Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Forty-Two
The Gift of the Temple Endowment
Definition of "endowment" - The dictionary defines the word "endowment" as a gift. The common usage of the word “endowment" in society is that we might read a newspaper article where we learn that a wealthy donor has endowed a university with a gift of money so that the university can fulfill its mission and its purpose.
In the temple our Heavenly Father endows his children with a gift far more precious than money. It is a gift of knowledge and power that allows us to fulfill our mission and purpose on earth, to return to his presence, and become like Him. The process of becoming like our Father is called the plan of salvation.
The temple endowment is a symbolic presentation of the plan of salvation – In the temple we learn about the plan of salvation in ways that we can only learn there. There, as in life in general, we learn by what we see, by what we hear, by what we experience, and we learn through symbols. The presentation of the temple endowment is a wonderful symbolic presentation of the plan of salvation.
Temple endowment is a mystery of God revealed to those who are prepared to receive it - A simple definition of a "mystery of God" is something that can only be known by revelation. It cannot be figured out by a person no matter how intelligent. It cannot be learned in a library or discovered in a laboratory. The temple endowment is not taught in the scriptures or discussed in our church meetings. It is revealed by the Holy Spirit to people who are worthy of a temple recommend.
The reason we don’t discuss the teaching of the temple outside the temple is explained by President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I remind you of the absolute obligation to not discuss outside the temple that which occurs within the temple. Sacred matters deserve sacred considerations. We are under obligation, binding and serious, to not use temple language or speak of temple matters outside" (Ensign, May 1990). The teachings of the temple are sacred, and if they were given to the world, the world would not understand and would likely mock them, ridicule them, or make light of sacred things.
The discussion in Alma 12 concerning the mysteries of God applies to the temple – "It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless, they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him" (Vs 9).
“And therefore, he that will harden his heart, receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he knows them in full" (Vs 10). (Commentary: Being worthy of a temple recommend and using it regularly entitles us to receive a greater portion of the word which is often received in the temple)
"And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell" (Vs 11).
The teachings of the temple are available to anyone who is worthy of a temple recommend.
Some members have no interest in the temple, and are satisfied with the lesser portion of the word. In this situation the devil can have great influence in their lives.
Testimony – In a revelation given in connection to the temple the Lord taught a profound doctrine: “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (D&C 88:33).
Being worthy of and using a temple recommend is the way we receive the great gift of the temple endowment. As we do this we will rejoice both in the gift of the endowment and in the Giver of the gift.