Temple endowment

In the most general terms possible, an endowment is a gift, generally given by a higher power. For instance, a benefactor may donate a large sum of money, materials, or resources to a university. Many times such gifts are referred to as endowments.

In Mormon terminology, an endowment is a gift from a much higher power—from God. It is a gift of knowledge to help faithful Mormons understand who they are, where they came from, and where they are going. It also helps members understand what they should do to prepare to meet God, and how Jesus Christ offers each of us the gift of salvation. Intrinsic to the LDS temple endowment is the presentation of information in a highly symbolic manner and the acceptance of covenants.

Symbolic Instruction

We live in a very literal world, one in which symbols are not as prominent as they were in days gone by. However, symbols still exist. They are all around us, even though we may not recognize them as such.

Take, for instance, the words you are reading right now. These words are nothing but symbols for objects or ideas. If I use the word home, the word isn't actually a dwelling place, but the word is a symbol of such. Indeed, it is a symbol of so much more than just the building, as those who use the symbol (the word home) can attach a rich and varied meaning to the symbol.

Information in the endowment is taught in a highly symbolic way. Just as the word home has shades of meaning, so do the symbols used in the endowment. One reason that faithful Mormons are encouraged to return to the temple over and over again is so they can seek those different shades of meaning inherent in symbolic instruction. The nuances that someone derives from a symbol today may very well be different than those derived previously.

The amazing power of symbolic instruction was commented on by one Mormon scholar in this manner:

We live in a world of symbols. We know nothing, except by symbols. We make a few marks on a sheet of paper, and we say that they form a word, which stands for love, or hate, or charity, or God or eternity. The marks may not be very beautiful to the eye. No one finds fault with the symbols on the pages of a book because they are not as mighty in their own beauty as the things which they represent. We do not quarrel with the symbol G-O-D because it is not very beautiful, yet represents the majesty of God. We are glad to have symbols, if only the meaning of the symbols is brought home to us. I speak to you tonight; you have not quarreled very much with my manner of delivery, or my choice of words; in following the meaning of the thoughts I have tried to bring home to you, you have forgotten words and manner. There are men who object to Santa Claus, because he does not exist! Such men need spectacles to see that Santa Claus is a symbol; a symbol of the love and joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit. In the land of my birth there was no Santa Claus, but a little goat was shoved into the room, carrying with it a basket of Christmas toys and gifts. The goat of itself counted for nothing; but the Christmas spirit, which it symbolized, counted for a tremendous lot.

We live in a world of symbols. No man or woman can come out of the temple endowed as he should be, unless he has seen, beyond the symbol, the mighty realities for which the symbols stand. (John A. Widtsoe, "Temple Worship," Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, April 1921, p. 62)

The symbols used in the endowment, and the meanings of those symbols, are sacred; the meaning of the symbols is viewed as knowledge from God. For this reason, the only acceptable place for Mormons to discuss such matters are within the walls of the temple. This is why Mormons don't discuss the details of what goes on in the temple—it is too sacred to be discussed, except in the most holy of places that exist on the earth.

Accepting Covenants

During the presentation of the endowment, Church members make very specific covenants with the Lord. A covenant is a two-way promise. In religious terms, a covenant is a sacred promise made between an individual and God. For instance, when a person is baptized, they make a covenant with the Lord that they will strive to follow the example of Christ and repent of the sins which commonly beset humans. In return, the Lord promises that if the person keeps their part of the covenant, He will provide forgiveness when He is humbly approached with a sincere heart and a real desire to change.

The covenants presented and accepted by members as part of the endowment are, again, very sacred. These covenants can be described in general nature, as is done here by James E. Talmage:

The ordinances of the endowment embody certain obligations on the part of the individual, such as covenant and promise to observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her King,-the Lord Jesus Christ. With the taking of each covenant and the assuming of each obligation a promised blessing is pronounced, contingent upon the faithful observance of the conditions.

No jot, iota, or tittle of the temple rites is otherwise than uplifting and sanctifying. In every detail the endowment ceremony contributes to covenants of morality of life, consecration of person to high ideals, devotion to truth, patriotism to nation, and allegiance to God. (James E. Talmage, The House of the Lord, p. 84)

A Gift from God

To Mormons, the temple endowment is a gift from God. It provides knowledge and the promise of blessings to come. Ultimately, all of the blessings available through the endowment are available only through the salvation offered by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While Mormons view the temple endowment as necessary and very beneficial, they recognize that it is Jesus Christ who brings salvation. It is through faith in Him alone can we be saved, by following the example that He set for us.