A Paper Reflecting Observations of Ancient Pyramids and Temples And Their Possible Symbolic Meaning
 (With a Collection of Special Sacred References From The Scriptures And Latter Day Prophets.)

We will see many ancient and impressive pyramids during our visit to this inspirational and historically rich land of the era and history of the Book of Mormon.  Regarding these magnificent structures, we will see imposing evidences of the Lord’s instructions to his children that His Holy Temples be constructed and positioned upon a high place - even a mountain or atop man made pyramids or mounds.  

Thus we will begin to see in action, fulfillment of the teachings and the symbolism of ascending to worship. Of going upward to the House of the Lord. As in going upward to heaven or the highest kingdom, or to where the Father dwells - in the highest. We have heard of the Holy of Holies or the sacred upper room of the temple. 

And as that symbolism and doctrine was true in ancient times, so it is today. Of great interest to note is that many latter-day temples, where possible, are built upon a mount or hillside in various cities throughout the world. In fact, it was of special interest in General Conference of October 1997, that President Gordon B. Hinckley shared with us that there were 3 or 4 proposed temple sites that were shown to him for a temple to be built in a city somewhere in South America. He reported that he did not approve the sites shown to him, and found another site upon a hill near the airport. 

It is found in many references within the pages of the scriptures, that the people were required to, go up upon the mountain of the Lord. In hilly or mountainous country or terrain, the temple was built atop the actual hill or mount, with no pyramidal substructure.  

There is also a likely an important symbolism with the long, steep stairways found on most of the ancient pyramids of Meso and South America, as well as the mounds of North America. Could it be that the many stairs are symbolic of the fact that it requires a planned labor or work to ascend to the temple or presence of the Lord. In other words, work is necessary for our progress and eventual exaltation. We have to earn our place. We must exert the necessary steps for progression, required to come up unto the Lord. Our late and beloved Prophet David O. McKay said, that temple ordinances are the, "step-by-step ascent into the eternal presence." (Mormonism Encyclopedia  pg 1444)

These observations are symbolic of the truthfulness and necessity that there is a continual need for  effort  to eventually ascend to the top! The reality of this observation  will especially be impressive to those who actually climb the great pyramids and realize the great amount of effort it is to ascend to the various levels on your way to the top where the temple once stood. Though difficult and challenging, it is a vivid lesson that one must continue upward, passing the lower levels along the way. Levels that could be representative of the Telestial and Terrestrial Kingdoms  to the return and presence of the Father and the Son in the Celestial Kingdom.

You will see these evidences manifest throughout Meso-America and even our own United States. Many of our own Native Americans were also known as, "Mound Builders." These post Book of Mormon (but not always!) archeological sites of mounds are found scattered throughout our land, from the West to the East and from the south to the land "Northward," being the central highlands of Mexico. These mounds of North America are mostly man made in the pyramidal design and shape and have a level summit, reached by long, outside stairways. Most archeologists agree that the majority of these ancient mounds were constructed for religious purposes and many had temples atop them! (See Virtual Tour or Gallery menu for photo of  a typical mound of North America.)

For your interest, I am affiliated with, "SWAT."  (South West Archeological Team). Unfortunately, personal time schedules have not allowed me to be involved lately with this noteworthy organization,  but they are currently working on a dig site in Mesa, Arizona, being one of the two remaining temple mounds of the Phoenix Valley. It is an active dig and referred to as, "The Temple Mound Mesa Grande." The only other example remaining in the area is found near the Phoenix International Airport and is called, "Pueblo Grande."  It is reported that there were originally over 20 of these temple mounds in the Phoenix Valley in Arizona. 

Many man made pyramids resemble small mountains. For example, in Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City, there are two very impressive pyramids. The one is called the Pyramid of the Sun, and the other,  the Pyramid of the Moon. These are literally man made mountains! The pyramid of the Sun is a massive 217 feet high and nearly 700 feet square at the base! 

Another pyramid found in Cholula, Mexico, is also an impressive 213 feet high! It is referred to by the local people as the, "Man Made Mountain." It took an estimated 50 million wheelbarrow loads of dirt, or 2 ½ million cubic yards of earth to build! Both of these pyramids are larger in volume than the great pyramids of Giza in Egypt! These impressive structures, as well as others throughout the land, originally housed temples atop them. They were mountains of the Lord's house!

During our travels and observations of these magnificent edifices, we will note immediately that in most cases, the many pyramids are void of the temple structures that originally adorned them. In some cases wherein the temple structures are present, they are often incomplete or in a state of near destruction. What is significant to understand is, that these temple buildings were attached to the pyramidal substructures following the construction of the pyramid. Of course, they were constructed of separated, self standing walls and ceilings, which made them very vulnerable to deterioration over literally hundreds of years of exposure to the elements, including wind, rain, sun and in some cases, even snow! 

But too, the pyramids as well as the beautiful temples that adorned them, were also victims of pillaging. Some were broken down intentionally for the convenient use of the used building materials that they provided to enable the construction of other buildings around the nearby community. Too, often captured cities, and especially religious edifices, were not only disassembled or destroyed, but often completely built over to eliminate any evidences of the captured civilization’s previous religious beliefs. We will see many examples of this, referred to as superimposition. In some cases, there are sites that we will visit, where there are evidences of previous construction, seven layers deep, all built one upon the other! Again, anything that could be loosened and removed was sometime taken when the fervor of religion was dying out or again in times of war and captivity. And in many cases, materials were taken when there was complete abandonment of a pyramid and temple, or an entire city. We read a great deal about evacuations during the wars of the people in the history part of the Book of Mormon civilizations.

 Interestingly enough, this same phenomenon was experienced by our Latter-day Saints of the early church while in the Eastern United States. Look what happened to our beautiful Nauvoo Temple when the church was forced to leave that community. It was totally destroyed! But taking a closer look around the newer sections of the City of Nauvoo today reveals some buildings with foundations of building stones that were taken from the disassembled Holy Temple! Why even some of the original red bricks from the prophet Joseph Smith’s store were taken and can be clearly identified today as part of the main wall structure of one or more of the later city’s buildings! And thus it was with many of the early temples of this land’s pyramids. 

During our visit to this, other holy land, we will see the pyramid of Acatitilan. And what a treat it is! Acatitilan is the only example of a totally and completely restored pyramid with the temple intact, of Aztec origin. Though being somewhat later than traditional Book of Mormon history and time zone, it is still, nonetheless, a very rare, and authentic representation of all early pyramids and temples as they once were. After all, it was constructed by the literal descendants of the Jaradite and Nephite peoples, and studies have shown that the original design of all pyramids in this ancient land originated with the earliest civilizations of this great people. 

So, the pyramids and mounds were built to duplicate mountains to the Lord, or a high place to build their temples for which to show respect and to worship and serve the Lord. Contrary to common belief, most were not burial chambers, but rather, a planned edifice to God.

This may spur a question as to the origin, concept and design of the pyramids as found in Meso-America, and why they  closely resemble the earliest examples of those found in ancient Egypt. 

Well, as members of the church and students of the Book of Mormon, we know the answer to that question don’t we! We know that the early Israelites lived in Egypt for many years. Many of the pyramids found in Egypt were old then! The Israelites learned well the ways of the Egyptians and brought many customs and influences with them on their journey to this land, including building design! We know the reality of their early Egyptian upbringing and exposure, as we read in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, “We write this record in reformed Egyptian."

We are a people few in this world who know with assuridy, the answer to this otherwise, " mystery," as to how and why there are pyramids on the Western Hemisphere, like unto those of the Eastern Hemisphere! (Not alone, the answer to the origin and demise of this once great people and civilization.)  Having this knowledge gives one kind of a special feeling doesn’t it!

The late Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, as well as other General Authorities and scholars within the church, agree in that, "Virtually all scriptures which refer to the, ‘Lord’s Mountain,’ are speaking of the temple."  So, when we read the term, "Mountain of the Lord’s House," it means literally, "The mountain where the Temple of God is." (Mormon Doctrine - Page 51.)

In the temple dedicatory prayer of our fourth temple, Elder Wilford Woodruff uttered these beautiful words: "O Lord, we regard with intense and indescribable feelings, the completion of this sacred house…in past ages thou didst inspire with thy Holy Spirit thy servants, the prophets, to speak of the time in the latter days when the mountain of the Lord’s house should be established in the tops of the mountains, and should be exalted above the hills." And it was. Even the building of our beautiful Salt Lake City temple! In the tops of the mountains - at an altitude of  5600 feet!

Now of special  note. We will observe ruins of ancient cities wherein there are several  mounds or smaller pyramids, all in concentrated areas of  one locale, which makes one wonder, why would there be so many, if they were indeed once used for temples? How many temples are needed in one city? This question is noteworthy for brief discussion. As in ancient times, the Lord gave explicit instructions, even to blue print quality, of how the temples were to be built. Even denoting specific dimensions as well as materials to be used. This practice was repeated in latter times with the Prophet Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. And other prophets of the restoration. The same types of revelations were given in the building of early latter day cities. You recall such detail as the streets to be wide enough for a team and wagon to be able to make a u-turn! 

Well, of specific interest in our discussion, such a revelation of  blue print quality and exactness was given to the Prophet Joseph for the building of the city of Zion. In that revelation we note a detail of amazing interest. Joseph wrote:

  " The plat contains one mile square; all forty rods square...Each lot is four perches in front and twenty back, making one half of an acre in each lot...The...squares in the middle are for public buildings...The first is for temples for the use of the presidency. [It is to contain 12 temples.] The whole plot is supposed to contain from fifteen to twenty thousand people; you will therefore see that it will require twenty-four buildings to supply them with houses of worship, schools, etc...."

The quote continues referring to barns and stables, farms not being laid off without going too great a distance from the city, etc. But of particular interest is the fact that Joseph also sent instructions for a temple in Zion that was actually to be twelve temples. Individual temples were designated for the presidency of the High Priesthood, the different priesthood quorums, and for other purposes. The Saints were instructed to begin with the temple for the presidency (Latter Day History pg.123).

We read in  Mormonism Encyclopedia, "Investigation of the oldest temples represented on prehistoric seals concludes that these structures were also "gigantic altars," built both to attract the attention of the powers above (the burnt offerings being a sort of smoke signal) and to provide, "the stairways which the god, in answer to prayers, used in order to descent to the earth, ...bringing a renewal of life in all its forms." (Amiet, cited in CWHN 4:360) From the first, it would seem, towers and steps for altars were built in the hope of establishing contact with heaven (Gen.11:4). A the same time, the temple is the place of meeting with the lower world and the one point at which passage between the two is possible. (pg 1460. (We must be reminded that the peoples of the Book of Mormon times, prior to the appearance of the Savior, practiced the law of Moses, which included animal sacrifices!)

The scriptures are literally filled with references verifying this important teaching and doctrinal symbolism. Here is only a sampling of those fascinating references for your study and enjoyment:

 Solomon's experience, "Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord...And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David, his father; only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place;..." (1 Kings 3: 2-4).

"Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." (2 Chronicles 3: 1).

"And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, ...and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord;..." (1 Kings 10: 4,5).

In Joel 3:17, 21, it reads, "I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, my Holy Mountain."  (The Lord dwells in His Holy Temple!)

"And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount; and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up."  (Exodus 19:20).

"And the Lord said unto Moses, come up to me into the mount, and be there; and Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua; and Moses went up into the mount of God"  (Exodus 24: 12,13).

Remember when all the people of Zarahemla gathered together, "…that they might go up to the temple and hear the words of King Benjamin." (Mosiah 1:13, 2:1,6)

 In Isaiah 18:7, we read wherein, " Mount Zion is the name of the place of the Lord of Hosts." (The House of the Lord - the Temple!) 

We also read in Isaiah 27:13: "Worship in the Holy Mount at Jerusalem." (Worship in the temple!)

And, "Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord..." (Isaiah 37: 14).

In Palms 15:1, David asks, "Who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" 

And later in Psalm 18:2, 6, "The Lord is...my high tower, ...he heard my voice out of his temple..."

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Proverbs 18: 10). (What a promise for the endowed and who have opportunity to attend the temple!)

And these sacred promises; "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:9). (Now ponder and enjoy these inspiring words from Elder Vaughn Featherstone, "The season of the world before us will be like no other in the history of mankind. Satan has unleashed every evil, every scheme, every blatant, vile perversion ever known to man in any generation. Just as this is the dispensation of the fullness of times, so it is also the dispensation of the fullness of evil...There is no safety in the world; wealth cannot provide it, enforcement agencies cannot assure it, membership in this Church alone cannot bring it. As the evil night darkens upon this generation, we must come to the temple for light and safety. In our temples we find quiet, sacred havens where the storm cannot penetrate to us. There are hosts of unseen sentinels watching over and guarding our temples. Angels attend every door. ...There will come a period of time where even the elect will lose hope if they do not come to the temples..." (Temple statement for Utah South, April 1987)

"For in this mountain shall the hand of the Lord rest..." (Isaiah 25:10).

"...but he that putteth his trust in me...shall inherit my holy mountain. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:13, 15).

And in Psalm 78:69, "And he built his sanctuary like high palaces..."

"And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. And he built his sanctuary like high palaces,..." (Psalm 78: 54, 69).

"The Brother of Jared did go forth unto the mount and converse with the Lord." (Ether 3:1.) Did Jared enter into a temple like, holy setting to speak with the Lord? Maybe. 

We read in 1 Nephi 13: 37, the beautiful and poetic words, "How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of Him that bringeth glad tidings." (A temple wherein the Savior has trod.) (Also see: 1 Nephi 17:7, 2 Nephi 4:25)

Ezekiel records in Chapter 20: 40, "In mine holy mountain serve me." (Serve the Lord in the Temple – be engaged in temple work!) (See  2 Nephi 5:16; 21:9; Jac.1:17; 2:2, 11) 

One of the first things accomplished following the split with Laman and Lemuel was to build a temple! And the record shows that nearly 500 years later the Nephites are known still to have had a temple. See Mosiah 1:18, 2:1-7; 7;17; 11:10-12; 19:5.))

"Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer." (Acts 3:1) (The Temple - also a place of prayer.) Alma 16:13 also.

As recorded in 2 Peter 1:18, Peter speaking said, "We were with Him in the holy mount."  (They attended the Temple with the Savior.) 

Nephi records in this stirring account found in 1 Nephi 18: 3, "And I Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft, unto the Lord: wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things." (Nephi was a temple worthy, attending man, who received great things within the Temple!)

 "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart." (Psalm 24:3-5.) (Does this special reference refer to the requirement for worthiness to enter into the temple of the Lord? Even the principle of Temple Recommend?)

Jacob speaks eloquently regarding his having received instructions in the temple, and then teaching others the same. And the importance of  plainness to those things learned in the temple. Notice, then the Lord tells him, "Jacob, go thou up into the temple..."  Beautiful! See Jacob 1:17; 2:11. Mosiah 1:18 ( And the building of synagogues to be built for the people to assemble themselves together. Of interest to note, there are many, many pyramidal structures found in close proximity in areas throughout the lands of Meso and South America . Does this possibly suggest various places of worship, even sacrifice, (remember, the early Nephites practiced the law of Moses prior to the personal appearance of the Savior) besides the other official doings of the temple? Local church buildings? (See Alma 21:20.)

We are speaking here of a type of spiritual, scriptural code aren’t we? The information of the temple is consistently scattered throughout the scriptures. Remember when the Savior learned of his cousin John’s death - it records, "That He went up to a mountain place alone." (Matthew 14:23) And even if this and some other references possibly don’t specifically apply to a formal temple, the message is still the same - the significance of a higher place. A place sacred and apart. A specific place of higher worship. 

Even Satan is aware of the similitude of a high place - even a mountain. Remember when he attempted to lead the Savior, "… up into an exceeding high mountain." And for what reason? To tempt Him. But  was Satan actually replicating a setting that was familiar to the Savior - even a high place to make the temptation even greater in familiarity or attraction? Even a mount? And then tempted Him with, "...kingdoms of the world." Sound familiar? See Matthew 14:23. (Old Scratch is a clever bounder isn't he! I like the quote of the late Ivan J. Barrett, when he said, "If you ever see Satan, just tell him where to go!")

We see the same symbolisms in:  
The Mount of Transfiguration - a most holy setting. 
The Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives whereupon our dear Savior gave unto mankind, the sacred principles of the atonement and unconditional love.. The Sermon on the Mount in Galilee, where wonderful principles were revealed by the Savior, known as the Beatitudes, or commonly referred to as the," Beautiful Attitudes.” These and other places like unto them signify holy places, wherein sacred occurrences take place. We note references made to, the top of Mount Moriah in the old city of Jerusalem. And maybe of special interest is the City of Enoch, ascending in righteousness. (See Moses 7:17-21.)

It was the very place where the Lord appointed Abraham to test his faith with his son Isaac. It is also the place David purchased for the site of the temple, on which his son Solomon built. It was called, " The Mountain of the House of the Lord." (The place of the Lord’s Holy Temple!)

Note the importance of the symbolism of the upper room, wherein the Savior chose to meet with his disciples and have the Last Supper, initiate the Sacrament for the first time, and teach them the great principle of love. It was the place of the washing of the feet. It was a place in an upper room wherein holy ordinances took place. Remember the poignant story of the young Prophet Joseph when he took some of the elect early leaders of the church to an upper room above his beloved, Red Brick Store in Nauvoo to share temple rites with them?

In 11 Nephi 12: 3, we read, "And it shall come to pass in the last days when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on top of the mountains…and many people shall go and say, come ye, and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his path." (What a wonderful reference referring to instructions, covenants and the importance of obedience, all taught within the Holy Temple then and now again, in the latter days! And don't miss this poignant passage as found in  1 Nephi 13:37. Oh my.

And so, we see clearly, that with so many pyramids throughout this great land of Meso-America, that we affectionately refer to as the other Holy Land, (as specifically mentioned in Enos 10),  even the land of the, "other sheep" of which the Savior spoke, that these people were a righteous, temple attending, covenant, and religious people, with temples all over the land, atop many of these  impressive pyramids and hilltops. (And isn’t it of special interest to note that the Latter Day Church is presently experiencing a fervent temple building program all over this country and  the world! Much like this great people and nation southward did so many years ago.
And wait until you see the life-sized stone effigy, which we recently discovered a trip or two ago, (carefully hidden away centuries ago  in a special room, just a short distance from a great temple,) which reveals without doubt, this faithful people’s knowledge of the truths and  sacred insights of temple ordinances and instruction, (only known to those who have had this great truth revealed to them, in His Holy House!) We will admire in sacred silence, awe, and special appreciation. We have reverently named it, 'The Temple Covenant Stone."

And what a blessing it is for us to have this rich Meso-American / Book of Mormon area as a resource to visit, study and enjoy and feel the rich spirit of. This once great and faithful civilization, so close and accessible. 

And may you personally enjoy the vision of it all, in its deepest and most profound measure, is my most sincere wish and prayer for you. 

Respectfully,

DON J. BLACK

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Now to those who wish to dig a little deeper , please enjoy this collection of  specific scriptural references and selected quotes  regarding the temple. Some references may come as bit of a surprise, especially  to realize that so much has actually been recorded in Holy Writ. References that were recorded literally thousands of years ago, regarding this sacred subject. During my discovery experience of many of these scriptures I was first amazed, then filled with a feeling of deep appreciation and assurance that these specific truths of the restoration are indeed complete and accurate  in every detail, from days of old to the latter-days.. Oh my, should we feel good!  Now please, enjoy:

"And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like  the engraving of a signet,  "HOLINESS TO THE LORD." (Exodus 28:36)

"And when some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem. offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place; They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments." (Ezra 2: 68, 69) (Individuals contributing to the needs of the temple program!)

"According to his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."  (II Peter 1: 3, 4) (also1-8 inclusive)

"Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace; And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood;..." (Numbers 25:12, 13)

"And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and thou shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. (Isaiah 62:2) 

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than that of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that will not be cut off." (Isaiah 56:5).

"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give  him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2 :17) 

"Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known. And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word." (D&C 130: 10, 11)

"Fig. 3. Is made to represent God, sitting upon his throne, clothed in power and authority; with a crown of eternal light upon his head; representing also the grand Key-words of the Holy Priesthood, as revealed to Adam in the Garden of Eden, as also to Seth, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, and all  to whom the Priesthood was revealed." (A FACSIMILE FROM THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM, Explanatiion , Pearl of Great Price.)

"Fig. 8. Contains writings that cannot be revealed unto the world; but is to be had in the Holy Temple of God." ( ibid)

"Thou hast a few names...which have not defiled their garments;  and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; " (Revelation 3:4, 5)

"Behold, I  come as a thief.  Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Rev. 16:15)

"And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garment, and anoint him and sanctify him, that he may minister unto me.... And thou shalt bring  his sons and clothe them with coats. And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me...; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations." (Exodus 40:12-15)

"And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. And ... clothed them with the robe..." (Lev. 8: 6,7) 

"Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood  from thee, and I  anointed thee with oil.. (Ezekiel 16:9)

"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins,* and clothed them." (*T.G.= "Garments.") (Exodus 19: 3) The Targums (Aramaic paraphrases of the Old Testament) teaches that these garments  were, "precious garments," or "glorious garments," or "garments of honor." A rabbinic  source asks, "And what were those garments?" The answer is, "The vestments of the High Priesthood, with which the Almighty clothed them." (Mormonism Encyclopedia, pg. 534)

"And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office. And the anointing oil...for the holy place; according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do." (Exodus 31:10, 11)

 "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty." (Exodus 28: 2) 

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness..." (Isaiah 61:10)

The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the "whole armor of God." (Eph. 6:13. and D&C 27:15) Mormonism. Encyclopedia, pg. 534.

"And thou shall make it an oil of holy ointment...it shall be an holy anointing oil." (Exodus 30:25) 

"Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head and anoint him...And thou shalt gird them with girdles ...and put  the bonnets on them;" (Exodus 29:7, 9) 

"...and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework" (Exodus 28: 39)

 "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." (1 Samuel; 16: 13. Also 1 Kings 1:39)

"Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them, then will I perform my word with thee..."(1 Kings 6:12) 

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name. And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people;" (D&C 124: 38 - 40)

"That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands. And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high. For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me." (D&C 105: 10-13)

"And he made a molten sea [cast baptismal font]...and it stood upon twelve oxen,  three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set above upon them, and all the hinder part were inward." ( 1 Kings 7: 23, 25)

"And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open , and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be a glorious throne to his father's house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house..." (Isaiah 22: 21 - 24)

"So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple; and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.... And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers; for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house...from the lowest chamber to the highest..."(Ezekiel 41: 4, 7) The Holy of Holies within the temple!

 Solomon's beautiful dedicatory prayer of the temple. (1 Kings 8:22-30)

"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant."    (Isaiah 24: 5)

"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing...be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Isaiah 52:11)

"...no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it.  ( D&C 109:20) "[That all] ...may worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." (Psalm 29) Thus the need and importance of a temple recommend to qualify individuals to enter into the house of the Lord.

"Because of the spiritual nature of temple activity, personal preparation is essential. Latter day Saints insist that temple ceremonies are sacred. This is consistent with ancient practice when, for example. only specifically  qualified persons were admitted into the holiest precincts of the Tabernacle. The functions of local Church leaders in issuing temple recommends is not only to establish the individual's  worthiness and preparation but also to assure the sanctity of the temple." (Mormonism Encyclopedia, pg. 1455)

"I say unto you, that the man that ...cometh out in open rebellion against God, ...becometh  an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples." (Mosiah 2:37).

"And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it; Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. But if it be defiled, I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into unholy temples." (D&D 97:15-17).

"Therefore remember O man,...wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before  the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God;..." (1 Nephi 10:20, 21).

"For thus saith the Lord God; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the everlasting covenants. Nevertheless, I will remember my covenant with thee...and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant." (Ezekiel 16:59, 60)

"They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and into an oath to walk in God's law, which was given  by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord,  our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;" (Nehemiah 10:29)

"Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:15-17) (The special blessings and watching over upon temple workers!)

"Therefore there was a law given them, yea a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him." (Mosiah 13:30)

And Ezekiel 47: 1-8, etc. (A  lengthy, symbolic discourse on the increase of knowledge each time we attend the temple!)

The sealing keys restored by Elijah. (Mal. 4:5,6)

To point out the sacred and holy nature of the human body, the Lord calls it a temple. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Cor. 3:16,17) 

"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110: 4) 

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths . It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to they brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matt.5:23,24). The importance of attending the temple without ill feelings toward another.

For it is required of those who enter the house of the Lord to have, "clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:4) and a, "broken  heart and a contrite spirit." (3 Nephi 9:20).

"For I am the Lord. I change not; ...Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:6,7)

"Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly." (Joel 2:15)

"It is absolutely necessary that the Saints should receive the further ordinances of the house of God before this short existence shall come to a close, that they may be prepared and fully able to pass all the sentinels leading into the celestial kingdom and into the presence of God. (Disc. of B.Y. 3:195, 12:163-164.)

"Then go on and build the temples of the Lord, that you may receive the endowments in store for you, and possess the keys of the eternal Priesthood, that you may receive every word, sign, and token, and be made acquainted with the laws of angels, and of the kingdom of our Father and our God, and know how to pass from one degree to another, and enter fully into the joy of your Lord."  (ibid 2:315)

"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High." (Psalm 82: 6).

"As great many of you have had your endowments, and you know what a vote with uplifted hands means. It is a sign which you make in token of your covenant with God and with one another, and it is for you to perform your vows. When you raise  your hands to heaven and let them fall and then pass on with your covenants unfulfilled, you will be cursed. I feel sometimes like lecturing men and women severely who enter into covenants without realizing the nature of the covenants they make, and who use little or no effort to fulfill them." (ibid 10:309)

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary." (Psalm 134:2)

"That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High-" (D&C 109:9)

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught: "If we go to the temple we raise our hands and covenant that we will serve the Lord and observe his commandments and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. If we realize what we are doing then the endowment will be a protection to us all our lives - protection which a man who does not go to the temple does not have. I have heard my father [President Joseph F. Smith] say that in the hour of trial, in the hour of temptation  he would think of the promises, the covenants that he made in the House of the Lord, and they were a protection to him...This protection is what these ceremonies are for, in part. They save us now and they exalt us hereafter, if we will honor them." (The Pearl of Great Price," Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, July 1930, p. 103).

"Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell." (Disc. of  B.Y. page 416)

[Sometime in  the year 1843] "As the apostles returned to Nauvoo from their ministry abroad, Joseph Smith administered to them the ordinances of the endowment. During this lengthy prayer meeting (from 1:00 to 6:00) in the assembly room over the store, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith and Orson Spencer received their endowments and further instruction in the priesthood. Thirty five others were present. At the beginning of this prayer meeting the Prophet said to the brethren: "...There is something going to happen; I don't know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you your endowment before the temple is finished." After conducting them through every ordinance of the holy priesthood, he rejoiced and, feeling as though a great burden were lifted, said:

"Now if they kill me you have got all the keys, and all the ordinances and you can further them upon others, and the hosts of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you will be able to build it up...On your shoulders will be the responsibility of leading this people, for the Lord is going to let me rest a while. You must round up your shoulders and bear it; for I have had to do it until now. But now the responsibility rests upon you."

He then conferred on Brigham Young, the president of the Twelve, the keys of the sealing power, as had been bestowed upon him by Elijah, in order to, "seal the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse." "This last key of the priesthood," said Parley P. Pratt, who witnessed this conferment, "is the most sacred of all, and pertains exclusively to the first presidency of the church, without whose sanction and approval or authority, no sealing blessing shall be administered pertaining to things of the resurrection and the life to come."

Among the chosen ones to receive the ordinances of the endowment before the temple was completed were certain wives of the Apostles. Bathsheba W. Smith, the wife of the Prophet's cousin, George A. Smith, was one of these favored ones. Near the close of 1843 she received her anointings in a room in Emma Smith's house. Emma was the first female ordinance worker, and later Elisabeth Ann Whitney was appointed the second. The same day Bathseheba Smith and her husband had all the blessings of the endowment given them in the upper room over the Prophet's store. All the endowments  were given under the direction of Joseph Smith... After living in Utah for many years, Bathsheba Smith declared that the endowment ceremonies administered in the Endowment House in Salt Lake and in the St. George Temple were the same as those she had received under the hand of the Prophet Joseph in Nauvoo." (Now I apologize for not posting the reference of this marvelous information that we found  during our studies while on  our recent CES mission.. I misplaced it somewhere along the way and will find it and post it at a later date. Sorry.)

"The ordinances of the house of God are for the salvation of the human family. We are the only ones on the earth at the present time, that we have any knowledge of, who hold the keys of salvation committed to the children of men from the heavens by the Lord Almighty; and  inasmuch as there are those who hold these keys, it is important that they should be acted upon for the salvation of the human family. (Disc. of  B.Y. as found in, Temples And Salvation For The Dead, pp 396, 397).

We hope that you enjoyed this beautiful collection of references pertinent to  the temple and its holy ordinances. There are still many, many others not included in this study, that I invite you to enjoy the thrill of discovery as well. 

Thank the Lord for his holy temples upon the earth.  And a Prophet  today so inspired from that same Lord to build them world wide for all to employ and enjoy. Such important work!

We hope that you and yours will one day find it possible to join us on this great and sacred adventure of visiting and exploring these ancient temple sites of the  lands of the Book of Mormon, the other Holy Land, upon which the Savior of mankind personally visited and instructed his," other sheep."