Temples, Why are they Important?

Historical

The Lord has always commanded that we commune with him in holy places.  Since the time of Adam, men have been making sacrifices.  These holy spots were often found in the tops of the mountains.  These were viewed as the closest place we could be to God.  Then God commanded Moses to erect a tabernacle (Num. 4).  There were designated times when the Lord would command Moses to build it so that the people could burn their sacrifices and commune with God (Ex. 40:2).  Solomon builds a temple that uses all the finest materials found in the area (1 Kings 6).  The tradition of building temples continued to the time of Christ.  The Nephites also had their temples (2 Ne 5:16, Jacob 2:2, Mosiah 2).  These temples were places of worship and sacrifice.  Temples in our days are used for the same purpose.  Instead of using animal sacrifices we commit to sacrifice our hearts for God.

Temples in our midst

Temples used in our days have specific purposes.  In the temple we are united for eternity with our families.  Our loved ones who have gone before us can be baptized and united with their families.  Member of the church make sacred covenants or promises with God to obey His commandments and live as He would have us live.  Pres. David O. McKay said in the January 1972 Ensign “… temples are built for the performance of sacred ordinances—not secret, but sacred.”  The things we do and say inside the temple are so special to the members that they are not repeated outside the walls.  

Temple Experiences

I have been through many temples throughout the United States and abroad.  The most remote temple I’ve been to is the one in Manila, Philippines.  The ordinances are performed both in English and in the native tongue weather that is Tagalog, Cebuano, Pangalitoc, Ilicono, etc.  All my experiences have been the same, rewarding and spiritual.  I have come to know the Lord in a way I never knew possible.  Temples are his house on this earth.  My absolute favorite temple I’ve ever been to is the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple.  When I visit, I feel the presence of the Pioneers who built the first temple there.  They’re sacrifice has made an impact on me that I never knew possible.  I’m so grateful for the doctrine of temples.  I know that because of the promises made inside, I can be together with my family in the eternities. 

The Mission to the Shakers

In Doctrine and Covenants section 49 we learn of a mission for Sidney Rigdon, Parley P Pratt, and Leman Copley to go to the Shakers or the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing.  Here is a list of simple beliefs.

• Christ’s second coming had already occurred and he had appeared in the form of a woman, Ann Lee
• Baptism by water was not considered essential
• the eating of pork was specifically forbidden, and many did not eat any meat
• a celibate life was considered higher than marriage

Now the Lord gave direct revelation through Joseph Smith about these doctrinal issues.  On a side note, Leman Copley had converted from the Shakers by this time but was still having issues adjusting.  Here are some things the Lord said in Section 49.

• V7- I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the ^aday no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes. 
• This is the Lord saying that no one knows when He is coming until He comes.
• V13-14-^aRepent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins;  And whoso doeth this shall receive the ^agift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the ^bhands of the elders of the church. 
• Baptism is the ONLY way to receive the Holy Ghost and full cleansing of sins.
• V15-17-And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso ^aforbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for ^bmarriage is ordained of God unto man.  Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one ^awife, and they twain shall be ^bone flesh, and all this that the ^cearth might answer the end of its creation; And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his ^acreation ^bbefore the world was made. 
• Marriage is Ordained of God.  It is part of God's plan to have us marry legally and lawfully someone of the opposite sex.  
• V18-19-And whoso ^aforbiddeth to ^babstain from ^cmeats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; For, behold, the ^abeasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ^bordained for the use of man for food and for ^craiment, and that he might have in abundance. 
• This is the reason why I eat lots of meat...just kidding.  But in all seriousness, God gave us animals to be used for food and clothing, but not for abuse.  In verse 21 we are commanded not to waste but to only kill as much as we need.

The Lord's view are very clean and straight forward.  We believe in letting men worship how, what and where they may.  We will not enforce our beliefs on anyone.  We just want to share our beliefs.  I do know that God directs the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as we speak.  He will come again, we just need to prepare for that day now.