The Temple Garment
A Symbol of Jesus Christ
What is the Temple Garment?
While in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve made sacred covenants with God. Then, as a result of their Fall into mortality, they found themselves in a lone and dreary world, shut out from God's presence. Now "how would these mortals remember what they had promised? How would they remain aware of their perilous situation—aware all the time, day and night?!"​
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"For such a reminder He gave them 'coats of skins.' What a gift this was and how timely. After partaking of the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve were almost instantly aware that they were naked. First, they tried to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. Then, fearing that to be inadequate, they tried to hide from the Lord. (Such a foolish endeavor was evidence mortality was settling in!) From that moment to the present, a loving Father has invited His children to come, out of hiding, unto Him. And as with the coats of skins then and various items of clothing since, He in His mercy has not left us naked but has clothed the obedient in a 'robe of righteousness,' a reminder of our promises and covenants. These 'garments of salvation' symbolize the greatest gift of all, the Atonement of Jesus Christ" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Garment of the Holy Priesthood," Liahona, September 2024).
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"It is likely that an animal was sacrificed to make those coats of skins—symbolic of the Savior’s own sacrifice for us. Kaphar is the basic Hebrew word for atonement, and one of its meanings is “to cover.” Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessings of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives. As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day, that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us" (J. Anette Dennis, "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ," general conference, April 2024).
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"It’s not hard to imagine how Adam and Eve felt, because we too face troubles in this fallen world. We too have been separated from the presence of God, and we further distance ourselves every time we transgress. Like Adam and Eve, we have been given that same Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Alpha and Omega, the Son of the living God. Like Adam and Eve, we have made covenants with God. And, as part of the temple endowment, we have been given a sacred physical reminder of those covenants—a symbol of the Savior Himself. In our dispensation it is called the garment of the holy priesthood" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Garment of the Holy Priesthood," Liahona, September 2024).​​​
Ordinance of Clothing in the Sacred Temple Garment
Part of the Initiatory ordinances of the endowment is the ordinance of clothing. This ordinance is where you'll be taught about the sacred temple garment, also called the garment of the holy priesthood. You'll be given the sacred privilege of wearing the garment throughout your life as a reminder of the covenants you have made with the Lord, and as a reminder of the covenants He makes with you. Wearing the garment is a sacred privilege and is a way you show your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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The temple garment has great symbolic meaning. As you study think about each of these scriptures, let the Holy Ghost teach you things about the symbolism and importance of your privilege to wear the temple garment.
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Study:
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Ponder:
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What are you learning about the symbolism and importance of your covenant to wear the temple garment?​
First Presidency Statement on the Garment
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“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.”​​​​​
Wearing the Temple Garment
President Holland recently declared: "We wear this garment beneath our outer clothing. Whatever responsibilities I have, whatever roles I play in life, whatever the duties of daily living require, beneath it all are my covenants—always and forever. Beneath it all are those sacred promises to which I desperately cling. The garment isn’t flaunted or shown off before the world, and neither are my covenants. But I do keep both close to me—as close as I possibly can. They are intensely personal and supremely sacred.
"In remembering those covenants, those two-way promises, we wear the garment throughout our lives. This practice reflects our desire for the Savior to be a constant influence in our lives. Other beloved symbols are periodic. We are baptized once in our lives. We partake of the sacrament once a week. We attend the temple as circumstances permit. But the garment of the holy priesthood is different: this symbol we honor every day and night.
"And that’s the way covenants are—not set aside out of convenience or carelessness and not modified to fit the styles and fashions of society. In the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ways of the world must be modified to align with our covenants, not the other way around.
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"When we put on the garment, we are, as the First Presidency has taught, putting on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. That being the case, why would we ever look for an excuse to take that symbol off? Why would we deprive ourselves of the promise of power, protection, and mercy the garment represents? On the contrary, whenever we do have to temporarily remove the garment, we should be eager to put it back on, as soon as possible, because we remember both the promises and the perils that give meaning to our covenants. Above all, we remember the cross and empty tomb of Christ.
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"Some might say, 'I have other ways to remember Jesus.' And I would respond, that’s wonderful. The more the better. Let’s all think of as many ways as we can to keep our commitment to 'always remember him.' But in so doing, it would be disingenuous to intentionally neglect the reminder the Lord Himself gave to the endowed, the garment of the holy priesthood" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Garment of the Holy Priesthood," Liahona, September 2024).
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"[Wearing the temple garment] reminds me that as I keep the covenants I have made with God in the house of the Lord, I have symbolically put on Christ, who Himself is an armor of light. He will protect me from evil, give me power and increased capacity, and be my light and guide through the darkness and difficulties of this world. There is deep and beautiful symbolic meaning in the garment of the holy priesthood and its relationship to Christ. I believe that my willingness to wear the holy garment becomes my symbol to Him. It is my own personal sign to God, not a sign to others" (J. Anette Dennis, "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ," general conference, April 2024).
Thoughts from a Prophet about Wearing the Garment​
President Russell M. Nelson recently taught: "As you clothe yourself in this holy garment, please think about the temple. Specifically, I invite you to reflect upon those moments when you stand at the veil of the temple.​
"I want you to know what the Apostle Paul taught about the veil of the temple. This is recorded in the book of Hebrews, chapter 10 starting at verse 19. I quote, 'Having … boldness to enter into the holiest [think of the celestial room] by the blood of Jesus.
'… which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.'
"Your garment is symbolic of the veil; 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.​
"You have already taken His name upon you at baptism. And you reaffirm that sacred covenant each week when you partake of the sacrament. Each day when you clothe yourself once again with the holy garment, you may ponder about all He has done for you and for all people who would ever live. You may also reflect upon the great privileges that come to those who learn how to draw upon the powers of heaven.​
"Only through Jesus Christ as your Mediator, can you gain admission into the presence of your Heavenly Father. There is no other way to gain access to Him. And a glorious exaltation in His holy presence is promised to you and to everyone who will make and keep their covenants with God.​
"Wearing the garment represents your continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified our need to endure to the end, so we wear the garment faithfully as our enduring armor of God. Thus, we demonstrate our faith in Him and in our everlasting covenants made with Him.
Our garments are a shield and protection for us, both physically and spiritually. They protect us from the fiery darts of the adversary which may be aimed at us and our loved ones during the day. And, very simply, wearing the garment faithfully and respectfully gives us greater access to the mercy, protection, strength and power of our Savior Jesus Christ" (Russell M. Nelson, “Enter into Thy Closet,” seminar for new mission leaders, Missionary Training Center, Provo, Utah, 26 June 2022)
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Ponder and Discuss:
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What have you learned about how keeping your covenant to wear the temple garment can allow you greater access to the power of Jesus Christ in your life?
Questions about Wearing the Garment?​
Some answers to questions about the garment can be found at temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in section 38.5 of the General Handbook. "Trusted family members and leaders might be consulted about a personal matter. There is, however, very clear direction given in the initiatory ordinances, and there is forever and ever your Father in Heaven, who knows you and loves you and understands everything about your circumstances. He would be thrilled to have you ask Him these questions personally.
"Please don’t misunderstand. As you reach out for divine guidance, the Spirit will not inspire you to do less than follow the instruction received in the temple and the prophetic counsel shared by the First Presidency in their recent statement. A loving Father will not help you rationalize doing less than you can to align with His standards of devotion and modesty that will bless you now and forever. But does He understand your questions, and will He help you receive the blessings of respecting the garment and keeping your covenants? Yes! Should you also consult with competent medical and health professionals when needed? Of course! Should you disregard common sense or look beyond the mark? I pray that you won’t" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Garment of the Holy Priesthood," Liahona, September 2024).
Learning Activity:
Consider recording in a journal the way your wearing of the temple garment is a sign between you and the Lord of your commitment to Him, and your gratitude for what He suffered so that you could be covered by the robes of His righteousness.