Russell M. Nelson, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 2001 general conference said:
“In the temple we receive an endowment, which is, literally speaking, a gift. In receiving this gift, we should understand its significance and the importance of keeping sacred covenants. Each temple ordinance “is not just a ritual to go through, it is an act of solemn promising.”6 below
The temple endowment was given by revelation. Thus, it is best understood by revelation, prayerfully sought with a sincere heart.7
Sealing Authority
In preparing to receive the endowment and other ordinances of the temple, we should understand the sealing authority of the priesthood. Jesus referred to this authority long ago when He taught His Apostles, “Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”9 That same authority has been restored in these latter days. Just as priesthood is eternal—without beginning or end—so is the effect of priesthood ordinances that bind families together forever.
Temple ordinances, covenants, endowments, and sealings enable individuals to be reconciled with the Lord and families to be sealed beyond the veil of death. Obedience to temple covenants qualifies us for eternal life, the greatest gift of God to man.10 Eternal life is more than immortality. Eternal life is exaltation in the highest heaven—the kind of life that God lives. ~Teachings of Russell M. Nelson (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2018), 363
6. Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 638.
