Several weeks ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated the temple garment statement. As the new statement started to circulate online, it became quite controversial – especially the very last line. To review, here is the updated statement:
“The garment of the holy priesthood reminds us of the veil in the temple, and that veil is symbolic of Jesus Christ. When you put on your garment, you put on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. Wearing it is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow Him. The garment is also a reminder of your temple covenants. You should wear the garment day and night throughout your life. When it must be removed for activities that cannot reasonably be done while wearing the garment, seek to restore it as soon as possible. As you keep your covenants, including the sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances, you will have greater access to the Savior’s mercy, protection, strength, and power.” [source]
As I read through a variety of posts and comments, it seemed that many people were confused and even opposed to that last sentence. And I get it. Because while it says a lot, it also doesn’t say a lot. Let me explain.
Can those who wear garments receive greater access to God’s mercy?
Yes.
Does God withhold His mercy if you don’t wear garments?
No.
And if it’s still confusing, here are some resources that beautifully explain the blessings of wearing garments.
Quotes
“To achieve those holy purposes, we are instructed to wear temple garments continuously, with the only exception being those obviously necessary. Because covenants do not take a day off, to remove one’s garments can be understood as a disclaimer of the responsibilities and blessings to which they relate. In contrast, persons who wear their garments faithfully and keep their temple covenants continually affirm their role as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.” – President Oaks (Covenants and Responsibilities)
“As part of the temple endowment, we are authorized to wear the garment of the holy priesthood. It is both a sacred obligation and a sacred privilege.” -J. Anette Dennis (Put Ye On the Lord, Jesus Christ)
“President Nelson recently taught something very profound about the temple garment that he gave me permission to share with you: ‘Your garment is symbolic of the veil [of the temple]; the veil is symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ. So when you put on your garment, you may feel that you are truly putting upon yourself the very sacred symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ—His life, His ministry, and His mission, which was to atone for every daughter and son of God.’” -Allen D. Haynie (Meeting Jesus in the House of the Lord)
“Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. In the Hebrew language, that covenantal love is called hesed (חֶסֶד).” -President Nelson (The Everlasting Covenant)
“[How you keep your covenants and wear the holy garment] depends on what degree of relationship you want to experience with Jesus Christ.” Sister Freeman (Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ)
Books
The Holy Covenant – Anthony Sweat
If you know me at all, you know that this book is my all-time favorite for learning more about the temple and our covenants, including wearing the garment of the Holy Priesthood. This is a great place to start!
Let’s Talk about Temples and Ritual – Jennifer C. Lane
This book explores the relationship between Freemasonry practices and modern-day temple rituals, the significance of the temple garments, and why the administration of ordinances has changed over time.
175 Temple Symbols and Their Meanings – Donald W. Parry
This book deals with a broad range of categories, including temple architecture, rituals and ordinances, sacred clothing, sacrificial offerings, geometric symbols, colors, heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars), prayer and revelation, sacred names, religious festivals, and more.
The Holy Temple – Boyd K. Packer
This beautiful book explains what led the Church to build temples, and what is done there. What is done in temples today is the same as what was done in temples back in ancient times. This explains it all so it’s really easy to understand.
An Analogy
I really liked this analogy that teaches how we can have greater access to Christ’s mercy as we keep covenants and wear the garment as instructed, and also how God does not withhold His mercy to those who do not. I hope it helps.
Christ’s mercy is like rain. It freely falls everywhere. If one person has a garden that they have prepared well for harvest, and another person has a garden that they have not prepared at all, the rain still falls on both gardens. But whose garden will receive more blessings from the rain? The one that has been prepared; the one that did the work to receive all that the rain could provide.
How well we prepare our garden (keep our covenants and wear the garment as instructed) is how much access we can have to the Savior’s mercy, strength, protection, and power.
It’s up to us. It’s up to you.
Choosing to wear the garment allows us to receive greater access because we’re in the mindset to receive it based on the promises we made in the temple. Just like when we get baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Everyone is given the light of Christ so they can feel the influence of the spirit, but only those who make the baptismal covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost are entitled to His constant guidance. When we wear our garments and keep our covenants, we will receive greater access to Christ’s mercy.
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