Gathering at the Temple

K. Douglas Bassett

2 Ne. 5:16; 12:2; Jacob 1:17; Mosiah 1:18

“No member of the Church has received the ultimate which this Church has to give until he or she has received his or her temple blessings in the house of the Lord.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1997, p. 49)
“I remember … as a … boy, coming in from the field and approaching the old farm home… . I could hear my mother singing, ‘Have I Done Any Good in the World Today’ (Hymns, 1950, no. 58). I can … see her in my mind’s eye bending over the ironing board … with beads of perspiration on her forehead. She was ironing long strips of white cloth, with newspapers on the floor to keep them clean. When I asked her what she was doing, she said, ‘These are temple robes, my son. Your father and I are going to the Logan Temple.’ Then she put the old flatiron on the stove, drew a chair close to mine, and told me about temple work—how important it [was] to be able to go to the temple and participate in the sacred ordinances performed there. She also expressed her fervent hope that some day her children … grandchildren and great-grandchildren would have the opportunity to enjoy those priceless blessings.’ I am happy to say that her fondest hopes in large measure have been realized.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Aug. 1985, p. 8)
“Sometimes in the peace of lovely temples, the serious problems of life find their solutions. [At times] pure knowledge flows to us there under the influence of the Spirit. I am grateful to the Lord for temples. The blessings of the House of the Lord are eternal. They are of the highest importance to us because it is in the temples that we obtain God’s greatest blessings pertaining to eternal life. Temples really are the gateways to heaven. May we remember always, as we [visit and work in these temples], that the veil may become very thin between this world and the spirit world. I know this is true. It is well also that we keep in mind that it is all one great program on both sides of the veil and it is not too important whether we serve here or over there, as long as we serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Address given at dedication of Denver Colorado Temple, Oct. 25, 1986)
“I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life as you bless those who have died.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1987, p. 85)
“Regular temple attendance is one of the simplest ways you can bless those who are waiting in the spirit world… . Elder John A. Widtsoe made this remarkable statement: ‘When the history of human thought shall be written from the point of view of temple worship, it may well be found that temples and the work done in them have been the dominating influence in shaping human thought from the beginning of the race’ (Temple Worship, p. 52). Our joy—or our disappointment—in the eternities may hinge on our willing participation in this great latter-day work.” (David B. Haight, Ensign, May 1993, p. 25)
“Look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership. It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple… . The things that we must do and not do to be worthy of a temple recommend are the very things that ensure we will be happy as individuals and as families. Let us be a temple-attending people. Attend the temple as frequently as personal circumstances allow. Keep a picture of a temple in your home that your children may see it. Teach them about the purposes of the house of the Lord. Have them plan from their earliest years to go there and to remain worthy of that blessing.” (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 8)
“Let us truly be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people… . We should go not only for our kindred dead but also for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety that are within those hallowed and consecrated walls. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience.” (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Feb. 1995, p. 5)

Latter-Day Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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