Temple Work

Today I read 3 Nephi 25 which is where Jesus quotes Malachi chapter 4 to the Nephites. I have often wondered why temple work is so important. It is one of the three fold missions of the church and as Malachi states if we don't do it the earth will be smitten with a curse.

Now there is the obvious reason that everyone needs an opportunity to hear and either accept or reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. All Latter-day Saints know and believe that in the next life before the resurrection there is missionary work going on. All those who lived a good and faithful life and have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ are spending their time teaching those people who have not yet accepted the gospel, very many of which never had an opportunity to hear it.

It is a very fulfilling work as the scriptures call it a rest from all their troubles and cares. Now some may wonder why such work is necessary? I mean they are dead shouldn't they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ without question? Not necessarily because to my understanding the veil has not yet been lifted from them and all they know more than what they knew before they died is that they are still alive and there is some type of afterlife. They still don't know what is coming next, they do not suddenly have a knowledge of Jesus Christ or our Heavenly Father or the pre-earth life. They need the opportunity to accept of reject the gospel.

So one could say that the reason temple work is so necessary is because it is a fulfillment of God's word, which as we have previously discussed is essential for our continued existence. However we have only discussed the gospel being preached to those who did not have a chance to accept or hear it in this life but we have said nothing of temple work. Now for those who may read this who are not Latter-day Saints, let me explain that in the temples we perform sacred ordinances necessary for the salvation of mankind. That is all I may say due to the incredibly sacred nature of temples and the work that is performed there. But we believe that a man or a woman, may not be saved without these ordinances.

Now there have been many, many, many millions of people who never had access to a temple while they were alive. Hence temple work and why it is so important. Now the scripture talks about the hearts of the fathers turning to the children and the hearts of the children turning to their fathers, or a desire to do genealogy. Genealogy is a very hot topic nowadays and has been for some years now. That is because the verse in Malachi was fulfilled in 1836 when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery at the Kirtland Temple and gave unto them the sealing power.

Genealogy is so important because temple work cannot be done for people unless we know who they are. Sure the vast majority of us know who are parents are, and I would say about half if not more even know our grandparents, but what about further back? How would we know who to do the work for if we didn't do genealogy and search them out? For those of you who may be skeptical about this think about it long and hard. Have you ever had the urge to find out who your ancestors were? What they were like and what they did? I'll wager money that at least 90% of you have. Now let me ask you this, why do you care? Honestly what difference does it make in the slightest? Why do you care what your ancestors were like, what they looked like and what they did?

It's because of the spirit of Elijah and him turning our hearts to the fathers as was promised. We are filled with the spirit of curiosity to seek out those who came before us, and even if you don't know it, to help them in their eternal progression. We have a very great responsibility to perform the work for all those who have gone before us and to give them the opportunity to accept this great work. We cannot decide it for them, it is their choice. But we cannot give them that choice until the work is done for them so that they can choose. That is the purpose of temple work.

And that is what I think is meant by the earth being smitten with a curse. Not so much a literal curse, but once again we are faced with a situation of if it doesn't happen God will cease to be God and none of us wants to explore that option I promise. For those of you who have not been inside a temple I urge you to go. If you are not a member of our faith find one that is holding an open house and walk through and feel the spirit that resides there. For those of you who are a member of our faith, always live your life in such a way that you are worthy to enter His house and partake of the wonderful Spirit and help with the work. It is one of the most rewarding thing you can do in this life and one of the best ways to spend your free time. It's also fun and enjoyable! Until tomorrow.