Why I Love The Temple

Salt Lake Temple Celestial Room

The temple of the Lord has always been a very sacred and holy place to me. The most important doctrines of the priesthood I have learned in the temple. There are some things I'd like to share with you, to the point they can be shared outside of the temple.

If you only remember one thing that I share with you, it would be that you fully understand that the temple is an experience of symbolism. Everything we do and say in the temple is symbolic in one form or another. 

The moment you walk through the front door of the temple the symbolic journey begins. The greeters (Sentinels, Angels) at the doors, the brethren (Gatekeepers) at the recommend desk, the temple workers (Ministering Angels) throughout the temple who help you along, the chapel (Waiting area), the washing and anointings (Spiritual Cleansing and Spiritual Anointing), the endowment rooms (Our progressive trip through this world and the worlds to come), the Celestial Room (The place where Gods live), the sealing rooms (Kneeing before God, Angels and Witnesses), all play a very important part of our learning and progressive process.

Just as the people in old testament times made animal sacrifices in a symbolic representation of the sacrifice of the Savior, we likewise take and perform many symbolic actions and gestures in the temple, symbolic of our journey through this earth life into the life that Gods live.

Let me share a few important aspects of the temple experience that we should ponder and think about. Before we enter into the Celestial Room, we must past through a symbolic doorway. As with any door, it requires that we knock. We must take the progressive action or initiate the process of knocking. It is a requirement of our agency.

King Knocking

In regards to knocking, I think it is interesting that this process or action is known in other ceremonies. The Egyptians practiced something very similar to our knocking. When the king enters the sanctuary for the first time, at the completion of the temple, he performs an act exactly resembling what is done in our temples, he knocks three times on the door with a white mace, then enters into the sacred area of the temple. 

The Pope of the Catholic Church, on the Jubilee years (every 25 years), carries out a rite when he knocks three times with a golden hammer on the holy door, or holy gate, of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, to symbolicly gain entrance into the Holy of Holies of God's temple.

Interesting how these sacred rites make it down through time, and then become pagan because they have lost the revelatory communication to keep them correct and pure.

In the Doctrine and Covenants section 89, with those that keep the Word of Wisdom, they receive the promise "shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones." This exact phrase is also repeated in the temple. If we ponder about the use of this phrase, both in section 89 and in the temple, we should develop a greater understanding of its significance and meaning. 

Section 89, in addition to being known as the Lord's law of health (Think of it not only as a physical thing, but a spiritual one), is purposely called the "Word of Wisdom." Why is it called the Word of Wisdom? Because it's promises not only give us the promise of good health, but also "wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." Even a promise that the "destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them."

Now think about why the phrase of referring to naval and marrow are mentioned in the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and also in the temple. It is because the Lord is giving us some clues into the deep meaning of this phrase as it is used in the temple ceremony. So ponder it over, and think about a deeper meaning of wisdom, knowledge and hidden treasures. The Spirit will help you develop a greater understanding of this important temple key.

As we view the temple film, don't see it as literal, but symbolic. From the creation or organization of this earth, the actions of Adam and Eve, and the expelling them from the presence of God, are all symbolic in nature. We, you and I, are symbolically Adam and Eve. This film is a movie of our Gospel progression from our Pre-mortal existence, to Earth life, into our living the life that God lives.

There is so much more to share. Perhaps, we can talk about some of these things later. So next time you attend the temple, observe everything as a symbol, and ask "how does that symbol pertain to me and God's plan. The Lord wants you to know more, and through His Spirit, you will.

Love,

Dad