Comments on: The Lord Speaks Again: Ancient Temple Patterns in D&C 124

By: Matthew B. Brown

Matthew B. Brown — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:08:02 +0000

ChrisS,

Thank you very much for your comments and your question.

In the Encyclopedia of Mormonism it is stated that Latter-day Saints wear the white ceremonial temple garment “partially to remind them of the sacred covenants they have made with God.” http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments The rewarding part of Restoration research is figuring out what else that sacred piece of clothing, and its associated elements, mean. Paragraph #5 of the encyclopedia article mentions that Adam was the “firstborn” and, of course, Adam was the first king on this earth (see Genesis 1:26) and was given a garment by God (see Genesis 3:21) and “firstborn” was the divinely-appointed title given to the Israelite kings when they ascended the throne (see Psalms 89:27).

When each member of the house of Israel entered into the covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at Mount Sinai they became God’s possession (see Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2) and they were instructed to keep God’s commandments (see Deuteronomy 26:18). In order to point them toward this obligation at all times God instructed them to wear a piece of fabric with symbols attached to it. These symbols would not only remind them to keep God’s commandments but also remind them that since God was ‘holy’ they needed to be ‘holy’ too (Numbers 15:38-40; Leviticus 11:44-45).

There is much more that could be said about this important topic but I hope that these words and hints will suffice and encourage further study.

By: ChrisS

ChrisS — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:41:31 +0000

Brother Brown, thank you so much for this post. Especially the part about “the Lord’s people” – it really brought some aha moments for me. It also brought about a thought. In regards to the sacred garments we wear, I’ve always heard they represent “an outward sign of an inward covenant”. Unfortunately in my gospel path, that’s where I’ve always left it, but when reading your thoughts today, it made me wonder if there would be any credence to them (the garment) being a sign of ours becoming His people, God’s (the Father’s) people? Sort of like at baptism we take the Savior’s name upon us and become a member of his church and become “His”… in the temple, with those ordinances and covenants, we are heading back to the Father, becoming gods, priests and kings (as you mentioned) even the “sons of God”. Any thoughts you have (or other readers of course) are appreciated. Thank you for your continued seeking after truth and willingness to share.

By: Matthew B. Brown

Matthew B. Brown — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:11:28 +0000

Steve Smoot,

It is what you are about to accomplish on your mission that is worth its weight in gold.

“You have chosen . . . wisely.”

By: Matthew B. Brown

Matthew B. Brown — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:09:16 +0000

Jennifer O.,

Thank you so much for your kind words. Let me assure you that I am just a regular member of the Church who enjoys learning and sharing what I find with others. It is great to hear from people like you who benefit from reading the notes from my adventure in the process of discovery.

By: Stephen Smoot

Stephen Smoot — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:32:55 +0000

I said it once and I’ll say it again. Matthew B. Brown’s books are worth their weight in gold. They are prima sources to turn to on a number of issues and Brother Brown is, without question, one of my favorite LDS authors.

Kudos to both of you for this fine blog post!

By: Jennifer O.

Jennifer O. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:52:10 +0000

Brother Brown, I echo Bryce’s sentiments about your books – they are well-worn, oft-quoted, and among the most cherished on my bookshelves. Always well researched and extremely insightful, your writings have opened my eyes in so many areas on so many levels. Similarly, I found this post brilliant, adding yet another layer of understanding for me on this important topic.

I truly appreciate your scholarship and willingness to share your talents with us. Thank you!!!