For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe, the temple stands as a beacon of light, hope, and heaven. For those that are not members of the church, it is understandable that questions are raised about the role the temple plays in a church member’s life. Hopefully I can adequately describe in words what the temple means to me.
Temples are a means of linking heaven and earth. Since the beginning of man, temples in one form or another have been constructed to bring man closer to God. Adam constructed an altar upon which he offered sacrifices. Moses and the children of Israel had a portable tabernacle that they brought with them during their journey in the wilderness. It was in the holy of holies of the tabernacle that the ark of the covenant was kept.
As a boy, Jesus was found at the temple conversing with the learned men. During his ministry, he cleansed the temple (John 2:13-16).
After the death of Christ and his Apostles, the meaning and purpose of temples had become distorted and lost. However, the truths taught and ordinances performed within the temple was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
In the temple members of the church make sacred covenants to obey God’s commandments. It is also in the temple that family units are sealed together for time and all eternity.
For me, the temple is not like any other building I’ve been in. From the moment I step on the grounds, I feel protected. When I pass through the front door into the lobby, I immediately feel out of the world. I literally feel closer to God within the falls of the temple.
Before I joined the church, I remember spending time with a friend who had been raised in the church. My knowledge of temples was very limited. In fact, I didn’t really understand anything. But I remember telling her that I thought the temple was stupid. I was the stupid one. The temple has given me a clearer perspective of God’s eternal plan for his children.
I invite you to go to the temple. Even if you aren’t a member of the church. Some of the temples have visitor’s centers that are open daily to the public. You are also more than welcome to walk the grounds. Feel and enjoy the spirit that is there. These temples really are special buildings dedicated as houses of the Lord.
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.” -Doctrine and Covenants 109:8
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