In this episode, we’re diving into a fascinating mystery that’s deeply intertwined with the core beliefs of our faith. Our journey takes us to Doctrine and Covenants 131, where we’ll explore the enigmatic concept of the Celestial Kingdom and how it’s linked to temple ordinances.
The Celestial Kingdom and Its Three Degrees
The Celestial Kingdom is the highest degree of glory within the Plan of Salvation. It’s often shrouded in mystery, but there are hints within the scriptures that can illuminate our understanding. The Celestial Kingdom itself is also comprised of three degrees. Reading between the lines, we learn that the degrees of celestial glory are closely tied to specific orders of the priesthood and their associated ordinances, with each ordinance building upon the previous one.
The Role of Temple Ordinances
Temple ordinances play a pivotal role in celestial progression.
- Endowment: The preparatory ordinances of the Endowment initiate individuals through the lower kingdoms into the first degree of the Celestial Kingdom, saving them individually and teaching them to live celestial law. The individual qualifies for eternal life, but individual salvation alone does not offer greatest blessings of the Father’s inheritance.
- Sealing: The Sealing ordinance opens the doors to a higher degree of celestial glory, where spouses are united for eternity and are blessed with eternal increase (posterity). This brings them the great blessings and stewardships of dominions and principalities in the next life. However, the sealing ordinance doesn’t confer a fullness of authority, and the kingdoms these couples receive are still subject to one holding presiding priesthood keys (ie, Adam).
- Washing of Feet: The ordinance of the Washing of Feet seals upon the recipients their Exaltation, the greatest of all the degrees of glory. This is a sacred ordinance bestowed only upon those who have proven themselves true and faithful in all things. With this comes the fulness of the Father’s inheritance: being co-heirs with Christ, receiving a fullness of authority over kingdoms, dominions, and principalities. These are the blessings we see bestowed upon the archangel Michael.
The Design of the Salt Lake Temple
The Salt Lake Temple’s design echoes these principles. The sealing rooms are an extension of the celestial room, emphasizing the journey from one level of glory to the next. The holy of holies is also an extension of the celestial room, but elevated above it, representative of the highest ordinance, granting individuals the combined priestly and kingly authority necessary for exaltation.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricate connection between temple ordinances and degrees of glory within the Celestial Kingdom offers profound insights into the core beliefs of our faith. While we often hear about celestial, terrestrial, and telestial glories, delving into the details helps us grasp the hierarchical structure of these degrees. It’s a reminder of the importance of living according to the restored gospel and receiving these ordinances, which are essential for our eternal progression.
In this intricate tapestry of doctrine, the gospel finds its fullness, and the restoration of these truths through a modern prophet underscores the significance of this dispensation. It’s a blessing to be part of a faith that meticulously follows the path the Lord has set, offering the opportunity for eternal progression and ultimate exaltation through the grace of Jesus Christ.