The Temple

I realized today that it might be a good idea for me to take some time explaining to those of you who do not belong to my church what a Temple is. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We currently have 139 Temples, all over the world. In simple terms, the Temple is the House of God. A sacred, holy place where we can go to learn about the Savior, make sacred promises to live His commandments, follow His example, and be sealed to our families for eternity.

Many of you have never been inside a Latter-day Saint Temple. They are beautiful buildings, sacred, but not secret. When a Temple is built an open house is held so everyone in the community will have a chance to go inside and see for themselves what it is like. After the Temple is dedicated to the Lord, though, only members of the church who have a recommend from their church leaders can go inside. This is because the Temple is a sacred place, the House of the Lord, and no unclean thing can enter.

To be worthy of a recommend a person must be living the commandments of Jesus Christ, including being baptized by someone who has the authority and Priesthood of God.

In the temple we worship the Lord, learn about His Gospel, and make promises to keep His commandments. We also have the opportunity there to be sealed to our spouses and families for eternity, not just until death do us part.

The Lord asks all people to believe in him, repent, and be baptized, but most of the people who have lived on this earth have not had that opportunity. The Lord is no respecter of persons, so he has provided a way for people who did not get a chance to be baptized in this life to receive that ordinance vicariously, in the Temple. We are also able to do sealings for those who were not able to receive that blessing in this life, linking families together forever.

Patrons come to the Temple first to receive these ordinances for themselves, and then return as often as possible to do the work for their dead. Just like in this life, our ancestors on the other side of the veil get to decide if they want to receive these ordinances or not. The Lord will force no man to heaven.

It takes many people to help patrons coming to the temple receive these ordinances and do the work for their dead. Temple workers are called and set apart to serve, often for five to six hour weekly shifts. Cafeterias are available in some of the larger temples, where workers and patrons can buy lunch, dinner, or a snack. It was while I worked in the cafeteria in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, that I finally met my future husband, and fell in love.