8 Reasons Why Temples Are Important to Mormons

Necessary Ordinances and Covenants

One of the most significant reasons why LDS Temples are so important is that sacred ordinances (religious ceremonies) and covenants necessary for our eternal exaltation can only be made within a temple. These ordinances and covenants are performed by the power of the priesthood, which is God's authority to act in His name. Without the proper priesthood authority, these saving ordinances cannot be made.
One of the ordinances performed in LDS temples is the endowment, in which covenants are made. These covenants include promising to live a righteous life, to be obedient to God's commandments, and to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Eternal Marriage

One of the saving ordinances performed in LDS temples is that of eternal marriage, called a sealing. When a man and woman are sealed together in a temple they make sacred covenants with each other and the Lord to be faithful and true. If they remain faithful to their sealing covenant they will be together forever.
Our greatest potential is achieved through building a celestial marriage, which is not just a one-time event of being sealed in an LDS temple but is through continual faith, repentance, and obedience to God's commandments throughout life.

Eternal Families

The sealing ordinance performed in LDS temples, which makes a marriage eternal, also makes it possible for families to be together forever. Children are sealed to their parents at the time an LDS temple sealing takes place, and all children born afterward are "born in the covenant" meaning they are already sealed to their parents.
Families can only become eternal through the proper use of God's priesthood power and authority to perform the sacred sealing ordinance. Through the individual obedience and faith of each family member, they can be together again after this life.

Worship Jesus Christ

An important aspect of building and using LDS temples is to worship Jesus Christ. Over the door of each temple are the words, "Holiness to the Lord." Each temple is a house of the Lord, and is a place where Christ may come and dwell. Within LDS temples members worship Christ as the Only Begotten Son and as the Savior of the world. Members also learn more fully about Christ's atonement and what His atonement does for us.

Vicarious Work for the Dead

One of the greatest reasons why LDS temples are important is that the necessary ordinances of baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, the endowment, and sealings are performed for the dead. Those who lived and died without receiving these saving ordinances have them done in their behalf vicariously.
Members of the Church research their family history and perform these ordinances in an LDS temple. Those for whom the work is being done still live as spirits in the spirit world and can then accept or reject the ordinances and covenants.

Sacred Blessings

LDS Temples are a sacred place where people learn about God's plan of salvation, make covenants, and are blessed. One of these blessings is through receiving the garment, sacred underclothing.

"The ordinances and ceremonies of the temple are simple. They are beautiful. They are sacred. They are kept confidential lest they be given to those who are unprepared...
"We must be prepared before we go to the temple. We must be worthy before we go to the temple. There are restrictions and conditions set. They were established by the Lord and not by man. And, the Lord has every right and authority to direct that matters relating to the temple be kept sacred and confidential" ( Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple, pg 1).

Personal Revelation

Not only is an LDS temple a place of worship and learning, but it's also a place for receiving personal revelation, including finding peace and solace during times of trial and difficulty. Through temple attendance and worship, members can seek answers to their prayers.
Often one must continually prepare for personal revelation through regular scripture study, prayer, obedience, fasting, and church attendance.

Spiritual Growth

Those who desire to enter the temple must be worthy to do so. Keeping God's commandments develops our spirituality by becoming more like Christ. Some of God's commandments include:

• Law of Chastity
• Law of Tithing
• Word of Wisdom

Another form of spiritual growth by preparing and being worthy to worship in the temple is through gaining a testimony of basic gospel principles including belief in God as our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as the Father's Only Begotten Son, and prophets.
Through regular temple attendance, we can come closer to Christ, especially as we spiritually prepare ourselves for temple worship.

Updated by Krista Cook.