President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught that “family history work has the power to do something for the dead. It has an equal power to do something to the living. Family history work ... has a refining, spiritualizing, tempering influence on those who are engaged in it” (Boyd K. Packer, “Your Family History: Getting Started,” Ensign, Aug. 2003, 17).
Read what Apostles have taught about the blessings available to us when we engage in family history and temple work.
Help from the Other Side
“Brother Widtsoe reaffirmed that ‘those who give themselves with all their might and mind to this [family history] work receive help from the other side. Whoever seeks to help those in the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life’” (Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple, 252).
“Remember that the names which will be so difficult to find are of real people to whom you owe your existence in this world and whom you will meet again in the spirit world. … Their hearts are bound to you. Their hope is in your hands. You will have more than your own strength as you choose to labor on to find them” (Henry B. Eyring, “Hearts Bound Together,” April 2005 general conference).
Spiritual Protection
“Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors” (Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Oct. 2012 general conference).
“I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives” (David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Oct. 2011 general conference).
Increased Testimony and Conversion
“I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. …
“As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding (David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Oct. 2011 general conference).
Enhanced Temple Experience
“Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received” (Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” October 2012 general conference).
“When members of the Church find the names of their ancestors and take those names to the temple for ordinance work, the temple experience can be greatly enriched” (First Presidency Letter, Oct. 8, 2012).
