My Thoughts on God's Temple

Gorgeous Pictures of the Temple!

I was able to go through the House of the Lord yesterday, January 3, 2015. It was a special day spent with my family. I wrote my feelings before and after going through the temple.

BEFORE
I am learning the great importance of having a missionary go through the temple before they leave on their missions. Going through the temple, for a part of it, is all about commitments. As missionaries, we will commit people to be baptized. I always thought this to be a scary prospect. And I wondered how I would react had I not already been a member and was being taught by the missionaries. Now, I am beginning to understand.

Temples covenants are a big commitment. It is not merely a "go for a day and return to life the way it was" mini vacation in a pretty, castle-like building. It is a way of life. A new, higher way of life. One that you cannot go back from. But, after you know and understand and learn of the blessings, do you really want to go back? I think not.

Sometimes, I think of those worldly or carnal desires that I will supposedly be "missing out on" by choosing this life. And I can't even begin to see how they can compare, and I don't even fully understand the blessings I am to receive.

"Look unto me in every though; doubt not, fear not."

Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

This scripture is appropriate for today's feelings. As is this one:

"...And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."

1 Nephi 16:29

The temple, I am told, is symbolic. By small and simple symbols, great blessings are brought to pass. So, I choose this life. A life more fully lead by a God who knows and loves me. Doubt not. Fear not. But be BELIEVING.

AFTER

My thoughts on God's Temple is that it is God's, and how we worship therein is different then how we would worship in Christ's Church.. The way of worship is different because of the way of things. God and Jesus are two separate beings and are worshiped in different ways. While they are of the same purpose, God is Christ's father, and therefore deserves a higher respect and form of worship. How we worship God and Christ pertains to things temporal and spiritual.

The Three Kingdoms of Glory, talked about a lot in the temple, is the way that I have begun to best understand the worship, or patterns of worship within the temple.

People of the world--The Telestial-- know no form of worship. That which they do know is turned toward nature or some unseen power they can sense, but cannot understand. (D&C 76: 97-101)

The People of the Church--The Terrestrial--know the worship of Christ. The Sacrament, The Atonement. Baptism for the Remission of Sins. Prayer to a real, definite being who they love and cherish: Christ, their brother, their Savior, their friend. (D&C 76:76-77. Author's Note: Technically those belonging to Christ's Church are part of the Celestial Kingdom :) Please, don't consider what is written here on this blog as doctrine! It's just food for thought ;) Bon Appetite!)

Then there are those who are worthy to enter the temple. Their testimonies are founded on Christ, and they are ready to further that testimony with the addition of learning more about their God, their Father. These are the Celestial. Worship will not be the same as those of the Telestial or the Terrestrial, but do of course build off of the Terestrial. It is not like Church, because, because of the nature--the Celestial nature--it cannot be like Church. When we are given more, more is required of us. (D&C 76: 62-70)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. "

John 14:27

Go to the temple! And go often! If you're not ready, get ready! There is so much to learn! It is different, but it supposed to be! It's not a secret, it's just sacred! Choose this life! So many blessings are in-store for you! This is God's House. 

Love,

Hermanita Holly Howell