Temple Ordinances

                The ordinances of the temple are so important that the Lord commands us to act as proxies for our ancestors who have gone before us.  The Lord is hastening His work in preparation for His return to earth and requires us to assist Him in this preparation.  The most important thing we can do to help the Savior is to do our own temple work and then prepare to help other people with their work.  

                What are you doing to prepare to receive temple ordinances?  There are a number of ways we can prepare, including the following:  (1) live worthy to enter the temple, (2) keep the covenants we have already made, (3) study the scriptures and words of the prophets to learn more about the ordinances of the temple, and (4) make the temple a part of our lives.

                Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained, “Inscribed on each temple are the words `holiness to the Lord.’  That statement designates both the temple and its purposes as holy.  Those who enter the temple are also to bear the attribute of holiness.  As temples are prepared for the people, the people need to prepare themselves for the temple.

                “A temple differs from other houses of worship….  A temple is literally the house of the Lord, reserved for ordinances of eternal significance.  Those ordinances include baptisms, marriages, endowments, and sealings.

                “Each temple is symbolic of our faith in God and an evidence of our faith in life after death.  The temple is the object of every activity, every lesson, every progressive step in the Church.  All of our efforts in proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead lead to the holy temple.  Ordinances of the temple are absolutely crucial.  We cannot return to God’s glory without them….

                “Because a temple is sacred, the Lord asks that it be protected from desecration.  Anyone may enter who is willing to prepare well for that privilege.  The concept of preparation prevails in other fields of endeavor.  I remember when I was but a young boy, I told my parents I wanted to attend the university.  They said I could, but only if I worked hard in preliminary schooling and met all the requirements for admission to the university.  Similarly, we must qualify for admission to the temple.  We prepare physically, intellectually, and spiritually.  Eligibility is determined individually for each person applying for a recommend….

                “How do you prepare for a temple recommend?  You may consult with your bishopric, as well as your parents, family, stake presidency, teacher, or quorum adviser.  The requirements are simple.  Succinctly stated, an individual is required to keep the commandments of Him whose house it is.  He has set the standards.  We enter the temple as His guests.

                “The Lord would be pleased if every adult member would be worthy of – and carry – a current temple recommend…” (“Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple,” Liahona, October 2010).