Why are temples built in our day?

God's covenant people have always been commanded throughout history to build holy temples unto Him.  We have record of temples being built throughout the scriptures. Today, in our modern day it is no different, temples are being built across the globe at a more rapid pace than ever before.           Why is this?  Why are temples dotting planet earth?  What is their purpose and significance?

For many years, the Israelites could not build a temple because they were traveling through the wilderness. They carried with them a tent called the tabernacle, which served as a temple. After they had reached the promised land, King David wanted to build a permanent temple. God told him, “Thou shalt not build an house unto my name” (1 Chr. 22:8). People cannot build temples for the Lord without receiving His approval. The Lord revealed that David’s son Solomon had been chosen to build the temple, instead.

Solomon’s temple took eight years to complete. It was similar to the tabernacle, but it was twice as large. The walls were made of stone and were covered on the inside with carved wood and gold. Only the best materials were used to construct the temple. When it was finished, Solomon knelt at the altar in the court of the temple and offered a dedicatory prayer. (See 2 Chr. 3–6.)

OLD TESTAMENT TIMES: 

 Solomon's Temple

1 Kings: 

Chapter 6

Solomon builds the temple—The Lord promises to dwell among the Israelites if they are obedient—The ornaments of the temple are described.
Chapter 7

Solomon builds himself a house—Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple—The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

Exodus:
Chapter 28

Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated and anointed to minister in the priest’s office—Aaron’s garments are to include a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat, a miter, and a girdle—The breastplate of judgment is to contain twelve precious stones with the names of the tribes of Israel thereon—The Urim and Thummim are to be carried in the breastplate.

36 ¶And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord.

Oakland, California Temple

Kings:

Chapter 7

25 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

 Manaus, Brazil Temple

• 1 Corinthians 15:29

  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?
  

Isaiah Saw our Day

Isaiah:

Chapter 2

 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

A Prophecy Fulfilled...

Salt Lake City, Utah Temple

I was married in this temple in 2005 for time and all eternity to my eternal companion and sweetheart.  I love the blessings of the temple and the understanding it gives me of our Heavenly Father's glorious plan of salvation for each one of us.


Why the "Mormon Underwear?"

Another Old Testament Prophecy Fulfilled

Malachi 4

5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Elijah Has Returned and Restored the Sealing Keys of the Priesthood

Temple Quotations 

and

Temple Designs...

 

Revelation 7:15

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Gilbert, Arizona Temple

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah Temple

 

Las Vegas, Nevada Temple 

 

Latter-day Temple Building 

- Current Construction

IF you have made it this far I applaud you for taking the time to learn more about why temples are so important to us as Latter-day Saints.  Family History and genealogy are a very big part of our focus and work as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We believe the scripture is literally being fulfilled below:

• Ephesians 1:10

  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
  
  I leave you my personal testimony and witness that temple work is essential to the salvation of all mankind.  Sacred ordinances are performed and covenants are entered into by followers of Jesus Christ.  True discipleship is learned. The holy temples are a sacred sanctuary from the storms of this life where we can feel the peace and beauty of heavenly things.  I love going to the temple and serving there.  It brings me so much happiness and joy each time I go.  I am uplifted and edified by the sweet spirit of the temple.  It is holy and sacred and the most beautiful place on earth.  The work of redeeming those who have past on before us is very spiritual and rewarding.   ~C.J. Poulsen