By Elder Neil L. Andersen
Elder Neil L. Andersen emphasizes the importance of temples in the lives of Latter-day Saints, highlighting the spiritual power and blessings that come from temple worship. He shares inspiring stories of individuals who have been drawn to the temple and underscores the rapid expansion of temples around the world. Elder Andersen explains that temples serve as a source of strength and protection amid the challenges of the last days, fulfilling divine promises. He encourages all to increase their temple attendance and appreciate the profound spiritual experiences available in these sacred places.
The Importance of Temple Worship
Elder Andersen discusses how the Lord strengthens His Saints as they come to His holy house. He highlights the increasing participation of youth and missionaries in temple service, indicating a growing devotion among Church members. He shares a touching story of a 95-year-old woman who, after being taught by missionaries for 70 years, decided to be baptized and enter the temple.
“The Lord is strengthening His Saints of all ages as they come to His holy house.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Isaiah 2:3: “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.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 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.”
Temples in the Last Days
Elder Andersen explains the prophetic reasons for the proliferation of temples in the last days. He describes the distress and confusion prophesied in the scriptures and emphasizes that temples are a source of spiritual refuge and strength for God’s covenant people. He assures that despite worldly turmoil, God’s promises are being fulfilled through the building of temples.
“With this prophesied commotion and disbelief in the world, the Lord promised that there would be a covenant people, a people eagerly awaiting His return.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-71: “And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God; And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.”
Promises from the Kirtland Temple
Elder Andersen reflects on the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and the blessings promised there, including being armed with God’s power, having the name of Jesus Christ upon us, and receiving a fulness of the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes that these promises are fulfilled in our lives as we faithfully worship in the temple.
“On that sacred occasion in the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet prayed that in the Lord’s holy house, the Saints would be armed with the power of God.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 110:7: “For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:12-13: “That thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to thee, that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house; And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.”
Armed with Power
Elder Andersen explains that in the temple, we are endowed with heavenly power, which strengthens our faith and fortifies our spiritual identity. He emphasizes the protection from temptations and distractions that comes from temple worship and shares how the love of the Savior lifts us from difficulties and sorrows.
“In His house, we are literally endowed with heavenly power. Our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him are confirmed and fortified.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 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.”
- Ephesians 6:11-13: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
A Fulness of the Holy Ghost
Elder Andersen highlights the profound spiritual experiences and the gift of the Holy Ghost available in the temple. He explains how temple worship helps us grow spiritually and receive peace, joy, and strength to remain faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. He encourages members to increase their temple attendance to experience these blessings more fully.
“As we come with willing hearts to the house of the Lord, the most holy place on earth, we grow up in the Lord and can ‘receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 14:26-27: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:15: “And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.”
Calls to Action
- Increase your attendance at the temple if possible, finding more time to worship in the house of the Lord.
- Pray for the successful construction and dedication of new temples worldwide.
- Seek to be worthy to enter the temple and participate in its sacred ordinances.
- Encourage others, especially youth, to engage in temple service and embrace the blessings of temple worship.
- Trust in the Lord’s promises of spiritual power, protection, and guidance as you attend the temple faithfully.