Highest Ordinances

Highest Ordinances

Highest Ordinances
Mormon History Related

"The Prophet Joseph Smith declared that in all ages the divine purpose of gathering the people of God is to build temples so His children can receive the highest ordinances and thereby gain eternal life (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007], 415?17). This essential relationship between the principle of gathering and the building of temples is highlighted in the Book of Mormon:" 'Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted' (Alma 26:5)."The sheaves in this analogy represent newly baptized members of the Church. The garners are the holy temples. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained: 'Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple' (in John L. Hart, "Make Calling Focus of Your Mission," Church News, Sept. 17, 1994, 4). This instruction clarifies and emphasizes the importance of sacred temple ordinances and covenants?that the sheaves may not be wasted."
-- David A. Bednar, "Honorably Hold a Name and Standing," Ensign, May 2009, 97