Temple Work

D. Todd Christofferson

 “We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. . . . If we are faithful, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give” The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 20

Richard G. Scott

“Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. 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.” Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need Ensign, May 2009, 43

Russell M. Nelson

"Consider the spiritual connections that are formed when a young woman helps her grandmother enter family information into a computer or when a young man sees the name of his great-grandfather on a census record. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple." "Generations Linked in Love," Ensign, May 2010, 92

Julie B. Beck

"A man and a woman who enter into the full partnership of a covenant temple marriage share equally in the blessings of that covenant if they are faithful (see D&C 131:1-2). The Lord has said that their covenant will be in force after this life, and together they are promised power and exaltation” "An Outpouring of Blessings," Ensign, May 2006, 12

Neil L. Anderson

"If we can look back through the generations, we see those who helped us to get where we are now ”those who forged the way before us, whether they were members of the Church or not. And in the restored gospel we realize even more deeply our responsibility to link them to us through the ordinances of the temple. In a letter from the Prophet Joseph Smith to the members of the Church, we read: 'These are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over. . . . For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, . . . they without us cannot be made perfect”neither can we without our dead be made perfect' (D&C 128:15; see also verse 18)." "Looking Back and Looking Forward," New Era, Aug. 2009, 5

Thomas S. Monson

"I love the words of President Joseph F. Smith as he spoke of temple service and of the spirit world beyond mortality. Said he, '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 [people] here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties' "Welcome to Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 5

Gordon B. Hinckley

"I would hope that we might go to the house of the Lord a little more frequently. . . . In this noisy, bustling, competitive world, what a privilege it is to have a sacred house where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord." "Closing Remarks," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 104-5

Elaine S. Dalton

"Our ancestors, along with many other faithful Saints, sacrificed everything because of their testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. They knew that the gospel had been restored to the earth once more and that they were led by a prophet of God. They knew that the Book of Mormon was true and understood its message and witness. They knew that through the restoration of priesthood keys, families could be sealed together for eternity through holy priesthood ordinances available only in a temple. They knew that temple work was the key to the salvation and exaltation of the human family. They knew the importance of this work, and they were willing to give all that they had in order to provide a house acceptable to the Lord wherein this holy work could be performed. They sacrificed everything so that past and future generations would have access to the eternal blessings of the temple." "We Did This for You," Ensign, November 2004, 89

James E. Faust

"President Gordon B. Hinckley has told us: 'If every man in this church who has been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood were to qualify himself to hold a temple recommend, and then were to go to the house of the Lord and renew his covenants in solemnity before God and witnesses, we would be a better people. . . . So much of heartache and heartbreak would be avoided. . . . There would be a greater measure of appreciation and of mutual respect among us. And I am confident the Lord would smile with greater favor upon us' (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53)." "Standing in Holy Places," Ensign, May 2005, 67

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The Lord wants you, my young friends, to desire with all your heart to keep these standards and live by the gospel truths found in the scriptures. As you do this, you will see beyond the moment, and you will see your bright and wonderful future with great opportunities and responsibilities. You will be willing to work hard and endure long, and you will have an optimistic outlook on life. You will see that your life's road will lead you to the house of the Lord first and then to serve a full-time mission, representing the Savior wherever He will send you. After your mission you will organize and plan your life based on the same standards. Therefore, in your mind's eye you will see yourself entering the house of the Lord for an eternal marriage and family. Your priorities in life will change to match the priorities given to us by the Savior. And God will bless you and open the eyes of your understanding so you can see the end from the beginning." "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006, 44-45