Temples

 Temple Worship/importance of temples

I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.
Richard G. Scott, Temple Worship; The source of strength and power in times of need, general conference, April 2009

Sometimes when I hear a choir during a temple dedicatory service, I experience a feeling so sublime that it elevates my heart and mind. I close my eyes, and more than once, in my mind, I have seen an inverted cone of individuals beginning at the temple and rising upward. I have felt that they represent many spirits waiting for the vicarious work to be done for them in that sanctuary, rejoicing because finally there is a place that can free them from the chains that hold them back in their eternal progress. In order to achieve this end, you will need to do the vicarious work. You will need to identify your ancestors. The new FamilySearch™ program makes the effort easier than before. It is necessary to identify those ancestors, qualify them, and come to the house of the Lord to perform the ordinances they are longing to receive. What a joy it is to be able to participate in the work of a temple!
Richard G. Scott, Temple Worship; The source of strength and power in times of need, general conference, April 2009

That knowledge has given us great comfort. We rejoice in the knowledge that all seven of our children are sealed to us for time and all eternity. That trial has not been a problem for either of us because, when we live righteously and have received the ordinances of the temple, everything else is in the hands of the Lord. We can do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives.

Richard G. Scott, Temple Worship; The source of strength and power in times of need, general conference, April 2009

The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are of a sacred character. Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple to our children and grandchildren. As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go to the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into. I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably help prepare our youth for the temple. This understanding, I believe, will foster within them a desire to seek their priesthood blessings just as Abraham sought his.

Ezra Taft Benson, What I hope you will teach your children about the temple; from an address given at the Logan Temple Centennial, 17 may, 1984.

The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, ⁴ as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families.
Temple Blessings, Russel M. Nelson, General Conference, Ensign, April 2011.

In the temple we receive an endowment, which is, literally speaking, a gift. In receiving this gift, we should understand its significance and the importance of keeping sacred covenants. Each temple ordinance “is not just a ritual to go through, it is an act of solemn promising.” ⁶

The temple endowment was given by revelation. Thus, it is best understood by revelation, prayerfully sought with a sincere heart. ⁷ President Brigham Young said, “Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, … and gain your eternal exaltation.” ⁸ 

Temple Blessings, Russel M. Nelson, General Conference, Ensign, April 2011.

 ^{Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. 20 Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. 21 Thus we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us. 22}
Temple Blessings, Russel M. Nelson, General Conference, Ensign, April 2011.

 Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple.
Niel A Maxwell, Make calling focus of Mission. Church News, September 17, 1994. 

As I listened to their answers, I discovered a consistent theme that I would summarize as follows: “I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship. There is a difference between church-attending, tithe-paying members who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those members who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple.
Honorably Hold a name and Standing. David A. Bednar. General Conference, Ensign, April 2009.   

If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves. President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.”⁵ My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do.
The Holy Temple, A Beacon to the World. Thomas S. Monson. April 2011. General Conference, Ensign.