Why is the temple important?

From a talk given at Brigham Young University on November 15, 2005.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares some of his thoughts on this subject.

The primary purpose of the temple is to provide the ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

Temple blessings are as essential for each of us as was our baptism.

Temple ordinances guide us to our Savior and give us the blessings that come to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

We are instructed in the scriptures to build temples and prepare our lives to be worthy to partake of the sacred temple ordinances and covenants.

The temple’s saving ordinances are essential to the eternal plan of happiness.

This model of the Salt Lake Temple is on display at the South Visitors’ Center on Temple Square.

Photograph by Matt Reier