Temples: Ordinances, Changes to

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• ⋮Actions for “Until his martyrdom, Joseph Smith continued to receive”

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  Until his martyrdom, Joseph Smith continued to receive revelations that furthered the restoration of the endowment and sealing ordinances. He recognized, however, that further refinement was needed. After administering the endowment to Brigham Young in May 1842, Joseph told Brigham, “This is not arranged right, but we have done the best we could under the circumstances in which we are placed, and I wish you to take this matter in hand and organize and systematize all these ceremonies.” Following the Prophet’s death, President Young oversaw the completion of the Nauvoo Temple and later built temples in the Utah Territory. At the dedication of the lower stories of the St. George Temple, Brigham Young vigorously declared the urgency of vicarious temple work when he said, “When I think upon this subject, I want the tongues of seven thunders to wake up the people.” From that time forward, temple ordinances were gradually refined. President Harold B. Lee explained why procedures, policies, and even the administration of temple ordinances continue to change within the Savior’s restored Church. President Lee said: “The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time.” Consider how administering the sacrament has changed over the years. In earlier days, the water of the sacrament was offered to the congregation in one large vessel. Everyone drank from it. Now we use individual disposable cups. The procedure changed, but the covenants remain the same. Ponder these three truths: The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is to bring the blessings of the temple to God’s faithful children. As we seek how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have often asked the Lord if there are better ways to take the blessings of the temple to His faithful children. We seek guidance regularly on how to ensure worldwide accuracy and consistency of temple instruction, covenants, and ordinances despite differences in language and culture. Under the Lord’s [1] direction and in answer to our prayers, recent procedural adjustments have been made. He [2] is the One who wants you to understand with great clarity exactly what you are making covenants to do. He [3] is the One who wants you to experience fully His [4] sacred ordinances. He [5] wants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities. He [6] wants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings you’ve never had before. This He [7] desires for all temple patrons, no matter where they live. Current adjustments in temple procedures, and others that will follow, are continuing evidence that the Lord [1] is actively directing His [2] Church. He [3] is providing opportunities for each of us to bolster our spiritual foundations more effectively by centering our lives on Him [4] and on the ordinances and covenants of His [5] temple. When you bring your temple recommend, a contrite heart, and a seeking mind to the Lord’s [6] house of learning, He [7] will teach you.

  President Russell M. Nelson

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  • Temples: Ordinances, Changes to

  21 Oct 2026