By Elder Ulisses Soares
Elder Ulisses Soares speaks about the sacred journey of becoming higher and holier disciples of Christ through the covenants made in the temple. He emphasizes the importance of “covenant confidence,” a deep assurance of receiving God’s blessings by keeping covenants. This confidence helps us navigate life’s challenges, strengthens our faith, and fortifies our resolve to live righteously. Elder Soares highlights the transformative power of temple worship and the necessity of ongoing spiritual preparation to fully embrace the blessings of the temple.
The Sacred Journey of Temple Worship
Entering the temple marks the beginning of a sacred journey to become holier disciples of Christ. Elder Soares discusses how temple covenants empower us to change our hearts and deepen our relationship with God. The journey within the temple sanctifies our souls and forms a sacred bond with the Lord, enabling us to inherit eternal life.
“When we enter the Lord’s house, we embark on a sacred journey of learning to become higher and holier disciples of Christ.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Psalm 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.”
- D&C 88:119: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
Covenant Confidence
Covenant confidence is the assurance we receive from keeping temple covenants, providing strength in a challenging world. Elder Soares explains how this confidence helps us love and serve others, resist doubt and despair, and overcome fear and frustration.
“Such confidence is the pinnacle of our divine connection with God and can help us increase our devotion to and gratitude for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Hebrews 10:35: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”
- 2 Nephi 31:20: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
Examples of Covenant Confidence
Elder Soares shares examples from the Book of Mormon and personal experiences that illustrate the power of covenant confidence. Nephi’s faithfulness and the inspiring actions of modern-day temple-goers demonstrate how confidence in God’s promises can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
“I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, … and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Nephi 4:1-3: “And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?”
- Ether 12:4: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.”
The Importance of Preparation
Preparation is key to gaining and maintaining covenant confidence. Elder Soares describes how individual and continuous spiritual preparation, especially before entering the temple, transforms our temple experience and our lives. He emphasizes the role of preparation in developing a strong, unwavering faith.
“Individual worthiness to enter the Lord’s house requires much individual spiritual preparation. … Individual worthiness requires a total conversion of mind and heart to be more like the Lord, to be an honest citizen, to be a better example, and to be a holier person.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- D&C 121:45: “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.”
- Matthew 25:1-13: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
Transformative Power of the Temple
Elder Soares concludes by affirming the transformative power of temple worship. He explains how the temple lies at the heart of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude. As we keep our covenants, we are endowed with the Savior’s healing and strengthening power, which we need in the days ahead.
“The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- D&C 109:22: “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.”
- John 2:19-21: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.”
Calls to Action
- Prepare spiritually to enter the Lord’s house by living worthily and converting your mind and heart to be more like the Lord.
- Embrace the power of temple covenants to strengthen your faith and fortify your soul against the challenges of the world.
- Cultivate confidence in the promises of God by keeping your covenants and trusting in His plan for you.
- Transform your life by carrying the spirit of the temple with you, enhancing your daily devotion and service to others.