“Preparing to Attend the Temple,” Liahona, Dec. 2023.
Gospel Basics
Preparing to Attend the Temple
Photograph of Ogden Utah Temple by Mark Brunson
In temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we can receive sacred covenants and ordinances for ourselves and our ancestors. We attend the temple to show our love and gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We can prepare to attend the temple by learning and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information about temples, see the Gospel Basics article “Temple Work” in the October 2021 issue of the Liahona.
Photograph of Durban South Africa Temple by Matthew Reier
The House of the Lord
Temples are called the “house of the Lord.” They are sacred places where we can feel God’s Spirit and His love for us. They are also places where we can make covenants and receive special ordinances that will prepare us to have eternal life. (Covenants are sacred promises between God and His children.) Being faithful to our covenants and receiving these ordinances helps us have a special relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ..
Photograph of Guayaquil Ecuador Temple by Janae Bingham
Who Can Attend the Temple?
Church members can do baptisms for the dead beginning in the year they turn 12. A member can receive the endowment if he or she is at least 18, has been a member of the Church for at least one year, and desires to make and keep temple covenants (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27.2.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). A man and a woman who have already received their temple endowment can be sealed (married) for eternity in the temple.
Covenants and Ordinances
You will make covenants and receive ordinances in the temple. “Entering into a covenant relationship with God binds us to Him in a way that makes everything about life easier” (Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 97). An ordinance is a sacred physical act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Ordinances have deep spiritual meaning. For example, when you participate in an ordinance, you show God that you are willing to receive and keep His covenants.
Personal Preparation
Prepare spiritually by following Jesus Christ’s teachings and keeping the covenants you made with God at baptism. You can also study Church resources, such as scriptures and general conference talks. Temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org provides information about what to expect when you attend the temple. It also includes more details about temple covenants, ordinances, and symbolism.
Photograph of Nauvoo Illinois Temple by Eve Tuft
Symbolism
The Lord often teaches using symbols. For example, baptism—going under the water and coming up again—is like your old self dying and your new self being reborn (see Romans 6:3–6). Temple ordinances point to Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It might be hard to understand all the symbolism the first time you attend the temple, but you can continue learning as you return to the temple throughout your life.
Temple Recommend
To enter the temple, you need to be prepared and worthy. You can receive a recommend to enter the temple after an interview with your bishop or branch president and with the stake or mission president. These leaders will ask a set of questions to make sure you are living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your leaders can talk to you about these questions ahead of time.
Returning to the Temple for Your Ancestors
Heavenly Father wants all of His children to make covenants with Him and receive sacred ordinances. These ordinances, such as baptism and the endowment, must be done in temples for those who passed away without receiving the gospel. You can return to the temple to do ordinances for your deceased family members.