Family History Doctrine

I Admonish You to Go Often to the Temple

2009-11-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Now, my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.

What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on the earth.

Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 112–14

Record Spiritual Experiences

2009-08-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

“We renew our appeal for the keeping of individual histories and accounts of sacred experiences in our lives—answered prayers, inspiration from the Lord, administrations in our behalf, a record of the special times and events of our lives. From these records you can also appropriately draw as you relay faith-promoting stories in your family circles and discussions. Stories of inspiration from our own lives and those of our forebearers as well as stories from our scriptures and our history are powerful teaching tools. I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to you individually, your husband or wife, your children, your grandchildren, and mothers throughout the generations.” Spencer W. Kimball, “Therefore I Was Taught,” Tambuli, Aug 1982, 1

Covenants & Power

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"What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God . In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments.

We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. Our foundational covenant, for example, the one in which we first pledge our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ, is confirmed by the ordinance of baptism. It is done individually, by name. By this ordinance, we become part of the covenant people of the Lord and heirs of the celestial kingdom of God.

Other sacred ordinances are performed in temples built for that very purpose. If we are faithful to the covenants made there, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, CR April 2009

Be Anxiously Engaged In A Good Cause

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"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."
Doctrine & Covenants 58:27-28

Establish a Temple Worship Goal

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"I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?" Elder Richard G. Scott, CR April 2009

Discovery

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"I admonish all families: search out your heritage. It is important to know, as far as possible, those who came before us. We discover something about ourselves when we learn about our ancestors."

Thomas S. Monson, “Constant Truths for Changing Times,” Liahona, May 2005, 19–22

Decide to do Something that will have Eternal Consequences

2009-03-11T20:37:00.000-06:00

"I testify that the spirit of Elijah is touching the hearts of many of Father’s children throughout the world, causing the work for the dead to accelerate at an unprecedented pace.

But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things that don’t really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those who can’t help themselves.

This is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil where help is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful."

Richard G. Scott, “Redemption: The Harvest of Love,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 5

We Without Them Cannot Be Saved

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"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other - and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this , but those things which have never been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times." Doctrine & Covenants 128:18

Priesthood Power & Record Keeping

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"That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven." Doctrine & Covenants 127:7

Youth and Genealogy

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"I believe the youth are not only willing and able to do genealogical research, but they are a good means of giving life to the whole program" (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 163).

The Lord Will Guide You

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"Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord's work, and when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies" (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1996, 44).

Dissolve the Artificial Boundry Between Missionary Work and Temple and Genealogical Work

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"Missionary work is not limited to proclaiming the gospel to every nation, kindred tongue , and people now living on the earth. Missionary work is also continuing beyond the veil among the millions and even billions of the children of our Heavenly Father who have died either without hearing the gospel or without accepting it while they lived on the earth. Our great part in this aspect of missionary work is to perform on this earth the ordinances required for those who accept the gospel over there. The spirit world is full of spirits who are anxiously awaiting the performance of these earthly ordinances for them. I hope to see us dissolve the artificial boundary line we so often place between missionary work and temple and genealogical work, because it is the same great redemptive work!" (S. W. Kimball, 1977, p.3)

Present a Book Containing the Record of Our Dead

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"Let us therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation." D & C 128:24

Member's Responsibilities

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Church Handbook of Instructions
1 - [Members] Receive their own Temple ordinances and help immediate family members receive them.
2 - Hold a current Temple Recommend and go to the Temple regularly.
3 - Participate in Family History work.
"Members should identify their own kindred dead, request temple ordinances if needed, and provide these ordinances by proxy if possible. As a beginning, members should try to identify three to five generations of their ancestors...
"In addition to the three basic responsibilities outlined above, members may participate in many other aspects of temple and family history work. The additional work a member does depends on guidance from the Spirit, personal circumstances and abilities, and direction from Church leaders. All members should be engaged in some aspects of temple and family history work throughout their lives."
(Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 262-63

Reveal the Priesthood through Elijah

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"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." D & C 2:2

The Lord Will Bless Us

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“The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance work of the temples. Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service. We will be blessed in all of our affairs. We will be eligible to have the Lord take an interest in our affairs both spiritual and temporal. . . . “Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people” (Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple [2003], 36–37).

Today Is A Day Of Temple Building

2008-12-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

President Thomas S. Monson said, “Today is a day of temple building. Never before have so many temples been erected and dedicated. . . . Temples will bless all who attend them and who
sacrifice for their completion. The light of Christ will shine on all—even those who have gone beyond” (Ensign, May 1999, 56).

Purpose of Elijah's Visit

2008-12-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Russell M. Nelson said, “Natural affection between generations began to be enriched. This restoration was accompanied by what is sometimes called the Spirit of Elijah—a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family. Hence, people throughout the
world, regardless of religious affiliation, are gathering records of deceased relatives at an ever-increasing rate. “Elijah came not only to stimulate research for ancestors. He also enabled families to be eternally linked beyond the bounds of mortality. Indeed, the opportunity for families to be sealed forever is the real reason for our research” (Ensign, May 1998, 34).

I Testify That When We Do All We Can ...

2008-12-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

President Thomas S. Monson said, “I testify that when we do all we can to accomplish the
work that is before us, the Lord will make available to us the sacred key needed to unlock the treasure which we so much seek. (See Ether 12:6–22.) . . .

“My brothers and sisters, do not be weary in well doing. If you feel your contribution is small or insignificant, remember that the worth of souls is precious in the sight of God. Our opportunity is to prepare the way, and to accomplish the ordinance work, after faithful research, that these souls may prepare for the glory which is their divine opportunity” (“The Key of Faith,” Ensign, Feb. 1994, 5, 7).

We need not be Specialists

2008-12-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

"Our chief responsibility at that time was to convince the membership of the Church that they need not be specialists, they need not be in their eighties, they need not be exclusively genealogists in order to understand the responsibility which rest upon each member of the Church to seek out his or her kindred dead and to perform the work which must necessarily be accomplished in their behalf." President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign Feb 1994

The Situation of the Livng and the Dead

2008-12-15T10:34:00.001-07:00

"The great Jehovah ... knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption."
Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:597

Research Can Sometimes Be Difficult

2008-12-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

"After you find the first few generations, the road will become more difficult....You will be tempted to stop and leave the hard work of finding to others who are more expert or to another time in your life. But you will also feel a tug on your heart to go on in the work, hard as it will be.

"As you decide, remember that the names which will be so difficult to find are 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." Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign May 2005, 79-80

Blessing of Temple Work

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"In a spirit of love and consecration, we must extend ourselves in the work of redemption of the dead through service in the temples of the Lord. This service more nearly approaches the divine work of the Son of God, who gave His life for others, than does any other work of which I know." President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign May 1983, 8

Getting Started

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"Get a cardboard box. Any kind of box will do. Put it someplace where it is in the way, ...anywhere where it cannot go unnoticed. Then, over a period of a few weeks, collect and put into the box every record of your life, such as your birth certificate, your certificate of blessing, your certificate of baptism, your certificate of ordination, and your certificate of graduation. Collect diplomas, all of the photographs, honors, or awards, a diary if you have kept one, everything that you can find pertaining to your life; anything that is written, or registered, or recorded that testifies that you are alive and what you have done." Elder Boyd K. Packer, Ensign Aug 2003, 15

The Spirit of Elijah

2008-12-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

"Natural affection between generations began to be enriched. This restoration was accompanied by what is sometimes called the Spirit of Elijah--a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family. Hence, people throughout the world, regardless of religious affiliation, are gathering records of deceased relatives at an ever-increasing rate.

"Elijah came not only to stimulate research for ancestors. He also enabled families to be eternally linked beyond the bounds of mortality. Indeed, the opportunity for families to be sealed forever is the real reason for our research." Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign May 1998, 34

Elijah sent to Restore the Sealing Power

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"It is important to know why the Lord promised to send Elijah. Elijah was a great prophet with great power given him by God. He held the greatest power God gives to His children: he held the sealing power, the power to bind on earth and have it bound in heaven....And the Lord kept His promise to send Elijah. Elijah came to the Prophet Joseph Smith on April 3, 1836, just after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the first temple built after the Restoration of the gospel."
Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 2005, 78

God is the Designer of the Family

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"God is the designer of the family. He intended that the greatest of happiness, the most satisfying aspects of life, the deepest joys should come in our associations together and our concerns one for another as fathers and mothers and children." President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign May 1991, 74

New Era of Family History Work

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"A new era of family history work has arrived. Tasks that once seemed beyond reach are now within our grasp....The way is opening up by which we can obey His will and provide welding links between all dispensations and generations." Elder Russel M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1998, 35

Write the Things Which Ye Have Seen and Heard

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"Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden. Write the works of this people, which shall be, even as hath been written, of that which hath been. For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written , shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men. And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged."
3 Nephi 27:23-26

A Voice of Gladness

2008-12-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth!" D & C 128:19

We Are Bordering Upon The Millennium

2008-12-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

"Our mission is more extended and extensive than we realize…. We are bordering upon the millennium. We are living in the great and last dispensation, in the which the God of Israel expects us, his servants, his sons and daughters, to perform the work which has been left to our charge. It is our duty to build these temples. It is our duty to enter into them and redeem our dead. Our forefathers are looking to us to attend to this work. They are watching over us with great anxiety, and are desirous that we should finish these temples and attend to certain ordinances for them, so that in the morning of the resurrection they can come forth to enjoy the same blessings that we enjoy…. We occupy the position of Saviors upon Mount Zion."
President Wilford Woodruff

Keep A Spiritual Record

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A spiritual record that will “increase the faith and testimony of those who compile it and those who read it” should be the chief aim of a book of remembrance.
How to Make Your Book of Remembrance by J Malan Heslop, Dell Van Orden

Family Book of Remembrance

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“The family books of remembrance in Latter-day Saint homes today should rate in importance second only to the standard works. These family records are supplements to the scriptures, aiding in teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the posterity of faithful members of the Church. A knowledge of the written testimonies and spiritual experiences of family members and of the proved genealogies of the fathers serves to bind the hearts of the children to their fathers and helps them to understand the doctrines that pertain to the exaltation of the family. … “Every faithful family should be diligently compiling a book of remembrance. In it should be found the story of the family, especially the story of its spiritual life, written by inspiration. Also it should contain a genealogy of the family so that the children may have an opportunity to acquire knowledge of their fathers.” Improvement Era, April 1966

Family Record

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“As I view it, in every family a record should be kept of the immediate family: the father, the grandfather, the great-grandfather—at least of those of whom we have a memory. That record should be the first stone, if you choose, in the family altar. It should be a book known and used in the family circle; and when the child reaches maturity and gets out to make another household, one of the first things that the young couple should take along should be the records of their families, to be extended by them as life goes on. It does no harm if there is duplication. There is a strength, an inspiration, and a joy in having such a record near at hand, to be used frequently, the story of our ancestors, their names, the times in which they lived, and something about their lives and accomplishments. Each one of us carries, individually, the responsibility of record keeping, and we should assume it.” Elder Widstoe, Church News, Oct. 31, 1942.

Gratitude

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“Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity.” Henry B. Eyring

Record Your Blessings

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“As you start to write, you could ask yourself, ‘How did God bless me today?’ If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes, you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know were a touch of God’s hand in your life." Henry B. Eyring

Keep the Lord in Remembrance in Our Daily Lives

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“Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.” The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball

A Book of Remembrance Was Kept

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“And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration; And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled.”
Moses 6:5-6

We Know Our Fathers

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“And death hath come upon our fathers; nevertheless we know them, and cannot deny, and even the first of all we know, even Adam. For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.”
Moses 6:45-46

A Book of Remembrance Was Written

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“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” Malachi 3:16

That Our Children May Know

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“Wherefore for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation…. And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Nephi 25:21, 26

We Go To The Temple To Make Covenants

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"We go to the temple to make covenants, but we go home to keep the covenants that we have made. The home is the testing ground. The home is the place where we learn to be more Christlike. The home is the place where we learn to overcome selfishness and give ourselves in service to others." J Ballard Washburn, “The Temple Is a Family Affair,” Ensign, May 1995, 11

Blessing of Temple Service

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Blessings will come to you in temple service:
•You will receive the spirit of Elijah
•You will love your family with a deeper love
•Your hearts will be turned to your fathers and theirs to you
•You will be endowed with power from on high as the Lord has promised
•You will receive the key of the knowledge of God….even the power of godliness
•You will be doing a great service to those who have passed to the other side of the veil
President Ezra Taft Benson, "What I Hope You will Teach Your Children About the Temple", 1984

Hasten to the Temple

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"Truly, the Lord desires that His people be a temple motivated people. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of – and carry – a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it. Let us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow." President Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Nov. 1994

Most of Our Temples Could Be Much Busier

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"Most of our temples could be much busier than they are. The element of selfishness crowds in upon us constantly. We need to overcome it, and there is no better way than to go to the house of the Lord and there serve in a vicarious relationship in behalf of those who are beyond the veil of death." President Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2004

These Temples Have Been Constructed To Be Used

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"These temples have been constructed to be used. We honor our Father as we make use of them. There let us learn of His ways and His plans. There let us make covenants that will lead us in paths of righteousness. There may we extend these same blessings to those of previous generations." President Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2002

The Seen and Unseen Worlds Connected

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"The seen and the unseen worlds are closely connected. One assists the other. Those who fail to partake of the privileges and blessings of temple work deprive themselves of some of the choicest gifts within the keeping of the church."
John A. Widtsoe, The Urgency of Temple Service,” The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Jan. 1937, p. 5

The Endowment

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"The ordinances of the endowment embody certain obligations on the part of the individual, such as covenant and promise to observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the human race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her king—the Lord Jesus Christ. With the taking of each covenant and the assuming of each obligation a promised blessing is pronounced, contingent upon the faithful observance of the conditions." James E. Talmage, The House of the Lord (1968), p. 83-84

Ordinances & Covenants

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"The ordinances and covenants of the temple are absolutely essential for the fullness of life on this earth and to qualify for exaltation with our Father in Heaven.
Stated in the most fundamental terms, each of us should receive our temple ordinances and provide temple ordinances for our ancestors." James E. Faust, 1988

What Is A Temple?

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The temple is a house or home of the Lord.
The temple is a place of instruction.
The temple is a place of peace.
The temple is a place of covenants.
The temple is a place of blessing.
The temple is a place where ceremonies pertaining to Godliness are presented.
The temple is a place of revelation.
Elder John A. Widtsoe

Temple Worship

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"The environment in the temple is intended to provide the worthy member of the Church with the power of enlightenment, of testimony, and of understanding. The temple endowment gives knowledge that, when acted upon, provides strength and conviction of truth…. The moment we step into the house of the Lord, the atmosphere changes from the worldly to the heavenly, where respite from the normal activities of life is found, and where peace of mind and spirit is received. It is a refuge from the ills of life and a protection from the temptations that are contrary to our spiritual well being."
David B. Haight. 1990

Do Not Become a Weak Link

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"So I would say to all of you here this morning, I hope you could develop a strong feeling in your own families—and with you personally—about not wanting to become a weak link in the chain of your family and of your ancestors. I encourage you also to be a strong link for your posterity. Do not be the weak link. Wouldn’t that be a terrible thing to do? To think of that long chain and of all that work that needs to be done in the saving of souls and of the precious work that needs to be done, wouldn’t it be sad if you were the one who was the weak link that caused your descendants not to be able to be part of that strong linkage."
David B. Haight, “Be a Strong Link,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 19–21

It Is Our Responsibility To Write Our Own Personal History

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"Our responsibility to keep a journal and to write our own personal histories and those of our ancestors, particularly those who belong to the first four generations of our pedigree, has not changed…We have encouraged members of our family organization to use these histories as a basis for family home evenings, held in their immediate families, to teach their children appreciation, love, and respect for their ancestors."
President Ezra Taft Benson, “Worthy of All Acceptation,” Ensign, Nov 1978, 30

Not One of My Children Has Any Recollection of My Grandparents

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“Not one of my children has any recollection of my grandparents. If I want my children and grandchildren to know those who still live in my memory, then I must build the bridge between them. I alone am the link to the generations that stand on either side of me. It is my responsibility to knit their hearts together through love and respect, even though they may never have known each other personally. My grandchildren will have no knowledge of their family’s history if I do nothing to preserve it for them. That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another.”
Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Bridges and Eternal Keepsakes,” Ensign, May 1999, 83

Old Family Photographs

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"Old family photographs have the power to draw our thoughts into the past. When we see how our ancestors looked, dressed, and lived, we catch a glimpse of what their lives were like. We remember that they were real people like us, and our hearts are turned to them. We want to know more about them. We may even wish we could do something for them."
Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign May 2005

Saviors of Men

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"For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men." D & C 103:9-10

Alex Haley

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"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage - to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum. An emptiness. And the most disquieting loneliness." - Alex Haley

Family History Service

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“There are many different things our members can do to help in the redeeming of the dead, in temple and family history work. Some involve callings. Others are personal. All are expressions of devotion and discipleship. All present opportunities for sacrifice and service.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign June 1989

The Sealing Power

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"I thank him and love him [Joseph Smith] for the sealing power of the holy priesthood that makes possible and certain the continuance of the family through eternity. I have said many times that if nothing else came out of all the sorrow and travail and pain of the restoration than the sealing power of the holy priesthood to bind together families forever, it would have been worth all that it has cost." Gordon B. Hinckley in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, the Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (1992), 6.

The Spirit of Elijah

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"This is the spirit of Elijah, that we redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven, and seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection; and here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven."
History of the Church, 6:252.

The Calling of Elijah

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"The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have power to hold the key of the revelation, ordinances, oracles, powers and endowments of the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth; and to receive, obtain, and perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of God, even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the children unto the fathers, even those who are in heaven."
History of the Church, 6:251; spelling modernized

Elijah Held Priesthood Keys

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"The keys that Elijah held were the keys of the everlasting priesthood, the keys of the sealing power…and it is not confined to the living and it is not confined to the dead, but includes them both. These keys of the binding, or sealing power…are keys which make valid all the ordinances of the gospel. They pertain more especially to the work in the temples both for the living and for the dead… These keys hold the power to seal husbands and wives for eternity as well as for time. They hold the power to seal children to parents…by which the family organization is made intact forever…Through these keys the hearts of the children have turned to their fathers."
President Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, pp. 112, 119

Elijah the Prophet

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"After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come— To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse— Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors. "
D & C 110: 13-16

We Saw the Lord

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Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. They recorded: "We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us. . . His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters" D & C 110:2–3

Saviors on Mount Zion

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"Now, the word turn here should be translated bind, or seal. But what is the object of this important mission? Or how is it to be fulfilled? The keys are to be delivered, the spirit of Elijah is to come, the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God gathered, Zion built up, and the Saints to come up as Saviors on Mount Zion… But how are they to become Saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, which fulfills the mission of Elijah.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 330

Welding Link

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"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."
D & C 128:18

Plant in the Hearts of the Children the Promises

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Turn the Heart of the Fathers to the Children

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"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. 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." Malachi 4:5-6

We Seek to Find Them

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“When we research our own lines we become interested in more than just names or the number of names going through the temple. Our interest turns our hearts to our fathers – we seek to find them and to know them and to serve them.” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign Aug 2003

Unselfish Work

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"There is no work connected with the gospel that is of a more unselfish nature than the work in the house of the Lord for our dead. Those who work for the dead do not expect to receive any earthly remuneration or reward. It is, above all, a work of love, which is begotten in the heart of man through faithful and constant labor in these saving ordinances. There are no financial returns, but there shall be great joy in heaven with those souls whom we have helped to their salvation. It is a work that enlarges the soul of man, broadens his views regarding the welfare of his fellowman, and plants in his heart a love for all the children of our Heavenly Father. There is no work equal to that in the temple for the dead in teaching a man to love his neighbor as himself. Jesus so loved the world that he was willing to offer himself as a sacrifice for sin that the world might be saved." Doctrines of Salvation, vol. II, p. 144

So Great A Cause

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“Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad….Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.” D&C 128:22

We are His Representatives

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"We who live in this day are those whom God appointed before birth to be his representatives on earth in this dispensation. We are of the house of Israel. In our hands lie the sacred powers of being saviors on Mount Zion in the latter days. "
President Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Mar 1995

The Temple is About Families

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"President Hinckley has told us that 'just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on earth‘, "This is such meaningful service we give because our departed brothers and sisters literally become more connected to us." Richard H. Winkel, "The Temple Is About Families," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 11

The Temple

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"A temple is a place where God will come; a place where the pure in heart shall see God; a place where baptisms for the dead are performed; a place where sealings for time and for eternity are done; a place where the endowment of the priesthood is given; a place where the keys of the priesthood are committed in abundance; and a place where many other wonderful things may occur." John A. Widtsoe

God Intends the Family to be Eternal

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"The temple is an ever-present reminder that God intends the family to be eternal. We should share with our families our love of our forebears and our gratitude to be able to help them receive the saving ordinances, as my parents did with me. As we do so, increased bonds of appreciation and affection will develop within our families."
President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign Aug 1985

Family

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"Begin in 2 Nephi 5:6 with Nephi's observation: 'I . . . did take my family . . . and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters.' Here indeed is a significant key to happiness--one's family. There is no other organization that can so completely satisfy our need for belonging and happiness like the family. Why do we yearn for home and loved ones? I believe this yearning is a universal, God-given instinct that all people in all cultures are blessed with. I also believe that a loving Heavenly Father gives it to us because within the family we experience most of life's greatest joys. The sights, sounds, and associations of family and home are among our most treasured memories and provide our fondest anticipations. Sometimes after an enjoyable family home evening, during a fervent family prayer, or engaging in a session of lively, good-natured conversation, I quietly say to myself, 'If heaven is nothing more than this, it will be good enough for me!'" -Marlin K. Jensen

Family Picture

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"I remember, as a grandfather, having a picture taken of our family. Like other grandparents, I did not want a single descendant left out. What a task it was to arrange everyone’s schedule so we could all be in the same place at the same time. But it was worth it. I think that is how most families feel. Grandparents love their children and grandchildren. They want to spend eternity with them. So why wouldn’t our ancestors feel the same way about their posterity? I think they would. Yet as we reach back through time on our pedigree, we sometimes provide the saving ordinances for only one child of each couple on our pedigree chart—the child who is our direct ancestor. We seal that child to his or her parents, but we forget about the rest of the children in that family. We leave our ancestral families like an incomplete family portrait with many empty spaces." George Durrant, Ensign Apr 2007

In all of us there is a hunger...

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"I encourage you to begin to unlock the knowledge of who you really are by learning more about your forebears. Alex Haley said: 'In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness.' We can have exciting experiences as we learn about our vibrant, dynamic ancestors. They were very real, living people with problems, hopes, and dreams like we have today. In many ways each of us is the sum total of what our ancestors were. The virtues they had may be our virtues, their strengths our strengths, and in a way their challenges could be our challenges. Some of their traits may be our traits… It is a joy to become acquainted with our forebears who died long ago. Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you can work on."
The Phenomenon That Is You - James E. Faust

Keep the Dead Before Our Eyes

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“We should keep the dead before our eyes, and honor them as though still living.”
Confucius 497 B.C.

What about those for whom no record was ever kept?

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"Those who thoughtfully consider the work inquire about those names that cannot be collected. 'What about those for whom no record was ever kept? Surely you will fail there. There is no simple way you can search out those names.' To this I simply observe, 'You have forgotten revelation.' Already we have been directed to many records through that process. Revelation comes to individual members as they are led to discover their family records in ways that are miraculous indeed. And there is a feeling of inspiration attending this work that can be found in no other. When we have done all that we can do we will be given the rest. The way will be opened up. " Boyd K. Packard, Ensign Nov 1975

Family History Work Has Power

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"Family history work has the power to do something for the dead. It has equal power to do something to the living. Family history work of Church members has a refining, spiritualizing, tempering influence on those who are engaged in it… Family history work in one sense would justify itself even if one were not successful in clearing names for temple work. The process of searching, the means of going after those names, would be worth all the effort you could invest. The reason: You cannot find names without knowing that they represent people…Our interest turns to our fathers – we seek to find them and to know them and to serve them. In doing so we store up treasures in heaven." President Boyd K. Packard, Ensign Aug 2003

Troublesome aspects of Temple Activity

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“One of the most troublesome aspects of our temple activity is that as we get more and more temples scattered across the earth there is duplication of effort in proxy work. To avoid such duplication, the solution lies in complex computer technology."
Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign Nov 2005

We are Called to This Mission

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As we ponder the importance of our ancestral responsibilities, we also need to be reminded of the Lord’s vast ministry. I quote from President Joseph F. Smith: “Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead; although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father Adam that have been or ever will be born upon this earth to the end of time. … That is his mission. We will not finish our work until we have saved ourselves, and then not until we shall have saved all depending upon us; for we are to become saviors upon Mount Zion, as well as Christ. We are called to this mission. The dead are not perfect without us, neither are we without them.” Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign May 1998

Planting in the hearts of the children ...

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“The turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers is placing or planting in the hearts of the children that feeling and desire which will inspire them to search out the records of the dead. Moreover the planting of the desire and inspiration in their hearts is necessary. This they must have in order that they might go into the house of the Lord and perform the necessary labor for their fathers, who died without a knowledge of the gospel, or without the privilege of receiving the fullness of the gospel.” Doctrines of Salvation 2:127-128

Troublesome aspects of Temple activity

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Section 128

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"The Lord’s mandate given in section 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants has not changed: 'Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? … Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple … a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.'" D&C 128:24
Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign Nov 1978

A Temple is a place ...

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“A Temple is a place in which those whom He has chosen are endowed with power from on high—a power which enables us to use our gifts and capabilities with greater intelligence and increased effectiveness in order to bring to pass our Heavenly Father’s purposes in our own lives and the lives of those we love.”
-Elder David B. Haight, Ensign May 1992

It Matters Not What Else We Have Been Called To Do

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"It matters not what else we have been called to do, or what position we may occupy, or how faithfully in other ways we have labored in the Church, none is exempt from this great obligation. It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder…The greatest and grandest duty of all is to labor for the dead."
Doctrines of Salvation 2:148-49 Joseph Fielding Smith

Come to the House of the Lord

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Come to the House of the Lord

Hearts must be pure to come within these walls,
Where spreads a feast unknown to festive halls.
Freely partake, for freely God hath given,
And taste the holy joys that tell of heaven.
Here learn of Him who triumphed o’er the grave,
And unto men the keys, the kingdom gave;
Joined here by powers that past and present bind
The living and the dead perfection find.
- Alberta Temple, Orson F. Whitney

These things cannot by lightly passed over ...

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“And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers – that they without us cannot be made perfect – neither can we without our dead be made perfect.” D&C 128:15

Ordinances and Covenants

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“Ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into His presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality.
Once we have received them for ourselves and our families, we are obligated to provide these ordinances vicariously for our kindred dead, indeed for the whole human family.”
Boyd K. Packer, Ensign May 1987

Be Invovled in Family History

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“There are many different things our members can do to help in redeeming the dead, in temple and family history work. Some involve callings. Others are personal. All are expressions of devotion and discipleship. All present opportunities for sacrifice and service.”
Dallin H. Oaks, 1989

The Most Beautiful Tree

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“Through family history we discover the most beautiful tree in the forest of creation—our family tree. Its numerous roots reach back through history, and its branches extend throughout eternity. Family history is the expansive expression of eternal love. It is born of selflessness. It provides opportunity to secure the family unit forever.”
J. Richard Clarke, “Our Kindred Family—Expression of Eternal Love,” Ensign, May 1989, 60.

Eternal Blessing of All

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“We are responsible for the blessing, the eternal blessing, of all who have lived upon the earth, the uncounted, unnumbered generations of men and women who have lived upon the earth, all who today live upon the earth, and all who will yet live upon the earth. How great is our responsibility. We must stand a little taller and work a little harder to accomplish it.”
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 640.

The Greatest Responsibility

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“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek our dead.”
Joseph Smith Teachings, 356.

Collection of Quotes

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The purpose of this blog is to post the large collection of quotes and scriptures that are used to understand the doctrine of family history and temple work.