem the dead”Salvation requires baptism by someone with priesthood authorityFor the living, these are not performed in temples, but local meeting housesFor the dead, living people must be baptized by proxy for them if they have any hope of being savedThey have opportunity to accept or reject this in the spirit world, post-deathProxy ordinances must be done in templeReflectionsBiblically: eternal marriage is not a real thingThere is no marriage in the resurrectionMatthew 22:29-30 (NLT) Jesus...

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