As we read through the scriptures we find numerous references to temples. Perhaps the most famous temple is the Temple of Solomon. There were also others that also had temples such as Moses, Eli, David, Abraham, throughout time up until the Savior Jesus Christ. Of course this leaves us with many questions, however there are two key questions that stand out:

Why was the temple so important to the people at that time?
Why don't we have temples now that serve those same functions?

Two Eras of Temples

We know that in the Old Testament, the temple was a place where the High Priests went to minister to the Lord. It's important to note that there were essentially two eras of Temples.

Mosaic Law - The first era is during the time in which the Law of Moses and the only Priesthood on the earth was after the order of Aaron otherwise known as the Aaronic Priesthood. The Law of Moses and the Aaronic Priesthood are precursor to the Higher law and priesthood. They are also both designed to be a physical and outward in their acts of obedience. During this time the temples were used to offer up sacrifices through an outward demonstration of obedience such as a burnt offering, burning incense etc.
Following the Fulfillment of the Mosaic Law - The second era begins when Jesus Christ taught the higher law and restored the higher Priesthood after the order of Melchezidek also known as the Melchezidek Priesthood. Jesus Christ taught that his crucifixion would be the great sacrifice that would fulfill the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses having been fulfilled would be replaced with the higher law. This new law would be comprised of inward demonstrations of faith and obedience. This would

2 Nephi 2:7 -
"Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered."

Matthew 5:38-41 -
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."

John 13:34-35 -
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

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Why are Temples so Important?

To understand why the temples are so important we need to better understand what it was that they were used for besides just burning incense.

NOTE: We will only focus on what it is that the Temples are used for in our time as well as the time following the crucifixion of Christ. We will only focus on this timeframe since we are no longer living in the time of the Law of Moses, but we are living according to the higher Law of Christ.

So what did Christ and his Apostles teach about the functions in the temples? Paul gives us a clue in records of what the saints at that time were taught and therefore practicing in 1 Corinthians 15:29:

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"

In this scripture he's answering a question regarding the resurrection of our souls. He answers this by posing another question. The text here makes us realize that the practice of Baptisms for the Dead were a common practice among the Christians at that time. This one verse teaches two very important principals, both of which are very important to this discussion on Temples.

That the Christians following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ did baptisms for those that were dead.
That those were dead will rise again, in the resurrection, and that this ordinance of baptism is somehow essential for them.

Baptisms for the Dead

Baptisms for the Dead is simply a baptism by proxy for someone who has passed away. This means that a living person can be baptized in behalf of someone who is dead. The reason for this is simple. Christ taught that we ALL need to be baptized by someone who has the proper authority from God. This issue of proper priesthood authority is why Christ traveled so far to be baptized by John vs. being baptized by a local priest.

Matthew 3:15 -
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."

So if it is necessary for all mankind to be baptized, what about those who lived in times and places where they didn't have the option of being baptized by someone holding the proper authority from God? This is why we do baptisms for the dead.

What if They don't want to be Baptized?

Of course those who have died who are baptized by proxy can either accept or reject this ordinance of baptism. If they choose to reject this ordinance it will be as if they were never baptized and the records of heaven will treat it as such. If they choose to accept their baptism by proxy, in the records of heaven, it will be as if they were baptized here on the earth while still in mortality, and they will receive all those blessings and gifts from God they would have normally received.

Other Ordinances

There are other ordinances which are performed in the Temple for both the living and those who have died. Because of the sacred nature of these ordinances I will not go into any detail on them at this time. Please understand that I'm not withholding this information because I wish to keep a great secret, but because these things are very sacred and this website is neither the time nor the place to discuss such matters.

Temple Marriage or Sealing

I can tell you that of these other ordinances marriage is one of them. Only when we perform the marriage in the temple we call it a Sealing. This term is used because the marriage or sealing when done in the Temple with the proper priesthood authority from God, it cannot be broken by death, but will still be in force in the world hereafter and throughout eternity. So not only am I sealed to my wonderful wife for the eternities, but also those wonderful children that God has so kindly blessed us with. I love my wife and can think of no greater thing than to continue into the world hereafter and beyond with that wonderful friend and companion.

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Modern Day Temples

Today The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has temples throughout the world . These temples are all constructed for the same purpose which is to do these same ordinances with the very real and Holy Priesthood Authority of God.

(Click here to view Temples worldwide)

In Summary

There is far too much information regarding temples and the ordinances performed in them to cover it all in a website. However I would recommend that if you'd like to find out more you can send me an email, but I would also recommend that you contact a local representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so that you can get answers to your questions.

As I've mentioned many other places throughout this site, this information is not to be understood as the final or official doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is simply my understanding and my best attempts to explain these things to you, a very general and anonymous audience.