Hi Ben Reed - I can expound a little on Masons and the Temple. We can think of revelation as a jump from our minds into the world of Eternity. The Masonic rituals and words were brought from ancient times. The Egyptians originally stole them from Shem who got them from his Father. Joseph was shown the connection as he and the brethren passed through these worldly rituals in Masonry. These things were passed in different forms from Shem to the Tower of Babel to Egypt, also appearing similarly in many religions. Also the book of Abraham and the translation of the Bible were passed down through ancient means. The Lord opened up to Joseph, part by vision, part translation, the full restoration of those documents, but only after they were read in incomplete form. If you know the ancient Masonic signs and words those are used for worldly brotherhood, community, government creation and unity. We see oneness in the sediment of these proper rituals all religions seek to create. The Masonic versions have been misused and very definitely are today. They were accessed originally through the secret rituals the Romans took from the early Christians. They received much in the ways Joseph has restored them because Jesus and the Apostles restored them in their time. Several groups have cleaved to twisted versions of it all through the last 2000 years. This includes those twisted and passed from Cain, going through the Gadianton Robbers. Today they exist within the Churches of Satan and many of Satan's secret brotherhoods. In our 21st Century Church we have the clean, though edited version, revealed after the prophets experienced the old ones. I'm sure the ceremonies have yet to be completed in full detail because we are unprepared as a Church to receive it all.
JeanSeptember 6, 2016
Dawn, thank you. I did that. I am not endowed because I did that. My non-member husband has made it clear that he does not wish to have vicarious ordinances performed for him. Therefore I would be covenanting to one husband while married to another.
AnneSeptember 4, 2016
Dawn- have you stopped to realize that your husband is not allowed to even enter the temple without holding the priesthood- while that requirement is not necessary for you? I think we sisters too often look for slights in the Church when we are blessed with great privileges we often fail to recognize. I have a real and personal testimony that God In no way slights His daughters--and that this is especially obvious in the temple ceremony to those who are in tune with what takes place there. As has been stated- no putting on of sacred robes takes place during the explanation of covenants. Perhaps a meeting with your Bishop would help you better understand the covenants made there.
JohnAugust 31, 2016
I have had two different temple presidents tell me that the most sacred place in the temple is the veil. Probably doesn't make much of a difference, it is all pretty holy.
Ben ReedAugust 30, 2016
So how do you explain the Masonic nature of the temple?
S RichardsonAugust 29, 2016
Mark, one small point: you misquoted D&C 88:75. It says "clean from the blood of this wicked generation", not "blood and sins of...." Though the meaning may be essentially the same, we need to be careful to use the correct Scriptural language!
KatieAugust 29, 2016
Dawn is right. If you are unsure of what she means, listen carefully to see who the woman covenants to, versus who the man covenants to in the first covenant. For the rest of the covenants, the person we are covenanting to is not named, so it seems that the first covenant sets the pattern for all the covenants.
Women are also promised different eternal blessings than men. This part is only spoken in the very beginning (introduction) to the endowment, so you have to pay careful attention from the very beginning.
Ja'NetteAugust 28, 2016
Extremely helpful article. I found myself saying, 'OH,.... how'd I miss that?" I was overthinking it. Thank you for the clarification in one place. I feel I can better teach my daughters. I guess I wasn't as prepared for the temple 8 years ago as I thought I was! Again, thank you!
PaulAugust 28, 2016
The article zeros in on the fundamentals of the endowment making it easier to understand. Best of all, it firmly plants the endowment on gospel covenants and the atonement of Jesus Christ. Keep an eye on this author. I have a feeling he will be one of the greats. I noticed he just published a book with Cedar Fort titled "Open Your Mouth! What to say when sharing the Gospel" that is available at Deseret Book.
HeberAugust 28, 2016
President Young, who codified the LDS Temple endowment, said this: "“Your Endowment is to receive all the ordinances in the House of the Lord which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your Eternal Exaltation in spite of earth and hell.”
RichAugust 28, 2016
Bob, any temple can temporary "convert" one of it's Sealing Rooms into a Holy of Holies if the prophet needs it. Many of the multi-story temple buildings require going up a floor each time you enter a new room, making your way to the Celestial Room which is symbolic (the baptismal font is always in the basement, and Celestial Rooms is up a couple floors). A temple's Sealing rooms and Celestial room are in a effect the most sacred rooms of the temple. If a temple had a room converted into a Holy of Holies, then that room would be the most sacred room of the building.
DebAugust 27, 2016
I rarely comment ..but this time i feel that i need to..... in light of the comments of our good sister Dawn.
Without reservation, corncern or dread we should all prepare to make and keep sacred covenants with the Lord.
Cheerfully, eargerly, and with great hope, determination and full of faith, hope and charity having a desire to that which is right we need tp prepare ourselves to recieve this great gift of God. The Temple Endowment that enpowers us through covenants, enlightens our minds with the spirit of Christ, and enables the blessings of the holy priesthood.
I testify that our father in heaven loves his daughters and in.no way does he favor his sons over his daughters, and actually if you think about it he actually favors his daughters.... by seating them on his right hand. And the daughters and sons of God are blessed specically according to our spiritial and physical needs if we keep our covenants.
All worthy members of the church should strive to recieve the blessings and power of the priesthood to enrich their lives.
Please....Come to the house of the lord. Trust in the Lord. Drink deeply of the living water that will refresh your soul and freast upon the living bread that will strengthen and sustain you. In the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Yvonne WallAugust 27, 2016
This is an excellent article, I too love the references. Thank you.
CathyAugust 27, 2016
@ Bob and Dawn: The Celestial room is the holiest place on earth for Most of us, because each Temple's (they all have one) Holy of Holies is reserved Only for the Temple President, and visiting 1st Presidency, to most closely commune with the Lord. Re the difference in women's covenants: Several General Authorities have emphasized in General Conferences that women are only to heed the counsel of their husband "as" that husband harkens to the counsel of the Lord, meaning if we trust the Lord, we can likewise trust our husband As long as he Honors the Lord's Counsel, but if that husband tries to impose his own will, especially via abuse, that wife is Not obligated to heed him in the least. This has been the pattern since the beginning, and it's worth noting that men holding the Priesthood are held accountable for Every Tear shed by their wife or children! (See Elder Wirthlin, gen. conf ~2007.)
RyanAugust 27, 2016
Excellent articles, Matthew! Going to share it with my daughter who is preparing to enter the temple!
Joe HopkinsAugust 27, 2016
Thank you for an outstanding article. I will use it as I teach temple prep classes. I know first hand how the lack of this instruction was offensive and destructive, while it could have been avoided with this preparation and review.
JaniceAugust 26, 2016
Dawn, I am totally confused by your post. Having worked in the Temple for 4 years, I have no idea what you are talking about. Both men and women make the save covenants in the endowment ceremony. We place our temple on the same way and order. You are not making covenants while putting on you temple clothing. You put it on, sit down, and listen to each covenant and making that covenant with the Lord. The putting on and changing of the clothing has nothing to do with the actual covenant but in the Priesthood necessary to accept these covenants. If you are trying to say something else, please clarify what you are inferring.
Andrew R.August 26, 2016
Bob, the article states Celestial Room and Sealing Rooms. In temples a sealing room functions a the Holy of Holies when specific (other) ordinances are being performed.
Having said that, the actual holiest place on earth for each of us should be our home. Achieving that however is a life long pursuit.
MarkAugust 26, 2016
Bob, the Holy of Holies is a name we give for a room in the Salt Lake temple especially for the president of the Church. It is an extension of the celestial room, and serves as the prophet's own personal celestial room. As a result, I am not sure if we need to look at it as more holy than the celestial room itself which it is connected to.
BeckyAugust 26, 2016
This is very helpful and insightful---thanks!!
Carl OlsenAugust 26, 2016
As to the statement that "only one temple has a Holy of Holies" I would submit that it may be correct that only the Salt Lake Temple has a specific room so designated. However, as a former temple worker, it is my understanding that many other, if not all, temples have the capability of converting a sealing room into a temporary Holy of Holies if the need should arise.
David VanLangeveldAugust 26, 2016
Actually, Bob, all of the temples have a Holy of Holies. You can gaze into but not enter the Holy of Holies in the Manti Temple. It's off to one side as you enter the celestial room. The one in the Salt Lake Temple can be seen on the side of the celestial room between two sealing rooms. One of the members of my ward has laid carpet for several temples. He mentions that for all the other temples, one door in the first ordinence room you enter in performing an enndowment can be opened . It's a small closet, really, but it turns the room into a Holy of Holies.
LisaAugust 26, 2016
Excellent article, Brother Mathews. Dawn, I'm not quite sure what you mean that the endowment is different for women. Please explain.
S RichardsonAugust 26, 2016
Good article. I particularly liked your comments about the initiatory ordinances. However, one point: you misquoted D&C 88:75. It says only "blood of this wicked generation", not "blood and sins..." (The same phrase is repeated in verses 85 and 138.) It's important to distinguish between the language of the scriptures and the language of temple, as we are free to discuss the former but not the latter.
BobAugust 26, 2016
I thought the Holy of Holies was the holiest place on earth, and as I understand, only one temple has one.
DawnAugust 26, 2016
Excellent article. The endowment for women is different than it is for men in a way that is very hard to accept when one realizes exactly what one agreed to; women need to go to the temple, 'own endowment' recommend in hand, and ask questions about the women's covenants and read the words of the covenants, before making them. This is not illegal - just ask. Hearing the words for the first time while putting on, tying, untying etc. sacred clothing does not permit a woman to understand or even hear what she is committing to. Be wise women! This is eternity - don't treat it like an apple update that you sign without reading.
Emmanuel AfrifaAugust 26, 2016
Will it be okay to explain this at a Sacrament meeting?
L ChristoffersonAugust 26, 2016
Thank you for this article. Had I studied something like this before receiving my endowment I would have been much better prepared. I'm eager to share this with my daughter who is currently preparing for her own endowment.
Maurine NuttallAugust 26, 2016
Thank you so much for this very thorough and thoughtful explanation of the temple endowment. I appreciate the scriptural/apostolic references.
Comments | Return to Story
erikpeterhansenFebruary 20, 2017
Hi Ben Reed - I can expound a little on Masons and the Temple. We can think of revelation as a jump from our minds into the world of Eternity. The Masonic rituals and words were brought from ancient times. The Egyptians originally stole them from Shem who got them from his Father. Joseph was shown the connection as he and the brethren passed through these worldly rituals in Masonry. These things were passed in different forms from Shem to the Tower of Babel to Egypt, also appearing similarly in many religions. Also the book of Abraham and the translation of the Bible were passed down through ancient means. The Lord opened up to Joseph, part by vision, part translation, the full restoration of those documents, but only after they were read in incomplete form. If you know the ancient Masonic signs and words those are used for worldly brotherhood, community, government creation and unity. We see oneness in the sediment of these proper rituals all religions seek to create. The Masonic versions have been misused and very definitely are today. They were accessed originally through the secret rituals the Romans took from the early Christians. They received much in the ways Joseph has restored them because Jesus and the Apostles restored them in their time. Several groups have cleaved to twisted versions of it all through the last 2000 years. This includes those twisted and passed from Cain, going through the Gadianton Robbers. Today they exist within the Churches of Satan and many of Satan's secret brotherhoods. In our 21st Century Church we have the clean, though edited version, revealed after the prophets experienced the old ones. I'm sure the ceremonies have yet to be completed in full detail because we are unprepared as a Church to receive it all.
JeanSeptember 6, 2016
Dawn, thank you. I did that. I am not endowed because I did that. My non-member husband has made it clear that he does not wish to have vicarious ordinances performed for him. Therefore I would be covenanting to one husband while married to another.
AnneSeptember 4, 2016
Dawn- have you stopped to realize that your husband is not allowed to even enter the temple without holding the priesthood- while that requirement is not necessary for you? I think we sisters too often look for slights in the Church when we are blessed with great privileges we often fail to recognize. I have a real and personal testimony that God In no way slights His daughters--and that this is especially obvious in the temple ceremony to those who are in tune with what takes place there. As has been stated- no putting on of sacred robes takes place during the explanation of covenants. Perhaps a meeting with your Bishop would help you better understand the covenants made there.
JohnAugust 31, 2016
I have had two different temple presidents tell me that the most sacred place in the temple is the veil. Probably doesn't make much of a difference, it is all pretty holy.
Ben ReedAugust 30, 2016
So how do you explain the Masonic nature of the temple?
S RichardsonAugust 29, 2016
Mark, one small point: you misquoted D&C 88:75. It says "clean from the blood of this wicked generation", not "blood and sins of...." Though the meaning may be essentially the same, we need to be careful to use the correct Scriptural language!
KatieAugust 29, 2016
Dawn is right. If you are unsure of what she means, listen carefully to see who the woman covenants to, versus who the man covenants to in the first covenant. For the rest of the covenants, the person we are covenanting to is not named, so it seems that the first covenant sets the pattern for all the covenants. Women are also promised different eternal blessings than men. This part is only spoken in the very beginning (introduction) to the endowment, so you have to pay careful attention from the very beginning.
Ja'NetteAugust 28, 2016
Extremely helpful article. I found myself saying, 'OH,.... how'd I miss that?" I was overthinking it. Thank you for the clarification in one place. I feel I can better teach my daughters. I guess I wasn't as prepared for the temple 8 years ago as I thought I was! Again, thank you!
PaulAugust 28, 2016
The article zeros in on the fundamentals of the endowment making it easier to understand. Best of all, it firmly plants the endowment on gospel covenants and the atonement of Jesus Christ. Keep an eye on this author. I have a feeling he will be one of the greats. I noticed he just published a book with Cedar Fort titled "Open Your Mouth! What to say when sharing the Gospel" that is available at Deseret Book.
HeberAugust 28, 2016
President Young, who codified the LDS Temple endowment, said this: "“Your Endowment is to receive all the ordinances in the House of the Lord which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your Eternal Exaltation in spite of earth and hell.”
RichAugust 28, 2016
Bob, any temple can temporary "convert" one of it's Sealing Rooms into a Holy of Holies if the prophet needs it. Many of the multi-story temple buildings require going up a floor each time you enter a new room, making your way to the Celestial Room which is symbolic (the baptismal font is always in the basement, and Celestial Rooms is up a couple floors). A temple's Sealing rooms and Celestial room are in a effect the most sacred rooms of the temple. If a temple had a room converted into a Holy of Holies, then that room would be the most sacred room of the building.
DebAugust 27, 2016
I rarely comment ..but this time i feel that i need to..... in light of the comments of our good sister Dawn. Without reservation, corncern or dread we should all prepare to make and keep sacred covenants with the Lord. Cheerfully, eargerly, and with great hope, determination and full of faith, hope and charity having a desire to that which is right we need tp prepare ourselves to recieve this great gift of God. The Temple Endowment that enpowers us through covenants, enlightens our minds with the spirit of Christ, and enables the blessings of the holy priesthood. I testify that our father in heaven loves his daughters and in.no way does he favor his sons over his daughters, and actually if you think about it he actually favors his daughters.... by seating them on his right hand. And the daughters and sons of God are blessed specically according to our spiritial and physical needs if we keep our covenants. All worthy members of the church should strive to recieve the blessings and power of the priesthood to enrich their lives. Please....Come to the house of the lord. Trust in the Lord. Drink deeply of the living water that will refresh your soul and freast upon the living bread that will strengthen and sustain you. In the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Yvonne WallAugust 27, 2016
This is an excellent article, I too love the references. Thank you.
CathyAugust 27, 2016
@ Bob and Dawn: The Celestial room is the holiest place on earth for Most of us, because each Temple's (they all have one) Holy of Holies is reserved Only for the Temple President, and visiting 1st Presidency, to most closely commune with the Lord. Re the difference in women's covenants: Several General Authorities have emphasized in General Conferences that women are only to heed the counsel of their husband "as" that husband harkens to the counsel of the Lord, meaning if we trust the Lord, we can likewise trust our husband As long as he Honors the Lord's Counsel, but if that husband tries to impose his own will, especially via abuse, that wife is Not obligated to heed him in the least. This has been the pattern since the beginning, and it's worth noting that men holding the Priesthood are held accountable for Every Tear shed by their wife or children! (See Elder Wirthlin, gen. conf ~2007.)
RyanAugust 27, 2016
Excellent articles, Matthew! Going to share it with my daughter who is preparing to enter the temple!
Joe HopkinsAugust 27, 2016
Thank you for an outstanding article. I will use it as I teach temple prep classes. I know first hand how the lack of this instruction was offensive and destructive, while it could have been avoided with this preparation and review.
JaniceAugust 26, 2016
Dawn, I am totally confused by your post. Having worked in the Temple for 4 years, I have no idea what you are talking about. Both men and women make the save covenants in the endowment ceremony. We place our temple on the same way and order. You are not making covenants while putting on you temple clothing. You put it on, sit down, and listen to each covenant and making that covenant with the Lord. The putting on and changing of the clothing has nothing to do with the actual covenant but in the Priesthood necessary to accept these covenants. If you are trying to say something else, please clarify what you are inferring.
Andrew R.August 26, 2016
Bob, the article states Celestial Room and Sealing Rooms. In temples a sealing room functions a the Holy of Holies when specific (other) ordinances are being performed. Having said that, the actual holiest place on earth for each of us should be our home. Achieving that however is a life long pursuit.
MarkAugust 26, 2016
Bob, the Holy of Holies is a name we give for a room in the Salt Lake temple especially for the president of the Church. It is an extension of the celestial room, and serves as the prophet's own personal celestial room. As a result, I am not sure if we need to look at it as more holy than the celestial room itself which it is connected to.
BeckyAugust 26, 2016
This is very helpful and insightful---thanks!!
Carl OlsenAugust 26, 2016
As to the statement that "only one temple has a Holy of Holies" I would submit that it may be correct that only the Salt Lake Temple has a specific room so designated. However, as a former temple worker, it is my understanding that many other, if not all, temples have the capability of converting a sealing room into a temporary Holy of Holies if the need should arise.
David VanLangeveldAugust 26, 2016
Actually, Bob, all of the temples have a Holy of Holies. You can gaze into but not enter the Holy of Holies in the Manti Temple. It's off to one side as you enter the celestial room. The one in the Salt Lake Temple can be seen on the side of the celestial room between two sealing rooms. One of the members of my ward has laid carpet for several temples. He mentions that for all the other temples, one door in the first ordinence room you enter in performing an enndowment can be opened . It's a small closet, really, but it turns the room into a Holy of Holies.
LisaAugust 26, 2016
Excellent article, Brother Mathews. Dawn, I'm not quite sure what you mean that the endowment is different for women. Please explain.
S RichardsonAugust 26, 2016
Good article. I particularly liked your comments about the initiatory ordinances. However, one point: you misquoted D&C 88:75. It says only "blood of this wicked generation", not "blood and sins..." (The same phrase is repeated in verses 85 and 138.) It's important to distinguish between the language of the scriptures and the language of temple, as we are free to discuss the former but not the latter.
BobAugust 26, 2016
I thought the Holy of Holies was the holiest place on earth, and as I understand, only one temple has one.
DawnAugust 26, 2016
Excellent article. The endowment for women is different than it is for men in a way that is very hard to accept when one realizes exactly what one agreed to; women need to go to the temple, 'own endowment' recommend in hand, and ask questions about the women's covenants and read the words of the covenants, before making them. This is not illegal - just ask. Hearing the words for the first time while putting on, tying, untying etc. sacred clothing does not permit a woman to understand or even hear what she is committing to. Be wise women! This is eternity - don't treat it like an apple update that you sign without reading.
Emmanuel AfrifaAugust 26, 2016
Will it be okay to explain this at a Sacrament meeting?
L ChristoffersonAugust 26, 2016
Thank you for this article. Had I studied something like this before receiving my endowment I would have been much better prepared. I'm eager to share this with my daughter who is currently preparing for her own endowment.
Maurine NuttallAugust 26, 2016
Thank you so much for this very thorough and thoughtful explanation of the temple endowment. I appreciate the scriptural/apostolic references.
ADD A COMMENT