All About Temple Recommends

TEMPLE RECOMMENDS The Why & Wherefore

The temple is the House of the Lord made for all of God’s children who seek to attend in righteousness. We go to the temple to learn, to make sacred covenants, and to become more Christlike. We are not expected to be perfect to enter the temple.  Rather, the purpose of the things we learn and the covenants we make is to help perfect us.  We must, however, be worthy to enter. Heavenly Father sets the standards of worthiness to enter the temple. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3-4)

There are two types of recommends: a ‘limited use recommend’ which allows the bearer to do baptisms for their family members who have passed away and a ‘full recommend’ which allows the bearer to make further sacred covenants with Heavenly Father. Doing this work gives us the opportunity to choose to accept (or not accept) the Gospel and to help others do the same. The work done in the temple helps to link generations as eternal families!

A temple recommend signifies that we have met certain standards and have been found worthy through an interview with our Bishop (or a member of the bishopric when appropriate) and a second interview with a member of the Stake Presidency.  Having a temple recommend allows us to regularly attend the temple, giving us a greater chance to learn, grow closer to Heavenly Father, and be blessed through our service.

Every member from the year they turn 12 and up can seek to hold a recommend, giving them the opportunity to be blessed by temple attendance.

Information gathered from August 2010 Ensign, Being Worthy to enter the Temple

Temple Recommend Questions

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