Temple Blessings

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the Prophet and 12 Apostles just like the Church of Jesus Christ in the days of the original Apostles. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, wrote in the Ensign about the purpose and blessings of the temple.

Just as the Jewish Temple differed from the Jewish Synagogue, the Restored LDS Temple differs from the LDS Chapel. President Uchtdorf related his first time attending the temple at the age of 16. He grew up in Communist-controlled East Germany at the time and it was a (then) rare opportunity to have travel papers approved to travel to the nearest LDS temple in Switzerland. President Uchtdorf related how he would never forget the feelings he had as he and his family surrounded the temple alter and received the wonderful priesthood promise that his family would be together in this life and in the next--Together Forever.

President Uchtdorf made some other interesting observations. He said that crossing national boarders to receive temple blessings was analogous to how the temple has the power to cross the boundaries of death and eternity to seal families together forever. He said that even if our circumstances do not allow us to attend the temple, members of the church should live worthy to hold a current temple recommend. President Uchtdorf said that the temple and people keeping and living the covenants of the temple is God's way of spreading righteousness, peace, and His Kingdom on the Earth.

“Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed … lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness.” --President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), First Counselor in the First Presidency