Why Mormons

Tag: Sacred Covenants

  • Why Do Mormons Do Endowments?

    Why Do Mormons Do Endowments?

    Among the teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple endowment is often one of the least understood. For many outside the Church—and even for some members before attending—it can raise questions. What is an endowment? Why is it performed in temples? And what role does it play in the life of a Latter-day Saint?

    For Latter-day Saints, the temple endowment is not a mysterious ritual meant to impress or exclude. It is a sacred ordinance focused on worship, instruction, and covenant making. The word “endowment” itself means a gift. Members believe this ordinance represents a divine gift from God—one that includes spiritual knowledge, promised blessings, and strength to follow Jesus Christ throughout life.

    Rather than being an isolated ceremony, the endowment is understood as part of a lifelong journey of discipleship. It helps individuals understand who they are in relation to God, why they are on earth, and how Jesus Christ makes salvation possible. For Latter-day Saints, the endowment is deeply personal, Christ-centered, and focused on eternal purpose.

    To understand why Mormons do endowments, it is important to explore how they understand covenants, temples, symbolism, agency, salvation, and the central role of Jesus Christ in God’s plan.

    What Is the Temple Endowment?

    The temple endowment is a sacred ordinance performed in Latter-day Saint temples. Through symbolic instruction, participants learn about God’s plan of salvation, the purpose of mortal life, and the role of Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer.

    The endowment is not designed to entertain or impress. It is designed to teach eternal truths in a reverent setting. Participants are invited to reflect, listen, learn, and make covenants with God.

    These covenants include commitments to live according to gospel principles such as obedience, sacrifice, moral integrity, devotion to Jesus Christ, and faithfulness to God. In return, God promises spiritual guidance, strength, and eternal blessings.

    The endowment is not about gaining secret knowledge. It is about gaining spiritual understanding—an understanding that deepens over time as individuals continue to live the covenants they make.

    A Gift of Spiritual Understanding

    Latter-day Saints believe the endowment helps them better understand God’s purposes and their place in His plan. This understanding is not instant or complete after a single experience. Instead, it unfolds gradually through study, prayer, reflection, and faithful living.

    Many members describe the endowment as something that becomes more meaningful as they mature spiritually. As life experiences accumulate, the teachings of the endowment provide insight, perspective, and reassurance.

    Covenants, Not Secrets

    A common misconception is that the endowment focuses on hidden knowledge. Latter-day Saints emphasize that the heart of the endowment is covenants—sacred promises made with God.

    These covenants are personal and sacred, which is why they are not discussed casually. This sacredness is not secrecy meant to exclude, but reverence meant to protect what is holy.

    The Meaning of Covenants in Latter-day Saint Belief

    To understand the endowment, one must understand the role of covenants in Latter-day Saint theology.

    A covenant is a solemn agreement between God and an individual. It involves promises, responsibilities, and divine blessings. Covenants are not merely symbolic; they are intended to shape daily life and spiritual identity.

    Latter-day Saints believe covenants help individuals align their lives with God’s will. They provide structure, purpose, and spiritual direction. The endowment includes covenants that invite participants to live intentionally as disciples of Jesus Christ.

    Importantly, covenants are entered voluntarily. No one is forced to receive the endowment. Participation is a matter of personal faith and choice.

    Biblical and Scriptural Foundations

    Latter-day Saints believe the concept of endowment is rooted in scripture. The Bible speaks of God endowing His people with power from on high and providing sacred instruction in holy places.

    Jesus Christ told His disciples to wait until they were endowed with power before beginning their ministry. Latter-day Saints understand this as evidence that God provides spiritual preparation and strength through sacred experiences.

    Ancient temple worship also included instruction, symbolism, and covenant making. While the details of ancient temple ceremonies are not fully preserved in the Bible, Latter-day Saints believe modern temple ordinances restore principles that existed in earlier times.

    Instruction Through Symbolism

    Symbolism has always played a central role in religious teaching. Jesus taught through parables, metaphors, and symbolic actions. Scripture itself is filled with imagery that conveys deep spiritual truths.

    Latter-day Saints believe symbolism invites deeper reflection. Rather than providing all meaning at once, symbolic teaching encourages personal discovery through prayer and contemplation.

    The endowment uses symbolism to teach about creation, choice, obedience, and redemption through Jesus Christ. These symbols are not meant to confuse, but to invite learning at different levels of spiritual understanding.

    God’s Plan of Salvation

    One of the primary purposes of the endowment is to teach about God’s plan of salvation. Latter-day Saints believe this plan explains where humanity came from, why life exists, and what happens after death.

    The endowment presents this plan in a way that emphasizes individual identity as a child of God and personal responsibility to choose good over evil.

    Central to this plan is Jesus Christ. His atonement makes repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life possible. The endowment teaches reliance on Christ rather than self-sufficiency.

    Role of Jesus Christ in the Endowment

    Jesus Christ is central to every aspect of the temple endowment. Latter-day Saints believe the ordinance points participants toward Christ as the source of salvation, strength, and hope.

    The covenants made in the endowment are meaningful only because of Christ’s atonement. Human effort alone is insufficient. Redemption comes through Jesus Christ.

    The endowment teaches that Christ’s grace empowers individuals to keep covenants, overcome weakness, and grow spiritually.

    Strength Through Christ

    Many Latter-day Saints describe the endowment as a source of spiritual strength. Life inevitably includes hardship, temptation, and uncertainty. The endowment reminds participants that they are not alone.

    They believe God provides divine help through covenants, the Holy Spirit, and continued reliance on Christ.

    Divine Help and Guidance

    Members often describe returning to the temple as a way to regain spiritual clarity. The endowment serves as a spiritual anchor—reminding individuals of eternal truths when life becomes overwhelming.

    Endowments for the Living

    When living individuals receive the endowment, it marks a significant moment in their spiritual journey. It often occurs before major life transitions such as missionary service or marriage.

    Receiving the endowment does not mean spiritual growth is complete. Rather, it represents a beginning—a deeper commitment to discipleship.

    The endowment encourages individuals to live with greater purpose, awareness, and devotion to God.

    Endowments for the Dead

    Like other temple ordinances, endowments can be performed by proxy for deceased individuals. Latter-day Saints believe God’s plan includes opportunities for all people, regardless of when or where they lived.

    Proxy endowments extend the same opportunities to those who died without receiving them in mortality. As with all proxy ordinances, acceptance remains a personal choice in the spirit world.

    This practice reflects belief in a God who is just, merciful, and respectful of agency.

    The Spirit World and Continued Learning

    Latter-day Saints believe that learning does not end at death. In the spirit world, individuals continue to grow, learn, and make choices.

    Proxy ordinances ensure that those who accept the gospel after death have access to the same ordinances required for salvation.

    This belief reinforces the idea that God’s work is ongoing and inclusive.

    Agency and Accountability

    Agency is fundamental to the endowment. No one is compelled to make covenants or keep them.

    The endowment emphasizes personal responsibility. Covenants invite commitment, but they do not remove freedom of choice. Individuals remain accountable for how they live.

    This balance between commitment and agency is central to Latter-day Saint belief.

    Endowments and Grace

    Some assume the endowment implies salvation is earned through rituals. Latter-day Saints strongly reject this idea.

    They believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Ordinances like the endowment provide a way to accept and live in harmony with Christ’s grace.

    Grace does not eliminate effort, but effort does not replace grace. The endowment teaches reliance on Christ rather than perfectionism.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A frequent misunderstanding is that endowments are secret or strange rituals. Latter-day Saints explain they are sacred acts of worship focused on teaching and covenant making.

    Another misunderstanding is that the endowment replaces personal faith. In reality, faith in Jesus Christ is foundational. The endowment builds upon faith; it does not replace it.

    Some believe the endowment creates spiritual elitism. Latter-day Saints believe it invites humility, service, and accountability.

    Why This Belief Matters

    The temple endowment matters because it shapes how Latter-day Saints understand life, purpose, and identity. It encourages consistency between belief and behavior.

    The endowment provides a framework for lifelong discipleship. It reminds individuals of who they are, what they value, and why Jesus Christ matters.

    For many, it is a source of peace, direction, and spiritual resilience.

    The Endowment and Daily Life

    Although received in the temple, the endowment is meant to influence daily living. It encourages ethical behavior, compassion, and devotion to God in ordinary moments.

    Latter-day Saints believe discipleship is not confined to sacred spaces. The endowment helps carry sacred commitments into everyday life.

    A Broader Vision of Eternal Life

    The endowment reflects a broad vision of eternal life—one that includes learning, growth, relationships, and service.

    It teaches that salvation is not merely escape from punishment, but transformation through Jesus Christ.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about the temple endowment with openness and respect. They believe sincere questions lead to understanding and that God reveals truth to those who seek Him.

    They invite all people to study the teachings of Jesus Christ and consider God’s plan for their lives.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Endowment
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Temple Worship
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Marry in Temples?

    Why Do Mormons Marry in Temples?

    For many people, marriage is one of life’s most meaningful milestones. It represents love, commitment, companionship, and shared purpose. In most cultures and religious traditions, marriage is understood as a lifelong bond—yet one that ultimately ends at death. Latter-day Saints, however, believe marriage can be far more than a temporary arrangement. They believe it can be eternal.

    This belief explains why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose to marry in temples. For them, a temple marriage is not simply a wedding location or a religious custom. It is a sacred covenant with God, entered with the belief that marriage can continue beyond death and into eternity.

    Understanding why Mormons marry in temples requires understanding how they view God, Jesus Christ, covenants, authority, family, salvation, and eternal life. Temple marriage reflects a deeply hopeful view of human relationships—one in which love, growth, and commitment are not meant to end at the grave.

    Marriage in Latter-day Saint Belief

    Latter-day Saints believe marriage is divinely ordained. From their perspective, marriage is not merely a social institution created by human society, but part of God’s plan for His children.

    Marriage is seen as a partnership designed to help individuals grow spiritually, emotionally, and morally. It provides a setting where love, sacrifice, patience, forgiveness, and service can be learned and practiced daily.

    Unlike some religious traditions that emphasize individual salvation apart from family relationships, Latter-day Saints believe family relationships are central to God’s plan. Marriage is not incidental—it is foundational.

    Difference Between Civil Marriage and Temple Marriage

    Civil marriage is legally recognized and meaningful. Latter-day Saints respect civil marriage and believe it plays an important role in society. However, they also believe civil marriages are temporary by nature, lasting only until death.

    Temple marriages, by contrast, are believed to be eternal. They are performed by priesthood authority in a temple and are often referred to as sealings. Through this ordinance, husband and wife are sealed together not only “until death,” but for eternity.

    This distinction is not meant to diminish civil marriage, but to explain why Latter-day Saints seek something more enduring—something they believe requires divine authority.

    Eternal Perspective on Marriage

    Temple marriage emphasizes an eternal perspective. Couples who marry in a temple are encouraged to view their relationship through the lens of eternity rather than convenience or temporary happiness.

    This perspective shapes how couples approach challenges. Difficulties are not seen as reasons to abandon the relationship, but as opportunities for growth, repentance, forgiveness, and Christlike love.

    Marriage is understood as a long-term spiritual partnership rather than a short-term contract.

    Covenants Rather Than Contracts

    A key difference between civil and temple marriage is the concept of covenant. A contract is an agreement between two parties, often based on mutual benefit and enforceable only under certain conditions.

    A covenant, in Latter-day Saint belief, is a sacred promise made with God. Temple marriage is not just a promise between two people—it is a covenant between husband, wife, and God.

    Latter-day Saints believe covenants invite God’s guidance, strength, and grace into the marriage. They also bring accountability, reminding couples that their relationship has eternal significance.

    Authority and Eternal Marriage

    Central to temple marriage is the belief in priesthood authority. Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ gave authority to His apostles to perform ordinances that would be binding both on earth and in heaven.

    Jesus taught that what is bound on earth can be bound in heaven. Latter-day Saints interpret this as evidence that God can authorize eternal ordinances performed by those holding His authority.

    They believe this authority was lost after the deaths of the apostles and later restored through modern revelation. Temple marriages are performed under this restored authority.

    Without this authority, Latter-day Saints believe marriage remains a beautiful and meaningful relationship—but one that does not extend beyond death.

    Biblical Foundations for Eternal Marriage

    Latter-day Saints believe the Bible supports the idea of eternal marriage, even if the doctrine is not fully explained in traditional Christian theology.

    The Bible emphasizes covenant relationships and God’s power over death. Jesus Christ’s resurrection demonstrates that death does not have ultimate authority.

    Marriage is presented in scripture as divinely instituted. God joined Adam and Eve and commanded them to become one. Latter-day Saints see this as evidence that marriage was intended to be more than a temporary arrangement.

    They also point to teachings about sealing authority and eternal covenants, which they believe lay the foundation for eternal marriage.

    The Role of the Temple

    Temples play a unique role in Latter-day Saint worship. Unlike chapels, which are used for weekly services, temples are reserved for sacred ordinances believed to have eternal effect.

    Temple marriages are performed in a reverent setting designed to focus attention on God rather than spectacle. There are no elaborate decorations, music, or social displays during the ceremony itself. The emphasis is on humility, commitment, and covenant.

    This setting reflects the belief that eternal marriage begins with God, not with performance or public recognition.

    Focus on Jesus Christ

    Temple marriage ceremonies are centered on Jesus Christ. The purpose is not to celebrate romance alone, but to begin a marriage grounded in faith, obedience, and reliance on Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe that only through Jesus Christ can marriage become eternal. His atonement makes forgiveness possible, His teachings guide family life, and His resurrection makes eternal relationships achievable.

    Preparation and Worthiness

    Before marrying in a temple, couples prepare spiritually. This preparation includes learning gospel principles, committing to live according to Christ’s teachings, and reflecting on the seriousness of the covenant they are about to make.

    This preparation is not about perfection. It is about sincerity, humility, and willingness to grow.

    Marriage, Family, and Eternal Growth

    Latter-day Saints believe temple marriage is foundational to eternal families. They believe children born to parents sealed in the temple are automatically part of that eternal family unit.

    This belief influences how parents approach family life. Parenting is seen not only as a responsibility for this life, but as part of an eternal stewardship.

    Families are viewed as central to spiritual growth. Home life becomes a place where faith is practiced daily, where children learn values, and where discipleship is lived in ordinary moments.

    Marriage as a School of Discipleship

    In Latter-day Saint belief, marriage is one of the primary settings in which individuals learn to follow Jesus Christ.

    Marriage requires patience, humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and service—qualities that are central to Christian discipleship. Temple marriage frames these challenges as spiritually meaningful rather than merely emotional or practical.

    Couples are encouraged to see their relationship as a joint effort to become more Christlike together.

    Eternal Marriage and Agency

    Although temple marriage is believed to be eternal, it is not automatic or unconditional. Latter-day Saints believe agency remains central.

    Eternal marriage depends on faithfulness to covenants. Individuals must choose to follow Jesus Christ, repent when they fall short, and continue striving to live according to God’s will.

    This emphasis on agency preserves moral responsibility and avoids the idea that eternal blessings are guaranteed regardless of personal choice.

    Temple Marriage and Grace

    Temple marriage does not eliminate the need for grace. Latter-day Saints believe no marriage is perfect and no individual is without weakness.

    They believe God’s grace makes growth, healing, and reconciliation possible. Eternal marriage is not based on flawless performance, but on repentance, forgiveness, and reliance on Jesus Christ.

    Grace does not remove accountability, but it makes enduring commitment possible despite human imperfection.

    Common Misunderstandings

    One common misunderstanding is that temple marriage diminishes romance or emotional connection. Latter-day Saints believe the opposite. They believe temple marriage deepens love by grounding it in shared faith, purpose, and eternal commitment.

    Another misunderstanding is that those who marry outside the temple are excluded or lesser. Latter-day Saints believe everyone has opportunities to receive temple blessings, either in this life or in the next.

    Some also assume temple marriage is about social pressure. In reality, Latter-day Saints view it as a personal choice rooted in belief and faith.

    Temple Marriage and Loss

    For Latter-day Saints, temple marriage provides profound comfort in times of loss. The belief that marriage can continue beyond death offers hope that separation is not final.

    This belief does not eliminate grief, but it provides a framework of hope, reunion, and trust in God’s plan.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple marriage matters because it offers a vision of marriage rooted in eternity rather than convenience. It encourages commitment, patience, and long-term devotion.

    For Latter-day Saints, marrying in a temple is an expression of hope—hope that love can endure, that families can remain united, and that God’s plan is bigger than mortality.

    It also provides motivation to work through challenges rather than abandon relationships when difficulties arise.

    A Broader View of Love and Commitment

    Temple marriage reflects a broader view of love. Love is not only a feeling, but a covenant-based commitment that grows through effort, sacrifice, and faith.

    This view challenges cultural ideas of marriage as disposable or temporary. It invites couples to think long-term and eternally.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about temple marriage, study the teachings of Jesus Christ, and seek understanding through prayer.

    They believe God’s plan for families is rooted in love, growth, and eternal connection—and that sincere seekers can come to understand His purposes.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Marriage
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Marriage and Family
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Do Temple Sealings?

    Why Do Mormons Do Temple Sealings?

    For many people, the idea that families can remain together forever is deeply comforting—but also unfamiliar. In most Christian traditions, marriage is understood as a relationship that lasts only during mortal life. Latter-day Saints, however, believe something different. They believe that through temple sealings, family relationships can continue beyond death and into eternity.

    Temple sealings are one of the most distinctive beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They reflect a hopeful and expansive view of God’s plan—one in which love, family, and relationships are not meant to end at the grave. For Latter-day Saints, sealings express God’s desire to unite His children eternally through Jesus Christ.

    This belief is not based on sentiment alone. It is rooted in scripture, modern revelation, and a specific understanding of Christ’s power over sin and death. To understand why Mormons do temple sealings, it is necessary to explore how they understand authority, covenants, salvation, family, agency, and the central role of Jesus Christ.

    What Is a Temple Sealing?

    A temple sealing is a sacred ordinance performed in a Latter-day Saint temple by priesthood authority. Through this ordinance, a husband and wife are sealed together as an eternal family unit. Children may also be sealed to their parents, creating an eternal family bond.

    Unlike civil marriages, which are valid only “until death,” temple sealings are believed to endure beyond mortal life. Latter-day Saints believe these relationships continue after resurrection, provided individuals remain faithful to the covenants they make with God.

    A sealing is not merely symbolic. It is understood as a covenant—an agreement between God and individuals—made possible through divine authority restored by Jesus Christ.

    Authority to Seal

    Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ granted sealing authority to His apostles during His mortal ministry. This authority allowed them to perform actions on earth that would be recognized in heaven.

    They believe this authority was lost after the deaths of the apostles and later restored through modern revelation. Without this authority, eternal sealings would not be possible.

    Binding on Earth and in Heaven

    This belief is based on Jesus’ statement that what is bound on earth can be bound in heaven. Latter-day Saints understand this to mean that God can authorize ordinances performed on earth to have eternal effect.

    Temple sealings are believed to operate under this principle. They are not human contracts but divine covenants recognized by God.

    The Importance of Covenants

    Covenants are central to Latter-day Saint belief. A covenant is a sacred promise between God and an individual, involving commitment, responsibility, and divine promises.

    Temple sealings are covenant-based. They are not automatic guarantees of eternal family life, but conditional relationships that depend on faithfulness, repentance, and reliance on Jesus Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe covenants help guide behavior, strengthen relationships, and align lives with God’s will. Sealings, in particular, emphasize commitment, sacrifice, forgiveness, and long-term devotion within families.

    Biblical Foundations for Temple Sealings

    Latter-day Saints believe temple sealings are consistent with biblical teachings, even if the full doctrine is not explicitly detailed in the Bible.

    Scripture teaches that God has power over death and that relationships can transcend mortal boundaries. Jesus Christ’s resurrection demonstrates that death does not have final authority.

    The Bible also emphasizes covenant relationships. God consistently works through covenants—agreements that bind His people to Him across generations.

    Elijah’s Role

    One of the strongest biblical foundations for temple sealings comes from prophecy concerning Elijah. The Bible foretells that Elijah would return before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” to turn the hearts of parents to their children and children to their parents.

    Latter-day Saints believe this prophecy refers to the restoration of sealing authority. They believe Elijah appeared in modern times to restore this authority, making eternal family relationships possible again.

    Turning of Hearts

    This “turning of hearts” is understood not merely as emotional reconciliation, but as covenant connection. Temple sealings bind families across generations, fulfilling this prophecy in a literal and eternal sense.

    Sealings and Jesus Christ

    Jesus Christ is the foundation of temple sealings. Latter-day Saints believe that without His atonement and resurrection, eternal relationships would be impossible.

    Death separates families. Christ overcomes death.

    Through His resurrection, Jesus Christ made it possible for relationships to continue beyond mortality. Sealings are effective because of His power—not because of human effort.

    Sealings do not replace Christ; they depend entirely on Him.

    Covenants and Faithfulness

    Temple sealings are conditional upon faithfulness. Latter-day Saints believe eternal family relationships are not automatic or guaranteed regardless of behavior.

    Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, obedience, and continued commitment to covenants matter deeply. Sealings invite individuals to live Christlike lives within family relationships.

    Grace and Mercy

    Latter-day Saints believe God’s grace makes allowance for human weakness. Eternal families are not built on perfection, but on repentance, forgiveness, and growth.

    God’s mercy works alongside justice, honoring agency while offering opportunity for healing and reconciliation.

    Sealings for the Living

    Temple sealings are often performed for living couples and families. When a man and woman are sealed in the temple, they commit not only to each other, but to God.

    This covenant encourages long-term commitment. Marriage is viewed not as a temporary arrangement, but as an eternal partnership designed to foster growth, service, and mutual support.

    Children born to sealed parents are believed to be born into the covenant, automatically connected to their parents eternally.

    Sealings for the Dead

    Temple sealings are also performed for deceased ancestors. Just as baptisms can be performed by proxy, sealings can extend eternal family relationships to those who lived and died without the opportunity to receive these ordinances in mortality.

    Latter-day Saints believe these ordinances do not force acceptance. Individuals who have died retain agency and may choose whether to accept or reject the sealing in the spirit world.

    This belief reflects a God who is fair, loving, and respectful of individual choice.

    The Role of Agency

    Agency is central to Latter-day Saint belief. Temple sealings do not override personal choice.

    Even sealed relationships depend on individual willingness to accept God’s plan. Eternal families are built through love, faith, and shared commitment—not compulsion.

    This emphasis on agency preserves moral responsibility and respects individual dignity.

    Sealings and Eternal Families

    The doctrine of eternal families shapes how Latter-day Saints view marriage, parenting, and relationships.

    Families are seen as central to God’s plan. Home life becomes a place of spiritual growth, service, and discipleship.

    This belief encourages patience, forgiveness, and long-term thinking. Challenges are viewed through an eternal lens rather than a temporary one.

    Comfort in Times of Loss

    One of the most meaningful aspects of temple sealings is the comfort they provide in times of death and separation.

    Latter-day Saints believe death does not permanently sever family relationships. Sealings offer hope that loved ones will be reunited and relationships restored.

    This belief provides emotional and spiritual comfort, especially during grief.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that sealings guarantee eternal family relationships regardless of behavior. Latter-day Saints believe faithfulness and agency matter deeply.

    Another misunderstanding is that sealings diminish individual salvation. In reality, Latter-day Saints believe personal faith in Jesus Christ is essential. Sealings do not replace individual accountability.

    Some assume sealings are exclusive or elitist. Latter-day Saints believe they are inclusive, extending opportunity to all people through proxy ordinances.

    Sealings and Christian Faith

    Temple sealings are sometimes misunderstood as being separate from Christianity. Latter-day Saints believe the opposite.

    They see sealings as an extension of Christ’s saving work. Jesus Christ is at the center of every covenant, ordinance, and eternal promise.

    Rather than competing with Christ, sealings testify of His power to save, unite, and redeem.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple sealings matter because they offer a vision of eternity grounded in love, responsibility, and hope.

    They encourage commitment within families, inspire reconciliation, and provide motivation to live Christlike lives.

    For Latter-day Saints, sealings reinforce the belief that relationships matter eternally and that God’s plan is deeply relational.

    A Broader View of Salvation

    This doctrine expands the understanding of salvation beyond individual reward. Salvation is not only about personal redemption, but about eternal relationships.

    God’s plan is communal, familial, and interconnected.

    Temple sealings reflect this expansive vision.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about eternal families, study the teachings of Jesus Christ, and seek understanding through prayer.

    They believe God reveals truth to sincere seekers and that His plan is one of hope, healing, and eternal connection.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Sealing
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Marriage and Family
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Wear Temple Garments?

    Why Do Mormons Wear Temple Garments?

    For many people who encounter members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the first time, one of the most misunderstood aspects of their faith is the practice of wearing temple garments. Questions often arise: Why do Mormons wear temple garments? What do they represent? Are they required? And what meaning do they hold in everyday life?

    For Latter-day Saints, temple garments are not about superstition, secrecy, or outward display. They are sacred religious clothing worn privately as a reminder of covenants made with God. The garment does not replace faith in Jesus Christ, nor does it possess magical or supernatural power. Instead, it serves as a constant, personal reminder of a commitment to follow Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings.

    In a world where religious belief is often confined to specific times or places, Latter-day Saints believe discipleship should shape daily life. The temple garment reflects this belief by helping individuals carry their faith with them in ordinary moments—at work, at home, and in private decisions that define character and devotion.

    Understanding why Mormons wear temple garments requires understanding how they view covenants, discipleship, personal holiness, and the role of Jesus Christ in everyday life.

    What Are Temple Garments?

    Temple garments are simple, modest underclothing worn by adult members of the Church who have participated in specific temple ordinances. They are worn beneath regular clothing and are not intended to be seen or discussed casually. Their purpose is deeply personal rather than public.

    The garment is received in the temple and is associated with sacred covenants made with God. While the garment itself is physical clothing, its meaning is spiritual. Latter-day Saints do not believe holiness comes from fabric, but from a heart committed to God and a life aligned with Jesus Christ.

    The garment is not worn as a uniform or badge of identity. Many people who interact daily with Latter-day Saints may never know whether someone wears the garment, because it is intentionally private.

    A Symbol of Covenants

    At its core, the temple garment symbolizes covenants—solemn promises between God and an individual. These covenants include commitments to live moral lives, practice honesty, show compassion, and follow Jesus Christ.

    For Latter-day Saints, covenants are not casual promises. They represent a sacred relationship with God, entered willingly and thoughtfully. The garment serves as a physical reminder of these promises, reinforcing spiritual accountability.

    Personal and Private

    Because of its sacred nature, the garment is treated with reverence. Discussion of it is generally respectful and limited. Latter-day Saints view it as a personal expression of faith rather than something to be debated or displayed publicly.

    This privacy reflects the belief that some aspects of religious life are meant to be lived quietly and sincerely, without performance or external validation.

    Covenants and the Latter-day Saint View of Discipleship

    To understand temple garments, it is essential to understand the role of covenants in Latter-day Saint belief.

    A covenant is more than a religious obligation. It is a mutual promise between God and an individual, involving commitment, trust, and divine grace. Latter-day Saints believe covenants help structure a life of discipleship by providing spiritual direction and purpose.

    Wearing the garment does not make someone righteous. Rather, it reminds the wearer of the path they have chosen—a path centered on Jesus Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe discipleship is lived daily, not only during worship services. The garment supports this belief by encouraging consistency between belief and behavior.

    Biblical and Historical Precedents

    Latter-day Saints see the temple garment as part of a broader biblical tradition of sacred clothing associated with worship and devotion to God.

    In the Old Testament, priests were commanded to wear holy garments when serving in sacred roles. These garments symbolized purity, dedication, and divine calling. They were not believed to possess power on their own, but served as reminders of sacred responsibility.

    Scripture frequently uses clothing as a metaphor for spiritual condition. Phrases such as “putting on righteousness” or being “clothed in salvation” reflect the symbolic role clothing plays in religious language.

    Latter-day Saints believe the temple garment fits within this symbolic tradition, pointing not to outward appearance, but to inward commitment.

    Clothing as a Symbol of Holiness

    Throughout scripture, clothing represents identity, belonging, and transformation. Latter-day Saints believe that wearing the garment reinforces awareness of one’s spiritual identity as a follower of Jesus Christ.

    Just as wedding rings symbolize marital commitment, the garment symbolizes a covenant relationship with God—personal, sacred, and enduring.

    Purpose of Wearing the Garment

    The primary purpose of wearing the temple garment is spiritual remembrance. It serves as a daily reminder of faith, commitment, and identity.

    Latter-day Saints believe that spiritual growth happens not only in dramatic moments, but in everyday choices. The garment quietly reinforces values such as modesty, self-discipline, humility, and devotion to Christ.

    The garment does not dictate behavior, but it encourages mindfulness. It invites the wearer to pause and consider how their actions align with their covenants.

    A Reminder, Not a Guarantee

    A critical point in understanding temple garments is recognizing what they are not. Latter-day Saints do not believe the garment protects from physical harm, guarantees blessings, or replaces moral responsibility.

    Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, obedience, and grace are central. The garment supports faith; it does not replace it.

    Spiritual Awareness

    Many Latter-day Saints describe the garment as helping them remain spiritually aware throughout the day. In moments of temptation, stress, or decision-making, the garment can serve as a quiet reminder of higher priorities and eternal perspective.

    This awareness is personal and varies from individual to individual, but the underlying purpose remains the same: to encourage faithful living.

    The Garment and Modesty

    Modesty is an important value in Latter-day Saint belief, though it is often misunderstood. Modesty is not simply about clothing length or style, but about respect for oneself, others, and God.

    The garment supports modesty by encouraging thoughtful choices in dress and behavior. It promotes the idea that the body is sacred and deserving of respect.

    For Latter-day Saints, modesty is not about judgment or control, but about discipleship and self-respect rooted in faith.

    The Garment and Grace

    Another common misunderstanding is that wearing the garment replaces grace or earns salvation. Latter-day Saints firmly believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.

    The garment does not save. Jesus Christ saves.

    The garment is a reminder of covenants made possible by Christ’s atonement. It reflects gratitude, not self-righteousness. Wearing it is an expression of faith in Christ, not a substitute for Him.

    Common Misunderstandings

    One widespread misconception is that Latter-day Saints believe the garment has magical or supernatural power. In reality, it holds meaning only insofar as the wearer honors the covenants it represents.

    Another misunderstanding is that the garment is worn to display religious superiority. Because it is worn privately, it is not intended as a public signal of belief.

    Some also assume the garment is worn at all times without exception. In reality, Latter-day Saints approach its use with reverence and practical wisdom, recognizing health, safety, and situational considerations.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple garments help Latter-day Saints integrate faith into daily life. Rather than separating religion from ordinary activities, the garment symbolizes consistency between belief and behavior.

    For believers, it represents devotion, humility, and a desire to follow Jesus Christ not only in words, but in daily actions.

    In a world where faith can easily become compartmentalized, the garment encourages wholeness—living the gospel in private moments as well as public ones.

    Personal Agency and Choice

    Importantly, wearing the temple garment is a personal choice. It is connected to temple participation and covenant making, both of which are entered voluntarily.

    Latter-day Saints believe agency is central to God’s plan. The garment is meaningful only when worn with understanding and sincere intent.

    The Garment and Modern Life

    In modern society, where values often shift rapidly, the garment serves as a stabilizing influence for many believers. It reminds them of enduring principles amid changing cultural norms.

    This does not mean Latter-day Saints reject the modern world. Rather, they seek to live in it with purpose, guided by eternal values.

    Why Temple Garments Are Often Misunderstood

    Because temple garments are private and sacred, misinformation can easily arise. Popular culture, stereotypes, and incomplete explanations often distort their meaning.

    Latter-day Saints emphasize that understanding comes best through respectful dialogue and learning, rather than assumptions.

    Why This Belief Matters Spiritually

    Ultimately, temple garments matter because they reflect a desire to follow Jesus Christ more fully. They symbolize commitment, covenant, and discipleship.

    For Latter-day Saints, wearing the garment is not about obligation, but about devotion. It is a quiet expression of faith lived day by day.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about their beliefs with openness and curiosity. They believe sincere questions lead to greater understanding and respect.

    They also believe that following Jesus Christ is a personal journey, guided by faith, prayer, and love.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Temple Garments
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Temple Worship
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org