Old Testament Type

The stories of the Old Testament are a type and shadow of the Last Days. First we see the higher covenant being given to Abraham. The covenant continues through Isaac and Jacob. However, we then see Joseph sold into Egypt. While in Egypt, Joseph serves to save the rest of the house of Israel from the famine. Safe in Egypt, it seems that Israel doesn't take long to fall into a period of apostasy. If Israel had remained faithful to the Lord, I am sure that God would have not suffered that His covenant poeple would fall into captivity. After a period of apostasy and captivity in Egypt, then we see the rise of Moses who leads Israel out of Egypt and promises to renew with them the coveants that God made with Abraham. However, the people rebell and are hard-hearted. Consequently, instead of renewing the higher Abrahamic Covenant, God gives Israel a preparatory Law of Moses which was to point them and prepare them to receive Jesus Christ who would later renew the Abrahamic Covenant to His people. lsrael would be required to wander in the wilderness in Sinai for 40 years, and then wait over one thousand more years for Christ's coming.

How does the Old Testament Story relate to the Last Days? In my mind, there is a clear parallel here. Abraham is a type of Christ. So, God's establishment of a higher covenant with Abraham is akin to God's establishment of the same higher covenant through His Son Jesus Christ. That covenant continues for a short time until the people quickly fall into apostasy. Hundreds of years later, God would raise up a Moses to save the people from spiritual bondage. In the Last Days, our Moses is Joseph Smith. However, like the Israelites at the time of Moses, the Latter-Day Saints needed some time to grow in faith and obedience. The Latter-Day Saints enjoy the blessings of the higher Abrahamic Covenant and the fullness of the gospel of Christ, but we were not strong enough to establish a perfect Zion society at the time of Joseph Smith. So, the Latter-Day Saints are wandering through a metaphorical wilderness awaiting the coming of Jesus Christ who will ushur in a thousand-year period of peace on the Earth. However, like Joseph in Egypt, we have and will continue to see the saving of the remnant of the House of Israel from spiritual famine by modern day Ephraim.

And, through the power of God and direct assistance of heaven, the LDS Church has been and will continue to lay the foundations of the Kingdom of God on the Earth. Isaiah likened Zion to a tent. His instructions for Israel to prepare for the coming of the Messiah was for Zion to "put on righteousness", "expand her boarders", and "strengthen her stakes." Modern spring-bar tents are set up by placing the poles first. However, when pitching a tent in ancient times, you started by driving in the stakes first before you placed the center pole. If you were to place the poles first in an ancient tent without first having placed the stakes, the center pole wouldn't have any opposing force to keep it standing and the the pole and tent would immediately fall. This is why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refer to groups of congregations as "Stake of Zion." Christ is the center pole, Zion or the Kingdom of God is the tent, and the LDS Church is rolling out and expanding the borders of the tent, and preparing and strengthening the stakes before the Second Coming of Christ when finally the Kingdom of God will be fully and gloriously realized.

Old Testament
Abraham
Egyptian Captivity
Moses
Law of Moses
Babylonian Captivity
Jesus Christ First Coming

New Testament
Jesus Christ
Great Apostacy
Joseph Smith
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[Babylonian Captivity?]
Jesus Christ Second Coming

OT vs. NT Temple

A friend of mine was questioning the purpose of the LDS Temple. To him, believing in Jesus Christ should be enough without needing anything else for salvation. For my friend, if Christ is our only mediator with God the Father, then what purpose is a temple?

In response, I told him he was being too concrete about the NT temple ceremony. Christ said he would reveal the mysteries of the kingdom in parables. Consequently, being concrete about the temple demonstrates how you easily many look past the spiritual significance and meaning behind the ritual.

According to Acts 2, the temple as well the Lords Supper remained a central part of Early Christian worship. In fact, Acts 2:44-47 says that it is a benefit of temple attendance and regular observance of the Lord's Supper that empowers the Early Christian Saints in their ability to eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart, praise God, find favour with all the people, and add to the church daily. After the temple was destroyed in AD 79, we see the church begin to go into decline and Apostasy. How can I prove the Apostasy? We no longer live with all things in common. The covenant of consecration/sanctification is the NT temple covenant that Christ revealed to the rich young man when He said, "If thou wilt be perfect, sell all that thou hast, give to the poor, and come and follow me." The Story of communalism is the story of Thanksgiving and also big part of the Early days of the LDS Church.

Acts 2:44-47 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Yes, Joseph Smith did borrow or was inspired by a few elements of the Masonic Ritual. He was impressed by how the ritual symbolism placed the most educated and uneducated on an equal level. The man plowing the field could learn truth along with the most educated.

The endowment ceremony is represented in scripture in other forms such as the vision of Lehi/Nephi, the vision of Moses, King Benjamin's speech, and Christ's covenant people speech among others. The symbol and ritual used may be different, but what is being taught is the same.

But most make the mistake of thinking that Masonic and LDS ritual teach the same thing. They do not. Equating them other than superficially would be like saying a powerpoint presentation on Biology was teaching the same thing as a powerpoint on Art History.

In the OT temple, only the high priest representing Christ was able to pass through the veil once a year. That priest dressed in white and passed through a thick 3-4 inch veil with embroidered angels representing the angels who guard the way of the tree of life.

In the NT temple, the veil is thin and almost see through. The veil has perforations which allow people to pass representing the torn veil at Christ's death. FYI, the Bible said the veil was torn, it does not say the veil fell down as it was hanging up like a curtain.

A person representing Jesus Christ is the only one that stands on the other side of the veil representing that Christ has been the only one who was able to pass through the veil. The true believers are washed, anointed, and clothed in white clothing (sanctification) as the OT high priest, and they are brought through the veil by Christ who was the first. The other assistants at the veil on our side of the veil represent the embroidered angels who stand in the way of the tree of life. Except now they help us and present us at the veil instead of impede our access to it.

But it is only Christ alone that has bridged the gulf between God the Father and Man that brings us through the veil into the presence of the Father.

Other Notes

Many Evangelicals rejection of priesthood, church organization, and gifts of God come down to a reactionary response and rejection of the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Because they do not accept Papal authority, they interpret the Bible to say anything having to do with hierarchy, authority, and gifts has been done away. This includes the temple.

Acts 2:44-47 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The Bible contains many details about the temple such as the OT veil was 4in thick with embroidered seriphs representing the angels who guard the way of the tree of life after the Fall 0f Adam and Eve.

We know the temple will be rebuilt but in the Last Days unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people instead of only one nation, kindred, tongue and people.

The NT veil is white, thin, and has partitions representing the torn veil and that the atonement of Christ has bridged the chasm between God and man. Now all Gods children can become sanctified and pass through the veil and past the angels into the presence of God and partake of the tree of life.

Remember Rev 1-3 and the promises of John to those that have have overcome the world have have not themselves been overcome: they are promised to be made kings and priests unto God, to eat of the tree of life, to be given "hidden manna", to be given a new name, and to be blessed to sit with Christ in His throne with Him. These promises are realized in the NT Temple.

In the OT temple the priests wore multicolored robes and undergarments and only the high priest once a year was permitted to be washed and annointed to pass into the holie of holies. Now through Christ and the higher covenant, all of Gods children are blessed to wear white robes, and pass through the veil into Gods presence through Christ.

John asks who are all these people dressed in white robes. The angel said, these are they who have sanctified themselves and washed their garments white in the blood of the lamb and serve day and night in His temple.

The veil doesn't separate. There are partitions. But obviously, you aren't in the presence of the Father at this moment. The temple symbolically represents the promise and process of actuually entering into heaven into the presence of the Father.
You are being too concrete. The temple is a parable. The veil represents the actual reality that you and I are not in heaven with the Father right now. A person representing the Lord Jesus Christ at the veil represents that only Jesus Christ can bring us through the veil into the presence of God.

1. Christ said he would reveal the mysteries of the kingdom in parables is the wicked would not understand them because they don't pay enough attention to the meaning behind the story. The LDS temple is a parable. 1. Matt 13:11. Luke 8:10

2. You are not literally in heaven seeing the Father in the flesh with your natural eyes. So, therefore there is a veil present currently in this sense.

3. The person at the veil represents the Lord Jesus Christ at the veil at the Final Judgement. What happens is all symbolic. Don't get so concrete about it. The symbolic meaning of what is happening is what is important over the concrete symbols themselves.

You miss the whole point of the OT temple. The shortcoming of the OT temple was that only one person per year was able to pass into the Holy of Holies.

Now in the NT temple everyone can be washed and annointed, dressed in white priesthood robes like the priests and be brought through the veil by Christ who was the first, and who tore the veil to make a way for the rest of us to pass through.

Remember Paul said the Levitical Priesthood had not the power to make one perfect else why would another priest arise after the Order of Melchesidek. Ie Christ.

Therefore Christ was the first to pass into the presence of the Father and has made a way for the rest of us to become sanctified and pass as He has done.

As far as the oaths associated with the temple covenants, they were a reminder of the example of Annanias and Sopphira who broke the higher covenant of sanctification/consecration by withholding a portion and were struck dead by God. That's kind of a OT thing for God to do in Acts. But this part of the older temple ritual just reminds us of the spiritual consequences of breaking our covenants. Again these are just ritual symbolism teaching something symbolically.

Joseph Smith confessed he was impressed by the Masonic ritual and how it taught abstract truth using ritual symbolism to the learned and refined as well as the unlearned and illiterate. So, yes Joseph Smith felt inspired to barrow the system the same way your preacher may give a lecture using Microsoft Powerpoint. If you were to see a lecture on Biology and History, you may assume the same thing was being taught if you only focused in the laser pointer dark room and slides. Conversely, the message of the Masonic ritual and the LDS temple is totally different.

The LDS temple is about Jesus Christ and tells the story of creation, fall, our separation from God and the Tree of Life, and the plan of salvation by which through Christs atonement we can receive the higher covenant and become prepared and sanctified, to again enter I to the presence of the Father through Christ. Realizing Gods love for you through His plan gives you an eternal perspective that empowers that person to resist sin better.

The message of the Masonic ritual is about Hyrim Abiff and becoming a better man, citizen by learning about Gods charactistics as a creator, how God brings order to chaos, and by contemplating ones death to acheive a higher perspective.

Christ stands at the veil and makes us worthy. Those who follow Christ are washed and anointed and clothed in beautiful white robes. We are then brought through the partitioned veil by Christ. Again, the temple is a parable, don't get too concrete about it. It's symbolically teaching this.

How welcome are the poor, the fatherless and the widow without means to travel around the world to the temple. In the Last Days, the NT Temple is being made available to all people, nations kindreds and tongues, and even the poor, fatherless, widows, etc. Everyone is invited and if they have faith in Christ, He will empower anyone to forsake the sins listed in 1 Cor 5

Paul says is any man be called a brother who is guilty of: Fornication, Covetness, Idolatry, Railing, Drunkenness, Extortion

These should receive correction, disipline and assistance by the Church or be cast out. False religion speaks nothing of these sins and continues to serve the flesh and blood of the Lords Supper to those who are unworthy or unrepentant.

This sin is called priestcraft, or gainsaying and is represented by Aaron who took the gold of the Israelites and made them a false God so they could defile themselves.

The OT Temple was given to one nation=Israel
The OT Temple was given to one kindred=Abraham,Isaac, Jacob
The OT Temple was given to one tongue=Hebrew
The OT Temple was given to one people=Israelites
John saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven with the seal of God and everlasting gospel to give to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

The NT Temple is given to All Nations
The NT Temple is given to All Kindreds
The NT Temple is given to All Tongues
The NT Temple is given to All Peoples

and the Last shall be first and the first shall be Last. After the NT temple has been built to all nations, it will finally be rebuilt in Jerusalem to the Jews.

Eternal Marriage vs Eternal Unions

Today we are faced with the issue of civil unions vs. traditional marriage. For the most part, while most Christians do not approve of homosexual behavior or same-sex unions, we do love them as our brothers and sisters and agree that these couples who desire to live together should be afforded most all the same benefits as a married couple.

But you can't give all the benefits of traditional marriage to a civil union, or then it would be traditional marriage just called by a different name. So, then what is the one thing that differentiates traditional marriage from a civil union. I believe that one thing that differentiates civil unions from traditional marriage is the primary right to bare, adopt, and raise children. Again, I would define traditional marriage as being between a man and a women for the purposes of creating a family unit prepared to receive children if they do come along either biologically, by adoption, through familial and neighborly influence, or in expectation and hope of eternal parenting and nurturing future souls in the next life.

While the issue of same-sex marriage is considered the civil rights issue of our generation, I think the rights that are not being considered here are the rights of child to be raised by both a mother and a father. I believe it to be the right of all children to be raised in a home with both a father and a mother. Since, Civil unions do not provide this right, therefore, I think that they are different and should be regulated different from traditional marriage.

Now, it is true that there are many children in need of adoption. Especially in Haiti. Therefore, just because a child cannot have the ideal situation, we don't need to throw out the next best thing or even the 5th best just because it is not the ideal. So, it may be better that a child be adopted by a same-sex couple then not have any parents. That said, I do not support same sex couples using sperm donors and surrogates. Purposefully creating a child in this way to be raised by a same-sex couple is a clear violation of that child's right. However, if a child has already been born and has no caregivers, a same-sex home may be a satisfactory alternative.

Understanding the difference between Civil Unions and Traditional Marriage really helped me understand the purpose of Eternal Marriage in the LDS Church. The LDS church has always believed that all those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior will be saved. The only caveat to this is that while many will be saved, not everyone will receive the same rewards or gifts. And while all rewards or gifts are freely offered, they must be accepted. And it is the LDS view that those Christians who reject the LDS gospel and LDS temple marriage, are not rejecting heaven, but just rejecting a specific crown/reward/seat/kingdom/glory/gift/reward in heaven. We call this gift exaltation.

But Christians and LDS know that if both they and their spouse are believers and truly born again, then they will both be in heaven. And being in heaven will not dilute that relationship. We will still know as we are known,, and know as we know now. Joseph Smith taught that the same sociality that exists here will exist there except it will be coupled with eternal glory. Therefore, our love for Christ and others will not dilute our love for our family and our spouse, but it will magnify that love forever. So, naturally we can expect that families will voluntarily choose to remain together even without LDS eternal marriage. So what is difference with LDS eternal marriage?

The blessing of LDS eternal marriage is found in its purpose. Remember the primary purpose of marriage is to raise children up unto the Lord biologically or by adoption or by influence. Therefore, I believe the blessing of Eternal marriage involves being blessed to participate with God in His work of eternal parenting . The most sacred work of God and His most sacred title is that of Father. Eternal Life is the promise of coming to know God. I'm not sure how one could come to know God unless they were blessed to serve God in the kind of work that God does. Therefore, I believe that while all Christians may enjoy a form of eternal union with their spouse, and family, only those who are willing to receive the gift of LDS eternal marriage will be blessed with the opportunity to adopt self-existent spirits and nurture them and prepare them prior to being born into an Earth-like experience.

While many critics of the LDS church make LDS eternal life and exaltation sound strange, I think when it is understood that the spirits of all man are eternal and self-existent and have no beginning and no end, it is more understandable that each of us as a self-existent and co-eternal intelligence were adopted spirit children of God and nurtured by eternal parents before coming to Earth and being born to and nurtured by earthly parents. In the next life, those who receive it, will be blessed to continue to work of creation, and eternal parenting with our Heavenly Father through the blessing of LDS Eternal Marriage.

Christ was asked on one occasion by a Jewish Man if a Jewish Woman married 7 brothers according to the law of Levarite Marriage, in the resurrection, whose would she be. Jesus responded that the man denied the power, and that those worthy to obtain that world would be as the angels and not married nor given in marriage. Many see this as saying there is no marriage in heaven. But this is forgetting who Christ is talking to and about. The Jews were were offered but rejected the higher covenant. The Jews turned down eternal marriage. Consequently, those worthy to receive this lesser world/crown/seat/glory/reward/kingdom/seat/mansion would be like the angels and not married but maybe just enjoy a eternal union.

However, Heb 1 says that Christians through the sealing keys given to Peter that whatsoever is bound on Earth is bound in heaven are promised to be glorified together with Christ who was made higher than the angels and given a more excellent name than they. Therefore, Christs answer to the Jew about the Jew doesn't apply to Christians who do not deny the power of Christ, and who are willing to receive the blessing of LDS Eternal Marriage. According to Gal 4, Some who are saved will be considered children of the bondwoman Hagar, while others are called children of the promise. Again, Jews didn't have eternal marriage so as Christ said, the Jewish woman in question would not be married to any of the 7 brothers in the next life. But the important point here is that this restriction in Luke 20:35 doesn't apply to Christians because Christians are promised to be made higher than the angels and will receive a far better world/reward/gift/kingdom/crown than the Jewish woman because of Christ.

Heb 1: 5 , 13-14 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?. . . But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. . . Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Old Temple Covenant vs. New Temple Covenant

Many Christians misunderstand LDS doctrine because much of it is sanctification focused while evangelical doctrine tends to be more justification focused. This focus on sanctification through the grace and power of Christ's atonement is evident in our name as "Latter-day Saints." Our sanctification doctrine is also reflected in and is a product of the LDS Temple. The whole purpose of the New Testament Temple and its associated ordinances and covenants is Christ preparing man after they have come unto Christ to enter into the presence of the Father through complete sanctification. While justification describes the initial rescue from sin by the mercy alone of Christ; Sanctification is the process by which the believer, through Christ, finally reaches the point at which they have lost all desire for sin. Satan has lost all power over them, and they have developed complete mastery over all the appetites of the flesh. Also, they have completely surrendered their will to God and only desire to do His righteous will continually.

When Moses was invited by God to receive and re-establish the higher covenant of Abraham, he and all the Elders of Israel were invited up into the mountain. God wanted a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Ex 19:6). But the Elders were afraid of God and told Moses to speak to God for them (Ex 20:19). The Elders told Moses, "You go Moses, and we'll stay here." However, while Moses was away, because Moses "delayed" his coming, the Elders and the people backslid into the practiced priestcraft and idolatry by making a golden calf and worshiping it through sexual sin. This is a type of the Last Days. Aaron becomes a type of the Anti-Christ who receives filthy lucre (gold) and administers a false religion to the people. Then God warns Moses to "hasten" and hurry down because the people were defiling themselves. Catching the people in sin suddenly like a thief in the night, Moses broke the tablets of the higher covenant. God then gave Israel a preparatory covenant instead of what was originally given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now the New and Everlasting Covenant is extended to the Gentiles and all Gods people are again invited up to the mountain to be made kings and priests unto God, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people (1 Pet 2:9).

Old and Preparatory Temple Covenant
The purpose of the OT temple was to make Israel ashamed and remind them of their sinfulness and the need for a Savior and point them to Jesus Christ.
Ezek 43:10 Ezekiel is shown the temple and commanded to "measure the pattern", form, fashion, ordinances, covenants, comings in, goings out, etc
Heb 7:11 The Levitical priesthood and covenant does not perfect or sanctify only the higher or Melchizedek priesthood and temple covenant can sanctify.
Temple only given to one nation, kindred, tongue and people and Priesthood only given to one tribe.
Temple priests wore robes and undergarments of blue, red, gold, and purple to represent their sins (coats of many colors)
Veil was 4 in thick, 60 ft high, and embroidered with angels who stood in the way like the Seraphim to guard the way of the tree of life or the Holy of Holies.
Animals were sacrificed pointing to the great and last sacrifice by Jesus Christ
Once a year only the high priest dressed in white and was washed and anointed to enter into the Holy of Holies and pass by the angels through the veil.
To enter the OT temple a Jew must meet specific criteria of outward cleanliness

New and Everlasting Temple Covenant
The purpose of the New Testament Temple is to bring us from Christ to the Father through purification and sanctification
Ezek 37:26-29 Israel promised the Everlasting Covenant and temple (tabernacle and sanctuary) in the Last Days to purify and sanctify Israel.
Rev 14:6 Another angel to deliver the everlasting gospel and covenant to all kindred, nations, tongues and peoples
Members of all 12 tribes are made kings and priests unto God and not just one tribe
Those who "overcometh" are made kings and priests unto God, given "hidden manna", and a "new name" and dressed in "white robes" and blessed to "eat of the tree of life" according with the words of John in Revelations Ch 1-3
The first shall be last and the last shall be first, the temple and covenant will go to the gentiles first and then to the Jews last when the temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem.
All members are made Priests in the New Testament Temple are washed and anointed and dressed in white robes symbolizing they have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Rev 7:14 John in Revelations asked who are all these people dressed in white robes in the temple and told they are those who have come out of or through the tribulation turbulence and have washed or sanctified their robes through the blood of Christ.
The veil of the temple is almost see though, and has partitions so that we can easily pass through symbolizing the torn veil at Christs death
Temple workers representing angels serve to help us through the veil instead of prevent our passage
Rev 3:5 Christ promises to confess our name to the Father and to the angels
To enter the NT temple a Christian must meet specific criteria of inward cleanliness (1 Cor 5:11)
The covenants, sacrifice, and ritual help you be a better person, become better sanctified, and lose desire for sin via 3 motivations and 3 mechanism:

3 Motivations for Sanctification
1. Awe, fear, and reverence of the power of God (Eccl. 12: 13)
2. Plan of Salvation and promise of reward (Heb. 11: 6)
3. Love of God for you. (1 Jn 4: 7-8)

3 Mechanisms for Sanctification
1. Sacrifice of will via the covenant of consecration (Matt 19:21) "if thou wilt be perfect"
2. Remembering Christ's Atonement (Luke 22:19)
3. The Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6:11)

Why Temples?

pWhat's the big deal about temples? Why did God command Moses and the Israelites to build a tabernacle in the wilderness, and why did God command Solomon to build the first temple at Jerusalem and later command Zerrubabel to rebuild it? Was the point of the temple just to have a place to perform the required ordinances and ritual sacrifice of the Law of Moses? Was the point of the temple just to create a concrete point of worship for Israel? Some Christians claim that the need for a temple is now obsolete. They say the temple was old school and old testament. Now, since Christ has fulfilled the Law of Moses, our spiritual focus of worship should be Jesus Christ alone and not associated with any building. And besides, God tore the veil from top to bottom and the scriptures say God does not dwell in temples built by men's hands. Christ is our temple now.

Acts 17: 24 (Acts 7: 48) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Acts 17:24 is being said by Stephen to the Pharisees to remind them that God's presence was not in Herod's temple which wasn't built by the command of God but by the whims of Herod who tore down the second temple of Zarrubabel. Nevertheless, Christ is our temple. There is no denying that. Christ is the main spiritual meaning associated with the sacred structure. But what of the physical building itself. While some say the temple has no more righteous purpose, they misunderstand the major purpose why God himself commands and builds these structures. The problem with discounting the future role of the temple, is that the Bible foretells that God will rebuild His temple in the Last Days. And not just the one temple in Jerusalem, but temples will be built to every nation, kindred, tongue and people (Isa 2:1-2, Micah 4:1-2, Ezek 37:26-28, Rev. 7: 15, Rev 14:6).

But what of the real purpose of the temple? Why would the temple be important after Christ has already come? What could God need with a building? To understand the purpose of the temple, we need to go back to the days of Moses when God was attempting to establish His covenants with the people of Israel. What we see here is God raising up and preparing Moses to lead His covenant people out of bondage in Egypt. But when we look closely at the story, we see God did not intend for Moses to be the only one who would talk with God and everyone else would get God's word second-hand from Moses. What we see before the lesser covenant was made with Israel was that God wanted to establish a personal relationship with each individual person. God wanted everyone to climb the mountain and speak with Him. As Moses confessed, God wanted everyone in Israel to be a prophet, priest and king.

Num. 11: 29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

Ex. 19: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Unfortunately, a kingdom of prophets, priests, and kings is not what happened. After God invited all the elders up into the mountain with Moses, the people refused. The people feared the Lord and told Moses to go up for them. I am sure our Father in Heaven was disappointed. But not as disappointed as he was at what Israel did next. While Moses was up in the mountain, the people got impatient and said Moses delayeth his coming. Thinking Moses wasn't going to return, Israel convinced Aaron make a golden calf to worship. Upon Moses return, and finding the people worshipping an idol, Moses smashed the plates containing the higher covenant and went back into the mountain and received the lesser or preparatory covenant known as the Law of Moses


Ex. 20: 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

So, what does the story of Moses in the mountain have to do with Latter-day temples? Temples are called by Isaiah, the mountain of the Lords House. In the same way God wanted every Israelite to go up into the mountain and speak with Him face to face, God desires a personal relationship with each of us. God doesn't just want one person to be the preacher and everyone else to get His word second-hand. God wants a kingdom of kings and priests, apostles and prophets. God wants a church of Abrahams and Moseses, Peters and Pauls. What does the temple have to do with this? The temple is where God manifest himself to His people and establishes his covenants with them.

Mark 4: 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Ezek 43:10-12 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, . . and let them measure the pattern. . . shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

How does God reveal himself in the temple? The temple teaches the mysteries of God or in other words, the temple teaches us about God, teaches us about who we are, and it teaches us about our relationship with God. But the temple just doesn't come out and say it. Jesus Christ said the mysteries of the kingdom were to be taught by parable. And the temple is exactly that. The temple is one great parable. As was revealed to Ezekiel, everything about the temple, its form, function, ritual symbolism, and ordinances teach something about God and His great plan of happiness for His children.

While studying a Sunday School lesson on the temple, I came across a quote by Joseph Smith who is the great prophet of this last dispensation before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was called as a prophet like Moses, Abraham and Isaiah and like Moses was commanded to build temples so that God could establish personal relationships and covenants with each of His people individually. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ at the time of His calling as a prophet, and he had something very interesting to say about the purpose of the temple and its relationship to scripture.

“Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject. … I assure the Saints that truth … can and may be known through the revelations of God in the way of His ordinances, and in answer to prayer.”


Wow, when you ponder what Joseph Smith is saying, his words really ring true. It's not enough to just read about other people's temple experiences, God wants each person to have their own. Temple experiences are just what scriptures are. In the Book of Mormon for example we examples of how the mysteries of God are shown to Lehi and Nephi in what we refer to as their Tree of Life visions. Later we see the people of the Book of Mormon gather around a temple built in America to listen to their prophet King Benjamin and realize the people are having a temple experience. Later on we read of Christ's personal visitation to the Nephites in America and at the temple in the city called Bountiful. There, Christ Himself teaches the same temple principles and covenants that were given to Lehi and Nephi and given to the people of King Benjamin. And there are many more examples like the Brother of Jared, and Moses 1 in the Pearl of Great Price. And while Joseph Smith indicates that while it is both helpful and necessary that we read the experiences that other prophets and Apostles had with God, the temple is a place were each of us can and must have our own personal experiences with God if we are to enjoy the fullness of salvation, eternal life and exaltation.

Temple of the New Testament and Everlasting Covenant

When most Christians or Jews think of the temple, they think of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem; destroyed by Babylon, rebuilt by Zerrubabel and expanded by Herod, then destroyed again by Titus and the Roman Empire. Also, most Christians think of the temple and temple ritual as part of the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses involved many outward ordinances and ritual which foreshadowed details of the life of Jesus Christ but which was made obsolete after Christ's atonement, death and resurrection. While the Law of Moses and ritual animal sacrifice was done aways with, the idea and utility of the temple and temple ritual actually are not limited to the time between Moses and Jesus Christ. In fact, a few scripture passages speak of temples in existence in the days of Enoch as well as being rebuilt in the Last Days. So, while the death of Jesus Christ made animal sacrifice obsolete, His death did not make the purpose of the temple obsolete. That purpose being to point our souls to Christ, which is just as important now as it was then.

Many Christians have adopted a radical “all I need is Christ” doctrine to the exclusion of temples, priesthood, church organization, apostles, prophets, helps, governments, ordinances, water baptism, communion of the Lords Supper, and the laying on of hands. These say; “what does God need with a temple?” Doesn't the Bible say that God does not dwell in any temples built with mens hands? But we know that God's presence dwelt in Solomon's temple. We also know that when a person,who processes the power and authority of Gods holy priesthood, does something when commanded and empowered by God, it is as if God had done it Himself. That person is merely acting as an instrument in the hands of God. Therefore, a temple built by the command of God, by those duly authorized with the Holy Priesthood of God, is built by God and not man. Nevertheless, God though his grace and mercy has given man the temple not because He needs it but because we need it.

Some Christians do believe that the Jews will rebuild their temple before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. However, their view of this rebuilt temple in Jerusalem is a negative one. Many associate this future temple with prophecies about an Antichrist who they believe will sit on a throne within this temple and rule the world, perform counterfeit miracles, blaspheme the name of God, and lead many believers astray. While I cannot rule this scenario out completely if the Jews were to build an obsolete OT-style temple, the prophecies of the future temple God promises to build, on the other hand, are wonderful and positive. Could there be a case of mistaken identity at work here? Could Christians be looking for the wrong kind of temple, like the Jews in the meridian of time were looking for the wrong kind of Savior?

Ezek 43:10-12 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

Here Ezekiel is shown and told to measure the size of a great temple. But, if you do the calculations, this temple is much, much bigger than any of the temples at Jerusalem. This temple is so big it actually measures the size of a large city or small country. Could this be Enoch's temple, or could Ezekiel have been shown a temple that would be built in the future? Some are of the opinion that Ezekiel was shown a temple in heaven. But we know from John in Revelations that there are no temples in heaven (Rev 21:22). There are no place set aside in heaven as Holy. All of heaven is holy. If there is a place set aside, then it be a small place set aside for the wicked in hell. Regardless of where and when Ezekiel's temple existed, the spiritual significance being taught here is that the details of the temple are symbolic. The pattern of the temple, its form, fashion, and ordinances point to Christ in some way. And by meditating on these truths the temple serves as a powerful gift and instrument to teach us about God, and His great plan of happiness. And as we learn these important truths, we are changed, sanctified, perfected and made holy.

Isa. 2: 2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain )of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Dan 2:34-35, 44 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. . . . and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain (a temple), and filled the whole earth. . . . And in the days of these kings (iron and clay = Last Days) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

God reveals to Daniel and Isaiah more about the temple that will be built in the Last Days. In the days of those kings represented by the iron mixed with clay, a stone is cut out of the mountain without hands that will grow until it becomes a great mountain (temple) and fill the whole Earth. We know that the temple is referred to as a mountain, or the mountain of the Lords house. The idea here is that the idea of the temple is scalable. It begins with ourselves. We are temples for the Holy Ghost. And then it grows to a sacred and holy building, then a temple city, a holy nation, until the whole Earth becomes purified and sanctified. This will be the great work during the Millennium. The temple will serve to sanctify the whole Earth and all souls upon it so that by the time of the end of the Millennium, Christ will deliver His work to the Father and there will be a new Earth and a new heaven, when the Earth is fully transformed from its Paradisaical and Millennial state to a Celestial state which John describes the new Earth as a “sea of glass mingled with fire”

Ezek 37:26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Here, God reveals to Ezekiel details about a the future temple that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We know God is not referring to an OT temple, because God tells Ezekiel that this future edifice which God refers to as His sanctuary and tabernacle would be everlasting, and also that it would administer the everlasting covenant. Well we know that this could not be referring to any OT temple because these temples only administered the preparatory Levitical covenant and the Law of Moses. This future temple would not be an OT temple, but designed after a more excellent pattern, form, and covenant. While the OT Temple served to make Israel ashamed of her sinfulness and need for a Savior it did not sanctify. The NT Temple, on the other hand, promised to both justify, sanctify and perfect Israel through the blood of Christ.

Heb. 7: 11, 19 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? . . . For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

What is the everlasting covenant of the restored Christian temple and how does this covenant sanctify and change us? Christ clearly tells us what the higher covenant is in the New Testament.

Matt 19: 16-21 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

This invitation of Jesus Christ to the rich young man is the everlasting covenant. After restating the commandments of the Law of Moses, the young man asked “what lack I yet.” Christ responded that if he would be perfect, that the man must consecrate his life to God. This dedication to God is the everlasting covenant of the restored temple that promises to sanctify and perfect God's people. And we see the Early Saints enter into this covenant as they instituted a type of communalism with all things in common setting all their Earthly wealth at the feet of the Bishop and withholding nothing.

When John in Revelations talks about Gods people in the Last Days before the tribulation, he says that right before God is about to unleash the tribulation on the Earth, an angel arises to stop the 4 angels and says " hut not the earth until we have sealed the servants of God in their forehead." Later John says that the 4 angels are not given power to hurt those who are "sealed in their forehead". So we see that while Satan is marking his people with the "mark of the beast" God is "sealing" his servant in the forehead. This angel mentioned in Revelations is the angel depicted on top of LDS temples.

Rev. 7: 2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Rev. 9: 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
Isa. 11: 9 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.
Rev. 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

The NT Temple differs from the OT Temple in many ways. One such difference is the nature of temple sacrifice. Some Christians mistakenly think that Christ's atonement did away with the law of sacrifice. In reality, Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses and did away with ritual animal sacrifice, but not the law of sacrifice itself. Instead of your best lamb or goat, what God expects is the complete sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit or in other words, a willing heart and mind (Ps. 34: 18). This goes along with the covenant of consecration spoken of above.

You should also remember that in the OT temple only Levities and sons of Aaron were priests. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, all the Elders of Israel were invited up into the mountain. God originally desired to establish the everlasting covenant with Israel and make all the people a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19: 6). However, the Elders feared to go into the mountain and told Moses “Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Ex. 20: 19). So, only Levities and Sons of Aaron were washed, anointed and clothed as priests unto God. But in the NT Temple, all who are worthy to enter are made priests and kings after the manner of Aaron.

Ex. 40: 12-13 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 garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
Heb. 5: 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

LDS have been commanded by God to build NT temples across the face of the Earth. There are currently 129 operating temples with 8 under construction and 9 announced to be build. Many Christians misunderstand the Bible to teach that there is to only ever be one temple in Jerusalem. One temple, given to one nation, kindred, tongue and people. However, they forget the prophecy of John in Revelations that in the Last Days when the everlasting covenant is given to the Gentiles, that it would be made available to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people and not just one nation and the priesthood to one tribe. And this is why the LDS church is building Christian NT temples which dot the globe. Already we see the prophecy of Daniel being fulfilled as small rock cut out of the mountain without hands is getting ready to fill the Earth.

Those who enter into the temple do not wear the same color clothing as they did the OT Temple. Many don't realize that OT temple priests didn't dress in white. Their robes were multicolored like Joseph's coat of many colors. Aaronic priest robes were red, purple, blue and yellow. This was to remind the Jews of their uncleanness before God, and their need for a Savior. This is how the Law was their schoolmaster. But in Revelations the angel asks "who are all these dressed in white robes?" And the answer is that they have been washed or sanctified in the blood of Jesus Christ and serve Christ in his temple. So, in the NT Temple, everyone is to wear white. John tells us in Revelations that the white is to remind us that we have been washed clean in the blood of Jesus Christ, and to inspire us to good works and purity of thought and deed.

Ex. 28: 2-6 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. . . And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
Rev. 7: 9-15 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; . . . And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 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.
Rev. 3: 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (who are these angels that require Christ's confession?)
Rev. 19: 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

The veil of the OT temple and the NT temple is also different. You will remember that at the death of Jesus Christ, the Bible says that the temple veil was torn down the middle. This was no small feat. The OT temple veil was 60 feet high and 4 inches thick beautifully embroidered with blue, scarlet and purple thread. It was also designed with cherubim who represented angelic guardians shielding access to God. (Exodus 26:31). Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. In contrast, the NT veil is to be white, and made of sheer material so that you can almost see through it. Also, the NT temple veil is to have partitions in it allowing those who have been washed, and anointed and clothed as was Aaron the ability to pass through the veil, and by the angels into the presence of God. While some incorrectly infer that the God tearing the veil of the temple means the end of the temple, the Bible teaches the significance of the torn veil is that the blood of Christ has finally bridged the eternal chasm between man and God.

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark. 15:37-38)

The purpose of the everlasting covenant and Christ's atonement is not to simply sweep our sins under the rug. Christ's atonement is not only grace but also transformative power to change us, purify us like silver, turn us away from sin and change our heart such that we have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually. You and I rightly admit that we are not completely sanctified yet. However, the Melchizedek priesthood temple has been given to help us complete the process of sanctification "in this world" and in the Millennium. The temple helps us overcome the flesh, change and sanctify us in 3 ways.

#1. The restored temple covenant reveals to man who God is, who we are, and our relationship to God. When a person has a spiritual realization of the true nature of God, and that we are all spiritual children of God with infinite potential; the light of this knowledge and eternal possibility makes the enticings of sin pale in comparison.

#2. The temple provides an eternal prospective as it reveals to us the stages of the plan of salvation including the pre-existence, creation, the fall, the millennium, judgment and hope of eternal life. By going through the progression of the plan of salvation and understanding where our lives fit into eternity, we realize our true purpose to accept Christ and His word. Again when we see how short life is in perspective of the whole of eternity, sin loses any attractiveness.

#3. The Christian temple is a space set aside as holy and pure from the world. As a quiet and reverent place set aside, a person is enabled to enjoy and experience the light and power of the Holy Ghost and the infinite love of Jesus Christ. As we feel the pure love of Christ for us, we are strengthened against sin. And as a result, the allure of any brief pleasure that comes from sin pales in comparison to a taste of eternal glory and happiness.

The eternal perspective of the temple is why the scriptures refer to the temple as the "Mountain of the Lords House." The restored temple or "Mountain of the Lord's House" gives us an eternal perspective of who God is, who we are in God's eyes, our relationship to God, our eternal and infinite potential, the majesty of God's power and creation, God's mercy in sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ, and our important and individual role and calling in God's plan. And it is this eternal perspective, the love of God that we feel, and the atoning blood of Jesus Christ that has the power to transform us, give us new hearts, make us new creatures, purify our hearts like silver, turn us away from sin, overcome the flesh, and destroy any disposition to do evil but empower us with an unquenchable desire to do good continually. This is the true power, grace, and promise of the infinite and eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. This is the new model and pattern of the NT temple.

Covenants and Contracts

D&C 84:21-22And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

Our entire case as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious First Vision. Nothing on which we base our doctrine, nothing we teach, nothing we live by is of greater importance than this initial declaration. I submit that if Joseph Smith talked with God the Father and His Beloved Son, then all else of which he spoke is true. This is the hinge on which turns the gate that leads to the path of salvation and eternal life." (Ensign Mag., Nov. 1998, pp. 70-71)

Some critics of the LDS Church claim Joseph Smith teachings about the Priesthood and the First Vision are contradictory. They point to D&C 84:21-22 which says that without the priesthood authority, God cannot manifest Himself to man. Yet, Joseph Smith didn't claim to have received the priesthood from the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John until long after the First Vision. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding is rooted in their misunderstanding between the difference between covenants and contracts.

A contract is only in force a the moment it is entered into and not before. In contrast, a covenant like the oath and covenant of the priesthood is in effect even before the actual covenant is made. This is how the Melchizedek priesthood is from eternity to eternity. Remember that God is not confined by time and that He dwells in the Eternal Now where all things are present before Him.

The Atonement of Christ is also an eternal covenant. This is why Christ is called the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. And those prophets and saints living before Christ came in the flesh could have faith in Christ and enjoy the blessings of the Atonement as if Christ had already come. This is how Enoch and other prophets walked with God and Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire even before the Atonement was done despite the Fall of Adam.

And there is a personal application to this. Because covenants are eternal and apply before you make them. Sometimes LDS are guilty of having to change their wardrobe after they go the temple and choose to wear the modest temple garment. If we understood the principle of covenants, we would be modest in dress even before we went to the temple. Although we all require repentance, ideally there should be no major changes in our behavior leading up to vs. following the making of covenants with God.

This applies to marriage which is another covenant and not just a contract. Many people today consider pre-marital sex okay as long as they are faithful once they are married. But if you know that you will be covenant married to your wife in the future, why not be faithful to her now.

So, this is how Joseph Smith was able to See God the Father and Jesus Christ before actually entering into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. Because God knew that Joseph was going to enter into the covenant in the future, in God's eyes where time doesn't exist, the covenant was already made.

Mosiah 3: 13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

Different Covenants and Rewards

[The God of and covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob represents a progression of covenant and blessings from the telestial to terrestial to celestial. Being of Abraham is not enough for the highest reward in heaven. While all those who are of Abraham will be saved from physical death and hell, only those who are called of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) will be considered His seed and children of the promise. In other words, salvation and exaltation is not pass/fail but a graded system.]

Gen 3:22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Psalms 8:26 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

1 John 32 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Philip. 3: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Gal. 4: 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Rom 8: 15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received he Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Mark 12: 25 For when they (Jewish woman with 7 husbands under the Jewish Covenant) shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

Heb 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? . . . And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. . . But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Gal 4: 28-31 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Rom 9: 6-9 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

1 Cor 15: 40-42 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.

Hosea 2: 23 (Rom 9:26) And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people (Gentiles), Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Zech. 13: 9 And I will bring the third part (elect) through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

Rev. 3: 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

1 Jn. 5: 4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Rev. 21: 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

How the Restored Temple Sanctifies and Perfects

Matt. 5: 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Jesus Christ has given us the commandment to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. But, how can we comply with this seeming impossible command? Can God really help us overcome the lustful desires of the flesh? Can a man really reach a state of perfection in this world? This article will explain how the temple or the house of the Lord is a blessing given by the grace of God to overcome all temptation and completely sanctify and perfect His people.

Gen. 18: 14 Is any thing too hard for the Lord?
Luke 1: 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Rom. 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Matt. 19: 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
1 Jn. 4: 15-17 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

The purpose and covenant of the temple was not originally to sanctify and perfect God's people. Paul says that the Law of Moses did not perfect but only inspired faith in Jesus Christ and justification of sin but not sanctification.

Heb. 7: 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? . . . For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Gal 3: 24-25 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

In the Law of Moses and the OT Temple, a believer was continually reminded of thier sinful nature and need for sanctification by Jesus Christ. Every year Israel continually needed to sacrifice sheep and goats for a remission of the sins of the people. But these continual ordinances didn't change the people. These OT temple ordinances didn't sanctify and perfect but pointed to Christ who would restore a higher and everlasting covenant and priesthood. And it is this higher and everlasting covenant which does promise to sanctify and perfect us.

Heb 7:12;24 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Heb 6:1-3 Therefore [not] leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. . . Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Ezek 37:26-29 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel talks about the restoration of the temple in the Last Days. However, this restored temple or sanctuary would not administer the same old Law of Moses, but would offer the higher and everlasting covenant to God's people. What is the new and everlasting covenant of the restored temple? Christ answers this for us while talking to the rich young man inviting him to sell all that he has, give the money to the poor, and come and follow him. We also read that the NT saints received and lived this this very same covenant. The NT in Acts describes the Saints living what is known as the "Law of Consecration" or "the United Order" with "all things in common" (Acts 2: 44, Acts 4: 32, Acts 4: 35, 37, Acts 5: 2).

Matt 19: 16-21 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

This invitation of Jesus Christ to the rich young man is the everlasting covenant. And it is this everlasting covenant of the restored temple that promises to sanctify and perfect God's people. The purpose of the everlasting covenant and Christ's atonement is not to simply sweep our sins under the rug. Christ's atonement is not only grace but also transformative power to change us, purify us like silver, turn us away from sin and change our heart such that we have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually. You and I rightly admit that we are not completely sanctified yet. However, the Melchizedek priesthood temple has been given to help us complete the process of sanctification "in this world" and in the Millennium.

While we are not fully sanctified and perfected at the moment we accept Christ, we do become fully justified. Justification means that God acquits us from judgment through the merits and mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. This Justification makes it possible for us to receive the Holy Ghost. If we were not justified, the Holy Ghost couldn't dwell in us at all because He cannot dwell in unholy temples. But that doesn't mean we are sanctified and perfect. However, through the transformative power of the Spirit and grace of Christ the Holy Ghost will begin to change us. And as we receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost and grow from grace to grace; the light and love of Christ will grow in us until the perfect day. That perfect day may not be realized until the end of the Millennium but begins in this world.

How does the Christian temple, the higher covenant or the "sealing in the forehead" spoken of by John in Revelations help the believer become perfected in Christ and sanctified?

#1. The restored temple covenant reveals to man who God is, who we are, and our relationship to God. When a person has a spiritual realization of the true nature of God, and that we are all spiritual children of God with infinite potential; the light of this knowledge and eternal possibility makes the enticings of sin pale in comparison.

#2. The temple provides an eternal prospective as it reveals to us the stages of the plan of salvation including the pre-existence, creation, the fall, the millennium, judgment and hope of eternal life. By going through the progression of the plan of salvation and understanding where our lives fit into eternity, we realize our true purpose to accept Christ and His word. Again when we see how short life is in perspective of the whole of eternity, sin loses any attractiveness.

#3. The Christian temple is a space set aside as holy and pure from the world. As a quiet and reverent place set aside, a person is enabled to enjoy and experience the light and power of the Holy Ghost and the infinite love of Jesus Christ. As we feel the pure love of Christ for us, we are strengthened against sin. And as a result, the allure of any brief pleasure that comes from sin pales in comparison to a taste of eternal glory and happiness.

The eternal perspective of the temple is why the scriptures refer to the temple as the "Mountain of the Lords House." The restored temple or "Mountain of the Lord's House" gives us an eternal perspective of who God is, who we are in God's eyes, our relationship to God, our eternal and infinite potential, the majesty of God's power and creation, God's mercy in sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ, and our important and individual role and calling in God's plan.

Ps. 24:3-4 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; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Ps. 93:5 For “holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever”.
Isa. 2: 2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isa. 56: 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Ezek. 20: 40 For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

There is a wonderful scriptural example of how receiving the covenant of sanctification protects against sin and endows the believer with power against the tempations of Satan. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Genesis in the Bible and restored an account of Moses experience on the Mountain when God appeared to him.

Moses 1:1-11 The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain, And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence. And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless? And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease. Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth. And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all. And now, behold, this one thing I show unto thee, Moses, my son, for thou art in the world, and now I show it unto thee. And it came to pass that Moses looked, and beheld the world upon which he was created; and Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly marveled and wondered. And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that his glory was not upon Moses; and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth. And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed. But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.


So, as Moses communed with God, God impressed several things to Moses. God revealed to Moses who He is, that God is a divine, perfect, and exalted being. God communicated to Moses that Moses is a son of God and was created in His image. He also taught Moses about the power of God by showing Moses the majesty of creation. And God revealed to Moses about His infinite love and mercy by showing Moses that He would send His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to save the world. And God revealed to Moses his important work and calling in God's plan.

As a side note, I do think it is interesting that Moses would say "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." This becomes significant when you remember that Moses grew up as a son of Pharaoh. Prior to this experience, Pharaoh, Moses and all of Egypt considered Pharaoh to be a god. But after this experience, all the wealth, fame, and glory of the Egyptian Empire was nothing in comparison to the glory and majesty of the One True and Living God. This knowledge served to strengthen Moses for the experience that would follow.

Moses 1:12-25 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee? For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely? Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve. Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten. And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me. And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan. And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of glory. And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not. And now of this thing Moses bore record; but because of wickedness it is not had among the children of men. And it came to pass that when Satan had departed from the presence of Moses, that Moses lifted up his eyes unto heaven, being filled with the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son; And calling upon the name of God, he beheld his glory again, for it was upon him; and he heard a voice, saying: Blessed art thou, Moses, for I, the Almighty, have chosen thee, and thou shalt be made stronger than many waters; for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert God.

Because Moses knew who God was, who he was, the majesty of creation, the great mercy and love of God's Plan of Salvation, Moses could resist sin and temptation. However, he still required continued help of the Holy Ghost. We see how Satan tried to elicit fear and doubt in the power of God by showing Moses the suffering and pain of war, disease, and hell; but Moses was still able to overcome and trust in God's love. By the power of the Holy Ghost Moses said to Satan:

"Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee? For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely? Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me?"

So, despite Satan's attempts to get us to doubt God's mercy, grace, love and power; the restored temple and everlasting covenant promises us that we can be sanctified and perfected in Christ by knowing who God is, who we are, God's power, love, and mercy, and our individual calling and purpose in God's plan. Possessing and knowing these truths empowers us against sin by making sin pale in comparison to the majesty, love, and eternal glory of God and the promise of Eternal Life. This is the great purpose of the restored temple.

The Wedding Garment

The other day, a friend of mine asked me about the LDS practice of wearing what we call "garments" which constitute a set of modest-conservative, white underclothes. So, what are they? Why do LDS wear them?

The garment is meant to be a reminder of your devotion to God. But unlike jewelry, only the person wearing them knows about it. Therefore, the garment is not meant to be pretentious, but a private outward expression of an inward commitment. In this way they are a spiritual protection in that they they remind the wearer of their covenant with Jesus Christ. The garment is patterned after the garment made by God for Adam and Eve when they realized they were naked in the Garden of Eden. It also figuratively represents the atonement of Christ which serves to cover our unworthiness and sinfulness before our Heavenly Father. And again, the garment serves as a reminder that Christ's grace will not only save us in our sins, but also from our sins. For, by His power, we will become fully sanctified and perfected. Sanctification is the new everlasting purpose, pattern and covenant of the restored temple.

Gen. 3: 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Rom. 13: 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Gal. 3: 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

The garment is patterned after the undergarment given to Aaron as a priest. Paul said that no man taketh the honour of the priesthood unto himself save he is ordained or called as was Aaron. The undergarment was part of Aaron's ordination.

Ex. 28: 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

Ex. 28: 42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches (undergarments) to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

Lev. 16: 4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches (undergarments) upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

Heb. 5: 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

When John in Revelations talks about Gods people in the Last Days before the tribulation, he says an angel arises to stop the 4 angels and says " hut not the earth until we have sealed the servants of God in their forehead." Later John says that the 4 angels are not given power to hurt those who are "sealed in their forehead". So we see that while Satan is marking his people with the "mark of the beast" God is "sealing" his servant in the forehead. This angel mentioned in Revelations is the angel depicted on top of LDS temples.

Rev. 7: 2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Rev. 9: 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Isa. 11: 9 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.

Rev. 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

What is this "sealing in the forehead?". John says those sealed will be made kings and priest unto God and they will be "called, chosen and faithful". Instead of being from one tribe they will be from every kindred nation tongue and people. This "sealing" is the everlasting covenant and ordinance that Christians make and receive in the restored Christian temple. LDS also refer to this ordinance and covenant as receiving an "endowment."

Rev. 1: 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Rev. 17: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Remember in the parable that Jesus Christ gives regarding how God calls for the invited guests (Israel) to the wedding but they don't come. So God tells his servants to invite any who will show up both bad and good (Gentiles). But those who show up without the garment are bound and thrown out. This suggests that just because someone calls themselves Christian, LDS, or wear the garment doesn't mean that they are good in God's eyes. The white garment also represents the believers love, compassion, and good works which if they accept the grace of Christ will be empowered to do by Christ as a manifestation of their true belief and faith.

Matt. 22: 1-14 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. . . But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: . . . Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: . . . Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Those who are called and chosen as John says must be called as was Aaron as Paul says. Therefore, the temple "sealing" is like a priestly ordination and kingly coronation and like Aaron those who are called and chosen are washed. Anointed, and clothed in white robes and undergarments.

Ex. 40: 12-13 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 garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Heb. 5: 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Why white? Many don't realize that OT temple priests didn't dress in white. Their robes were multicolored like Joseph's coat of many colors. Aaronic priest robes were red, purple, blue and yellow. But in Revelations the angel asks "who are all these dressed in white robes?". And the answer is that they have been washed or sanctified in the blood of Jesus Christ and serve Christ in his temple.

Ex. 28: 2-6 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Rev. 7: 9-15 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; . . . And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 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.

Rev. 3: 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Rev. 19: 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Where is this temple? It's not in heaven because there is no temple in heaven. There is no place set aside in heaven as holy. All heaven is holy. Remember that John sees the Earth in it's heavenly glory and says " there is no temple there" but in the Last Days and in the Millennium Christ will give us the temple if the new and everlasting covenant, until Gods people have completed the work of complete sanctification and the temple or mountain of the Lords house fills the whole Earth.

Ezek. 20: 40 For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

Dan. 2: 33-34, 44 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. . . and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. . . And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Isa. 2: 2-3 (Micah 4: 1-2) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Joel 3: 17-18 So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day (Last Days), that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Ezek. 37: 26-28 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Mal. 3: 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

Ezek. 47: 1, 8 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house (temple); and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house (temple) stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house (temple), at the south side of the altar. . . Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea (Dead Sea): which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

Rev. 21: 1, 22 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. . . And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

But, please do not misunderstand. The wearing of white clothes in the temple or the receiving of the "sealing" that John talks about is not what sanctifies by itself. Remember that it is only Christ's grace that saves and sanctifies. Also, remember that John in Revelations reminds us what the white clothing represents. John says in Rev. 19: 8 "the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." And this is what God expects. If a believer has truely accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and they are born again and are filled with the love, grace and spirit of Christ, then they will be empowered to many good works and a godly walk.

Isa. 52: 1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

(photos from http://www.whiteelegance.com/)