So for all of you who are not
familiar with what a temple is I would like to share my fellow
missionaries letter. I think he did an excellent job of talking about
the temple and would like to mention that I am open and willing to
answer any questions any of you might have. But here is what he said.
HEY!
Ok, so this week was interesting. We
couldn't invite people to church because there were not any church
services on Sunday. Instead, another temple was Dedicated! The Fort
Collins Temple. I got to go to the dedication and it was absolutely
amazing. And that is why I want to talk about temples this week.
Some of you may have wondered what exactly
an LDS temple is, what goes on inside them, and why Mormons are so
quiet about said interior activities. I'd like to address these
questions.
An LDS temple is, quite simply put, "The
House of The LORD". We believe that He follows patterns. After all, he
is "the same today, yesterday, and forever". In the days of Moses, God
commanded his followers to build a Tabernacle (a portable temple) where
sacrifices where to be preformed and the priests where to go to commune
with God. When the Children of Israel reached their promised land, God
commanded that the Ark of The Covenant be placed in a permanent resting
place, or a Temple. This building was the new tabernacle. It was used
for Mosaic Law purposes until Christ fulfilled that law, and replaced it
with a higher law. The Temple was still used by the Saints until around
180 - 250 A.D. for the performance of Ordinances. One such Ordinance
was Baptism for the Dead (see 1st Corinthians 15:29. Yes, I know. The
topic that is the focus in this passage is the Resurrection, whereas
Paul's mention of Baptism for the Dead is mentioned almost in passing.
But that is to be expected due to how common place the practice was back
then among the saints. His point is simple. Allow me to put in in
modern English.
"Why are they baptized by proxy for the dead, if there is no
Resurrection? There would be no point in the Baptism, if Resurrection
was not a true principle.")
When God restored His Church through a
Prophet (just as he did through Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses), He
commanded just as he did in the Church of Jesus Christ of Former Day
Saints that the children of Israel build him a house. This is why we
build temples.
Now, I've already covered some of what
occurs inside these Holy Edifices. In addiction to Baptism by proxy,
Other ordinances are preformed in the Temple. Through these Ordinances,
we receive instruction and further dedicate ourselves to God. We DO NOT
perform sacrifice within the temple.
Now, why are we so quiet about the Temple?
Because it is sacred. I'm sure you all have heard of the Book of Mormon
play. What we don't want is for someone to make a mockery of something
even holier to us than simple church history. (By the way, the only true
parts of the play are: the fact that we call our missionaries Elder or
Sister. The first presiding member was named Joseph Smith. And That we
Believe in Jesus Christ. Everything else is false.) If we were to speak
openly about the temple it would truly be "casting [our] pearls before
swine" The details of what happens inside are for everyone to learn.
but that knowledge must be gained the way all of us gained it. By being
worthy to enter the Temple, and then going to learn for ourselves.
If I need to clarify anything, please please please let me know. I want everyone to understand what I am trying to say.
Again. I am willing to answer any
questions. whether its about the gospel or not. You can ask me anything.
And even if I cant answer perfectly I will try my best. I love you all
and hope this letter helps you understand a bit more about what the
temple means to members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day
Saints.
