What did I miss about temples that I should explore more?

From a Protestant background to now a Latter Day Saint, I feel that Evangelical Protestantism never offered as much fulfillment or clear answers or understanding with regard to salvation and eternity. I have found the temple experience to be of immense added value to my relationship with Jesus Christ now as well as on into the eternities with my family as joint heirs with Christ. I absolutely LOVE that a loving Father in heaven has restored truths back to the earth with regard to vicarious ordinances that can be performed on behalf of those who never knew the gospel of Christ here on earth. What a beautiful gift we’ve been given to take part in the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil. There is joy experienced that surpasses the understanding of men while we serve in the temple that can not be found anywhere else but in the Lord’s Holy Temple… this is something that I never could experience in the Protestant/Evangelical world. I, and many friends with similar backgrounds will always be grateful for our EP upbringings that prepared us for more light and knowledge and further covenant making in the Lord’s restored church. ❤

❤❤❤Great video, Jeff. Let me expand your understanding here: The following will address all your questions and concerns you outline in this fascinating video you took time to record and share, LDS Temples: Proxy work is secondary to temples. The primary reasons are: 1: We gain greater knowledge of the Lord’s purposes and teachings. 2: Power to do all that God wants us to do. 3: We receive divine guidance and protection as we serve the Lord, our families, and others. 4: We increase hope, comfort, and peace. 5: We gain promised blessings now and forever. All this is outlined in the New Testament but it is more focused. Now, we can do it here on earth OR we can gain this knowledge in the life after. I know this goes against your belief that "works don't save us" and that believing in Christ makes us complete. Here are the certain covenants with God we make. (remember, none of these covenants are different from what is outlined by Christ or anything else that is in the New Testament These covenants are: 1. Law of Obedience, which includes striving to keep God’s commandments. John 14:15 2. Law of Sacrifice, which means doing all we can to support the Lord’s work and repenting with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Matt. 16:24. 3. Law of the Gospel, which is the higher law that He taught while He was on the earth. (The Sermon on the Mount) 4. Law of Chastity, which means that we have sexual relations only with the person to whom we are legally and lawfully wedded according to God’s law. (1 Thessalonians 4:3 - 4) 5. Law of Consecration, which means dedicating our time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to build up Jesus Christ’s Church on earth. (Acts 2:42-47)(Revelation 14:12) (Ephesians 3:10) The Assembly halls exist in the following temples: The Kirtland Ohio Temple (1836), The Nauvoo Temple (1846), The Logan Utah Temple (1884), The Manti Utah Temple (1888), The Salt Lake Temple (1893), The Los Angeles California Temple (1956), The Washington D.C. Temple (1974), and The Portland Oregon Temple (1989) I should explain, that temple assembly halls are used for solemn assemblies which are special meetings held in the temple. Meetings are regularly held for general authorities in the Salt Lake Temple. I’ve heard that the church occasionally holds meetings in temple assembly halls for stake presidents or bishops around general conferences and at other times, although I’m not sure how often these meetings are held. One reason to include assembly halls in temples would be to allow for these special meetings. Temple assembly rooms are also occasionally used for temple worker devotionals. These meetings are held about once a year but they don't necessarily have to be held in an assembly hall. Sacred (Not secret) gatherings in The New Testament: Paul's Visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18-20): Paul's Collection for the Jerusalem Church, Paul's Meetings with Church Leaders (Galatians 2:1-10), Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:17-38) In Mark's Gospel, this pattern of Jesus instructing "secrecy" after a significant revelation about his identity occurs multiple times. The reasons for this secrecy are a matter of scholarly debate. Some suggest that it was a way to control the timing of events, avoid unnecessary political tensions, or fulfill certain aspects of messianic prophecy in a particular order. "We are most fulfilled in God's presence alone", Not exactly true. Examples are: Corporate Worship and Edification: In 1 Corinthians 14, The Lord's Supper: In 1 Corinthians 11:17. Unity in Diversity:In Ephesians 4:1-16, Order in Gatherings: In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Mutual Care and Support: In Galatians 6:2, Eternal marriage in the New Testament: Matthew 19:6 (NIV): " "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." "The need for temples is a hard sell in mainstream Christianity" Temples were a center for the coming of the Messiah(Christ), Temples today are a center for that Christ did come and serve for purposes as explained above. As a Latter-Day Saint, I bear witness that they do just that. Yes, we will continue to progress in the afterlife. Yes, this is outlined in Revelations 21:We will progress with The New Heaven and New Earth, The New Jerusalem, The River of Life And keep in mind, the Book of Revelation was NOT the last book penned by the Prophets. "Eternal Rest" Nowhere in the New Testament is there a reward of eternal rest. To be honest, does eternal rest sound appealing at all? Millions of years of resting with no learning? NowI know we rest from our "earthly journey", and we find rest and peace in Christ, however, John 16:12-13 (NIV): "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV): "For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Well, which is it? Eternal rest or, as you put it "exciting and adventurous."? Can it be both? Yes! Rest is not paradise. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (NIV): Paul wrote of paradise "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body, I do not know-God knows. And I know that this man-whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, but God knows-was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell."And so did John in Revelation 2:7 (NIV): "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." And lastly, Jeff, you constantly mention that the tearing of the veil as a symbol of direct access to God. What you forget, is that inside the temple there were two veils, not just one. The first veil separated the Holy Place from the outer court, and the second veil separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was the innermost and most sacred area of the temple. Hebrews 9: 1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all" (also Exodus 26:31-33). "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." Matthew 27:51. The Gospel point to just one veil being torn. We should assume it was the first veil that separated the Holy Place from the outer court that was torn, allowing all to access the second veil. As LDS, we believe the veil in all LDS temples represents the 2nd veil which leads to our Celestial Room. Again, thank you so much, Jeff, for sharing your thoughts. God Bless. And have a Happy New Year. We look forward to more bi-weekly videos in 2024. Keep up the good work! Don't forget to hit LIKE if you have read and appreciate this post I was able to type up here on the Sabbath day!!!

Thanks for your understanding and thoughtful videos. I love how you approach this topic as an evangelical Christian, both in trying to understand the Latter-day Saints with a kind hearted approach, and in sharing your own views so we can better understand what our fellow Christians believe. It also helps us Latter-day Saints to be more understanding and respectful of our fellow Christians. There are wonderful people in all branches of Christianity. Keep up the great work :)

A tiny bit of expansion: part of the reason for the worthiness prerequisite is that, when we enter temples, we make (as you stated) covenants with God that we will live according to laws He has prescribed, and we believe that infractions of those covenants is a grievous sin. So, if someone were to enter a temple and there covenant to keep a commandment that the individual had no intention of keeping in the first place, or that the individual was not prepared yet to keep, then that person would be set up for failure.

Thank you for your kindness and respect regarding the beliefs of Latter-Day Saints. I had a recent conversation with an Evangelical that was lovely and faith promoting until our differences were brought up ,and then the air became tense and I had a hard time getting a word in edge wise. Thanks for being a great example of compassion even if you disagree!

Pastor Jeff, I fully enjoy your videos and your open heart and mind. I am actually a Temple worker and get to assist patrons in the temple when they come to do proxy work. You are definitely a special spirit, and I can see the Lord working through you. Thank you I look forward to your next video 😊

Open hearts and open minds towards one another = love for one another. THAT is what the world so desperately needs. Thank you, Pastor Jeff, for your open-minded look at the Latter-day Saints and our religion. ♥

Very humble and respectful presentation. You did great learning everything you can about Latter-day Saint temples. I also appreciated you sharing your views on temples and on the need for them. I think you should do a similar video on the need for living prophets to guide the Church and share why mainstream Christianity doesn't think that's necessary.

Article of faith 11: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

Wonderful video Jeff! As someone who taught Temple Prep for several years (and I am also not an expert) I can speak to the deep symbolism in and outside each temple. I am very glad that on your last visit you were more able to take your time and truly enjoy the temple. I've had visits where I was also on tour for most of a day, didn't say a single word to anyone, and just let my relationship with Christ grow through the symbols and solemnity of the temple and temple grounds. Those have been some of my most special visits. One summer I made it a goal to visit all the temples in my home state at least once - which was also very edifying and rewarding. May you be blessed on this journey of discovery and curiosity.

With regards to exclusivity, I think it is important to remember that going into the temple and participating in the covenants there, we are also putting ourselves on a greater level of responsibility to live the gospel. God does not want us to take on more than we are ready for and so we go through an interview to make sure that we are living to a certain standard as far as word of wisdom and keeping our other covenants that we have made. This helps ensure that we are ready to step into greater covenant making, a hopefully deeper relationship with the Lord, and greater responsibility as well. I believe it's completely motivated by love from our Father in Heaven.

Pastor Jeff, at about 3:30 you asked "How did some pastor get access? Not because I am all that special." I think you are special and thank you again for these videos. Keep learning. You will see, if you have not already, what Latter-day saints refer to as temple scriptures in the Bible.

I love how you are going through this journey with an open mind! This really gives me hope with my religion because people do not agree with me. Thank you for having such an open mind! ❤

Hi Pastor Jeff, very impressed by your talk about Temples and by you as well. It’s wonderful that you are open to sharing your thoughts- which are very balanced i think. I’ve always wondered why many Christians tend to criticise the beliefs of other Christians instead of sharing in a non judgemental way.I am a Latter- day follower of Jesus Christ, have made temple covenants and I think that you are engaged in such a wonderful thing here involving and encouraging understanding and respect. Your thoughtful, sensitive approach must break down many barriers. Thank you.

11:53 if you study the history of the Kirtland Temple, then this will make a lot more sense to you. This is the solemn assembly room, and it is very sacred and very special. When I went to see this in the St. George Temple, a couple months ago, I had an experience that overwhelmed me the Holy Spirit. I felt the presence of my ancestors who helped build this temple, and it was a very special experience for me. I’m glad you mentioned about this room.

That mystery room in the St. George temple will be a solemn assembly room (there's a huge one in the Salt Lake temple), but they rarely build them anymore and thus many people have no idea about them. They were typical in the very early temples and, apart from being used for solemn assemblies, some of them were temporarily used for regular Sunday services while meeting houses were being built (settlers tended to rush building a temple first when establishing a new settlement). A solemn assembly is just a highly formal gathering of the saints for some specific purpose-usually the dedication of a temple or sustaining of a new church president-but also to receive prophetic instruction or revelation and the like, which was historically undertaken in these specialised rooms. The Church has somewhat outgrown them now, with far more people in a community than could ever fit into such a room, so now they only get used on occasion if there's a relevant use that involves a smaller segment of local membership, but mostly they're basically just a relic of a time when the Church was a lot smaller and burgeoning.

I am glad you have gotten a little more of the nuance about our beliefs on opportunities for those who have died without accepting the gospel than you had before - in that it is not necessarily a second chance for those who turned it down in this life (though the knowledge of a Just and Loving God may provide that opportunity if an actual fair chance was not given based on earthly imperfections), but one point of clarification that I have heard and I think is worth mentioning is that accepting the gospel and aligning yourself woth Christ is much easier and better in this life, than it is for someone who has passed on. This allows us to still know how important it is to spread the gospel the best we can in this lifeand how important it is to do so if we are given the choice here. Most important to our journey is our willingness, as it is taught in the Book of Mormon that the same spirit that possesses our body in this life, will be what we are and will be in charge after this life. So qn attitude of "oh, I'll do that later, I don't want to make that commitment now" will permiate us in the next life as well. We should work to overcome that now as best we can, because it will be an easier progression here than it will be after we die. Not that it will be impossible, but it may be harder

I was convinced when you first began this channel that you really wanted to know what we Latter-day Saints believe, that you wanted to really understand. However at the end of every episode you proceed to negate what you have been taught by trying to teach us your perspective in a way that undermines what we believe and actually know to be true. You bring words like cult and secrecy into your conversation. I am an English convert who joined the Church 41 years ago at the age of 28 after being led by God to this country and with a lot less exposure to the great and wonderful things that you have been shown. Wanting to know about the Church is a lot different from wanting to REALLY know whether what you are learning is true. It’s a matter of the heart combined with the head, not just the intellect alone. Intellectualism never converted anyone and in fact puts spiritual growth on hold. If you understood a fraction of what I have experienced in the past 41 years you would grab this opportunity with both hands. Nay, you would have crawled on your hands and knees to Utah to obtain it. I know that you don’t believe in the need for temples nor their sealing power, that you don’t believe you need to be with your wife and children eternally and that somehow sacrificing them for a relationship with God is essential. In that case you definitely don’t need the sealing power in temples and if you believe that you don’t need your family in the next life, then you will not have them.

Pastor Jeff, the way I am hearing your vision of the afterlife it is right in line with the Terrestrial Kingdom. I believe you will not be disappointed. It will be as marvelous as you expect!

Pastor Jeff, so just want to say thank you. This channel means so much to me. Your open heart and willing mind are refreshing and I am so grateful that you are taking the time to understand what we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in. Thank you for listening to what God has put in your heart (what we recognize as spiritual promptings) to create this channel and reach so many people and share your love of God and of Christ with the world. Thank you. I have a lot to learn from the way you interact with people of different faiths. Thank you for being a good example. For being a Christ-like example. I have felt touched by the Spirit watching this video. I know that God lives. I know that He loves us, and that He cares. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost".

A lot of Latter-day Saint theology does not exist in direct conflict with traditional readings of the Bible (since it is Bible-based), a lot of it exists within holes and gaps in that theology, or areas that are suggested in the Bible, but not fleshed out. Here, the pastor explains that he believes having hope in an eternal marriage is a step backwards from finding fulfillment in God alone. He relate an experience of trying to pin his hopes and dreams on his girlfriend (and eventual wife) and learning to let go of that to find a deeper fulfillment in God. None of that contradicts the LDS teachings. In fact, to the extent LDS people do the same thing with regard to their families, I imagine they will eventually be invited by God to rely on Him more fully. However, the question for the pastor, is... what is experiencing the presence of God like? You believe you and your wife will both be there. So what will you be doing? Nothing? Playing harps? The Latter-day Saint theology of eternal marriage does not replace the fulfillment one finds in God with fulfillment in ones spouse. Rather, eternal marriage is viewed properly as exactly the relationship those two individuals have *while* partaking in the presence of God. These is not fully fleshed out, but the LDS theology brings in strands of apotheosis which has existed here and there in Christianity for ever: the idea when don't just sit back and chill in the presence of God, or play harps, but that we are empowered by grace to receive His nature and be active participants in His work. What LDS theology adds is that we do this work as families. All the temple work is not to replace the worship of God with worship of the family, but simply to prepare us to be the kind of family that God wants to work with. You could see this as analogous to missionary work. Yes, God could do all missionary work Himself, appearing to everyone individually to offer them the gospel, so we rely only on Him. But instead, He chooses to work through missionaries, commanding us to go and teach the gospel. Likewise, God could organize us without families, raising us himself so that we find fulfillment only in him. But instead, he created both man and woman, commanded them to cleave together and be one flesh, to have children, and repeatedly emphasizes the critical nature of family, from adopting the title Father in Heaven, to constant comparisons of marriage with the relationship of the Israelites to Him or the Church to Christ. If you look at how family is treated in the scriptures. These things don't replace God, they are just ordained of him to do his work. To the LDS, saying "I don't believe in eternal families because I don't want my family to get in the way of my relationship with God" is as odd as saying "I don't believe in doing missionary work, because I don't believe missionaries should get between God and other people." Yes, it is possible to put your marriage, or your mission, above your relationship with God. But that's not an indictment of those practices, both of which were commanded by God. That's just to say you're not fulfilling those commandments as intended. And while the Lord often reminds people that nations and kings are temporary throughout scripture, He really doesn't do that with family. Instead the most eternal and important things are compared with the family. Yes, marriage and family are intended to help us comprehend the importance of covenants, being faithful, what the love of God is like. But that need not end in the mortal life. The passages that will immediately jump to most protestant minds are Christ's response to a very technical argument against the resurrection by some Sadducees and Paul urging Corinthians not to marry. The protestant interpretation of these passages are that they are blanket statements that apply to everyone rather specific responses to particular situations. The LDS view is that because the Bible as whole places a HUGE importance on families including divine commissions, assuming Christ's or Paul's, it would be strange to read those as blanket statements. They are particular teachings meant for very specific situations. For example, when the Pharisees tried a trick question on Christ about whether the Jews should pay taxes, he said "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's." This is not an eternal endorsement of taxes, and a statement that all people will pay taxes here and in the next life. Similarly, when the Sadducees describe a super obscure case of marriage specific to the Mosaic law, namely a woman marrying a brother, having no children, then being passed through seven total brothers, they weren't a faithful audience ready for doctrine. They were lawyers, trying to argue why the Mosaic marriage laws prove their can be no resurrection. Christs denouncement of marriage in this case is not doctrine for the faithful, but a rebuke of the specific Mosaic form of marriage they were using to try to justify their anti-resurrection views, much like when he denounced the legalities of getting a bill of divorce for any reason. Similarly, while Paul in telling the Corinthians it is better not to marry is explicitly a response to their letter in which they wrote "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." There's context here, notice that Paul doesn't say: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations full stop." Especially because he has specifically warned them a chapter earlier about homosexuality, it's quite possible that this is his advice for gay church members... and might even imply that Paul himself was either gay or identified closely with that group but had his own reasons for remaining celibate. This more narrow interpretation makes sense, because Paul writes in a different epistle that a bishop must be the husband of one wife (i.e. *must be married*). Admittedly though, this is another passage where different sect have varying interpretations. And aside from those two passages that can be explained as specific, contextual criticisms rather than universal doctrine, the Bible is incredibly pro-family. From the creation of man and woman and the commandment for them to be one flesh, to the comparisons of marriage to our relationship with God throughout both testaments, to the marital advice and commandments for church leaders to be married in the New Testament, the very title we are to address God with in prayer, the Bible reenforces the role of the family as critical piece of the work of God... and there's no reason to think it will cease to be so. Of course, while the LDS church belief around eternal families is founded in the Bible, a lot of the specific detail comes from revelations we believe are given to modern prophets. But these are not in contradiction to the Bible; these revelations clarify the parts that people don't understand or have misinterpreted. It's not LDS people making up new stuff, it's God actively calling us back to the words of the Bible as intended to be understood in the Holy Ghost.

What a lovely chat, Pastor Jeff. I liked that it shared something that you sincerely appreciated. I liked that you covered similarities & differences theoretically, but you also shared from your personal faith journey... good food for thought. Thank you!

Many have commented on the washing and anointing done in the temple. It is true that we went into a room naked but we had a cloth covering us completely. There was nothing immodest or questionable that went on. We were touched with anointed water on our forehead, collarbone, belly and I don't remember where else (but not between our thighs) while receiving a blessing. There was never anything untoward or sexual in nature with this practice. The blessing was beautiful as was the experience.

"Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it." What do you think Isaiah was prophesying about here? Why would God command ancient Israelites to build tabernacles to perform ordinances in? Why would God command Solomon to build a temple? Why would Jesus expel the moneychangers from the temple in Jerusalem? God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, my friend. Think not that Christ came to destroy the prophets. For all of His words shall be fulfilled. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His kingdom on earth.

Thank you again for an uplifting and informative video. I so appreciate how you express the LDS view in a respectful and complete way and (equally importantly) clearly share the differences with your views. I know you are being divinely directed.

The assembly halls were used for gatherings of priesthood holders and conferences. A lot of those gatherings now take place in Stake centers.

Pastor Jeff I am so impressed in the way you explain what you are learning with such respect.

All/many aspects of the temple experience are very closely paralleling ancient temple worship by the Children of Israel/tabernacle design. Hebrews 6-10 has been the most powerful education for me to understand and appreciate the ceremonies that I partook in. The design of outer to inner worship ending with approaching God in His presence is what we do and it truly echoes the worship of the biblical people thousands of years ago. Not so foreign or weird seeming once you realize that!

It isn't a "worthiness" factor alone that allows us to participate in temple work. None of us who do work in the temple are perfect, and without Christ we are far from it. More than anything it's a "commitment" factor that allows us to be there. Much like a state will not issue a driver's license to someone unless they prove a certain level of understanding of and commitment to operating a vehicle properly and obeying traffic laws, members of the church must show a level of commitment to striving to obey basic commandments before entering into covenants to obey higher and holier laws. And ALL people are invited and strongly encouraged to do so. I find it fascinating, Pastor, that you are so great at touring people through your perspective of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in such a positive and kind way, and then each and every time you follow it up with telling the world why such beliefs are wrong. I can testify that the loving and Almighty God HAS indeed shown forth his power and works and has provided temples as a way to accomplish His work. Temples are not the work of Joseph Smith. They are commissioned of God. Temples in every way point to our Living Savior and His great atoning sacrifice. Jesus IS the veil of the temple between us and Heavenly Father, through whom we can walk into His presence. Temples enable each of us to do our small part in being "saviors on Mount Zion," in doing as He did and as He commissioned, to help save those who can't save themselves. No, the Lord's work has never been about what might be accepted in "mainstream" ideologies. It certainly wasn't during His life and ministry, and it hasn't been in any time in history.

There is an assembly hall in the Seattle Temple. Our Ward had a special endowment session in the early 1990s, but before that we had a meeting together in the assembly hall with speakers, of which I was one. It was very special, all of us dressed in white, united in prayer, worship, and in Spirit. I now live in Las Vegas. The temple here is newer and I don't recall seeing an assembly hall in there. I worked as an ordinance worker in Seattle for awhile and here, too, for over 2 years. Temples are Spiritually uplifting and rewarding places for me. Doing ordinance work for my ancestors and close family members unifies the generations and is heartfelt for me. ❤ I enjoy your channel and look forward to your continued reading and commentary of the Book of Mormon.

In a nutshell I would say it like this … (taught to me a few years ago) … true obedience is not ‘doing what you are told’, it is when GOD’s will IS your will. I think you might (at least at some level, agree with that. In the temple we are taught this and many things to help us along this path.

Thank you Pastor Jeff ❤️ I could tell you sincerely explained both sides and it was beautifully done. 🙏 This is what is needed to help us understand eachother better.

Hello Pastor Jeff. I think there are a few things that I can connect the temple ordinances into the teachings found in the New Testament. I’m not a bible scholar but I have read the whole bible this last two years and I can see how it fits. I may not have the same thoughts and ideas as other lds members however and my view is just my views and not necessarily ideas from our General Authorities but here I go. Everyone, the living and the dead, needs to believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Ghost to be saved. Baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:15,16) Jesus taught that he needed to go away so the Holy Ghost or the comforter can come (john 14) Paul rebaptized people to receive the Holy Ghost (Act 19:2-6) The Endowment involves covenants we make to be true Christians or believers of Christ. These covenants are tied to the two great commandments of how to Love God and how to love others. They are also tied to the teachings from Paul. In the endowment we covenant to live: the Law of the Gospel, the Law of Obedience (keeping the commandments) the Law of Chastity (no fornication) the Law of Sacrifice (a form of loving others. Giving up substances to help the poor) The Law of Consecration (helping to build up the kingdom of God which involves doing callings and helping others to come to Christ. Paul had helpers that went along with him to teach the gospel) Temple marriage or sealing is the message of being married to the bride groom. The covenant there isn’t just between husbands and wives. It’s a covenant that involves Christ/God. We are to be sealed to Christ and be his. There are so many teachings we can tie the temple to teachings in the New testament. I think the temple ordinances are first, the way we execute or show Christ that we accept him. Secondly, lds temple ordinances are the “New Covenants” found in the New testament. Hopefully you can understand where I’m coming from. Thanks for all you do.

One key to my understanding of our relationship with God and progression is to look at our earthly relationships (but of course perfected) as a type or model of our heavenly or spiritual relationships. We see our parents as all knowing compared to us as children, and as we grow we come closer to their level. They will always be ahead of us on that journey, and becoming more like them does not change the fact that they are still our parents, and in many ways our accomplishments bring them joy, and an increase in honor and glory, even without them changing in themselves

Jeff -- Please permit a couple of comments regarding our view of heaven. Our concept of heaven differs from what many protestants might understand as heaven. Yet, I believe that you are overemphasizing the differences and failing to see the overwhelming similarities. We, too, believe that our every wish and desire will be fulfilled by being brought back into the presence of the Lord. That's the most important thing about heaven -- we'll be with God, never to be separated from Him again. Nothing is, will be, or can be better than that! None of us, in our mortal state, can fully appreciate what that will be like, but I believe I caught a glimpse of it one early Saturday morning. I awoke while our three young children were still peacefully sleeping in their beds down the hall. My bride was quietly sleeping, resting her head on my shoulder. The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, bathing the room is soft, golden hues. I could hear birds softly chirping outside our window. It was a perfect moment of complete peace. Everything was in its proper place. I had no worries or concerns. There wasn't a single thing to wish for. I felt like God had wrapped His arms around me and filled my entire being with His light and love. That's what I imagine heaven to be like, only heaven will be more wonderful and the sense of pease and contentment more complete. Is that conception so fundamentally different from yours? Yes, we believe in eternal progression. But, so do you. You said that you don't believe heaven will be all sitting on clouds and harp playing. You said you believed heaven would be an active place, with lots of new experiences. You even said it would be adventurous. With all that doing, experiencing new things, and adventuring, won't you also be learning (a/k/a progressing)? We might have a more detailed understanding of what this progression might look like, but we both believe in a form of progression in the next life. One aspect of this progression that we believe in is that we'll have the opportunity to assist God in His work. I believe we will find great joy in working with Him to bring about the eternal life and salvation of the children of God, just as we find great joy in preaching the gospel in this life. Note: I'm NOT saying God will need our help. I'm saying He will allow us to help. We will undoubtably learn from working along side of Him, and thus we will progress. You are so close to an understanding of eternal marriage. I understand where you are coming from in saying that you had to learn to give up your wife in order to put all your hopes in Jesus. We teach the same thing! This concept is NOT in conflict with the doctrine of eternal marriage. Jesus taught that the first commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to love God more than anything, or anyone, else. This means we must love the Lord more than we love our spouse. How is this compatible with the doctrine of eternal marriage? Suppose you and your wife are on a football field. You're on opposite sidelines, standing on the goal line. In the far end zone, Jesus is standing, beckoning you to come to Him. As each of you grow closer to Jesus, you will automatically draw closer to each other, too. In this way, your continually increasing love of the Savior will also lead to an increasing love of your wife. You may have experienced this in your own marriage. You may love your wife more today than when you 'gave her up' for Jesus. So, loving your wife is not incompatible with the first and great commandment. That's true both in this life and the next.

Just a comment on "recent changes in emphasis". Various LDS Apostles have written books on the importance of Temple covenants going back to at least the 1950s that talk about all the same things that you likely heard in those visits. It seems to me to be less a change in official policy, but cultural acceptance. Back in the 80s it would not be unusual during a Sunday School class for the teacher to just read from a book written by an Apostle because they felt uncomfortable talking about the Temple ordinances themselves. In the last 20-30 years of General Conference talks have insisted on "Sacred more than Secret", explaining that as long as members are being respectful about the Temple we do not have to just quote leaders.

I can't imagine finding lasting and eternal peace and joy without progression in the next life. Eternity is a VERY long time. It's unfathomable to me to think that there would be no progression in the eternities. I believe our Heavenly Father wants His children to continually learn, to grow, and to become more enlightened, just as any good father would want for His children. Progression in the next life will be available to those who desire it. Those who are happy without progression will be able to choose that as well.

2:32 worthiness of the temple is more about being ready. Thanks for pointing that out.

Jeff I have a suggestion for you. One thing I think your missing is the missionaries. I know you've met them, but as a former missionary my self, i understand the importance of including the missionaries. They are extensions of the apostles called to preach the gospel to all the world. Missionaries have a special setting apart that is ordained of god. they are simple and weak , meaning they are young in age, and don't have the guile of heart that may come from living in the age we live in. They are weak small and simple as to the ways of men, but according to God they will thrash the nations. 13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit; 14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their a shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them. They are set apart to preach the gospel to kings presidents and the learned and taught and untaught, to the poor and meek. They are in important part in becoming baptized in the church of Jesus Christ. the mission president holds special keys to preaching the gospel. they are able to open the windows of heaven. The members are instrumental in finding people to teach. When they find a friend and desire to share the gospel with they invite the missionaries to teach there friends about Jesús Christ. There mission is to baptize and receive the holy ghost by the laying on of hands. Because of the keys that the mission president has been given they have special commissions to teach the gospel. With the aide of missionaries you will progress in your conversion to the gospel, and you will have the spirit and holy ghost even more present with you. The windows of heaven will be open and you will receive a true witness of the gospel through true priesthood authority and keys. I would like to invite you to invite the missionaries in your understanding the saints and through reading the book of Mormon, and in coming to know God and Jesus Christ. It is a conversion process. without the missionaries it would be like eating a really good meal but not ordering the main course, with out including the prophets keys and special witness that are excersised through giving keys to the mission president and intern have the direction of Jesús Crist there. There are two relationships in the church one comes through the priesthood. through true authority. The other is a personal relationship. The one you are exercising now is a personal relationship. including the missionaries is a step in faith because its excepting church authority. and for a pastor that can either be hard or exciting because of the priesthood. under standing the priesthood or gods power to save souls of men on earth. this power can only be handled in righteousness. it will always yield faith in the savior... okay so including the missionaries means including priesthood keys, and the power of heaven to open the windows of heaven in your life. It would be a very faith promoting step forward. Including the missionaries couldn't be more important in your journey and quest to learn about the true Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ amen.

Great video. I think you treated the topic delicately. Your compare and contrast were very good. And obviously, your knowledge has grown immensely. There was a part where you talked about surrendering yourself and your wife to Jesus that felt deeply personal. I really felt what you were saying, and it was beautiful. It reminds me of what the LDS would call consecration. A willingness to surrender all unto God. A part of me felt sad that you felt an eternal sealing would be a step backward. Anyhow, I hope and pray God continues to bless you and your family. I hope he continues to give you understanding. Hopefully, you are still here when they do an open house for the Salt Lake Temple after the renovations are completed. I would love to see a review of that one.

Thank you for the work you are doing to build bridges. I would like to propose a different way to look at the differences between how Latter Day Saints view salvation compared to other Christian denominations. I have heard you often mention that you believe some individuals are "not destined to be in God's presence forever, so they will be separated from His presence forever" or God "chooses who spends eternity with Him and who doesn't". This does not feel like the loving Father I know our Heavenly Father to be. What loving, perfect father would choose some children to be with him and send others away forever? We believe God wants and invites EVERY ONE of His children to be with Him eternally. He gives us a way to accept or reject that future for ourselves, based on our choices and actions (including accepting the ordinances He has offered, and changing/improving ourselves through repentance (change) to prepare ourselves for that type of eternal existence). Taking this a bit further, in His mercy, He has prepared many levels ("mansions") to allow us to receive the maximum blessings and best eternal conditions we are prepared to experience. It is not an all or nothing proposition (spending eternity with God or not).

Thanks for another wonderful video and earnest take in understanding our beliefs. I find interesting to listen to your take and honest reaction near the end. It’s that spot where I can see your experiences trying to engage and contrast with Latter-day Saints ones. And intriguing to see. I can see how many of your experiences make it difficult to grasp ours. To be fair, how we describe it likely doesn’t help with that. For you there’s a contrast between good things here and the ultimate good of God. For us the truly good things here are expressions and means to learn of the ultimate Good of God. That all of it can/will be brought together into one great whole and be sanctified. For me, life is filled with purpose to help us become One, as christ describes. Similar to how temples are chalk full to symbols of the everyday being sanctified. I think we LDS can reduce that becoming to simple checklists and lose track of Jesus in it…which is why I think there’s been such a recent re-emphasis to help correct that in part. Still, it’s there….my last talk as a YSA, for example, was me talking about my soon-to-be husband being my number 2 in life, with God always being first. So I do get the importance of what you emphasize. I would say the difference is that my relationship with me husband, children, community, ets are still deeply integrated with eternal purposes of God. So I see these not as augmenting, per se, but fulfilling all that can and will be via Christ.

Jeff, your passion and beliefs are beautiful. As you are working through this journey of understanding, I appreciate your care you’ve taken to contrast and show us where you are coming from. Please, do a deep dive into understanding the plan of salvation when you can. The stages of our eternal existence as our prophets have revealed. I wish you all the best on your journey of discovery

Thank you for sharing your more informed thoughts! Your whole discussion about salvation and finding intimacy and joy in God is nice, but I just kept thinking: Pastor Jeff, it's both! Everything we have and are comes from God and he wants us to build a relationship with him like you describe, and he *also* wants us to enjoy the beauty and holiness of family like he does. Salvation is an individual matter, yes, but exaltation (becoming like God--gaining the best blessings) is a family matter. So the Latter-day Saint perspective would answer your perspective with "yes, and __." :)

The bite model is a good model to determine whether the LDS is a cult.

While he's fighting against the church, he's inadvertently shared the gospel with millions of people. Way more than I ever will.

Excellent, kind and thoughtful presentation. I love how knowledgeable you are with the latter-day saint dialogue and conversations. you feel so at ease. I love the curiosity and I love the way you share in a very kind way about evangelicals and other Christians. I am learning so much and I’m very appreciative. Thank you!

Thanks for your honest opinions Jeff. I encourage you to keep investigating truth, with faith, and the purpose for temples. The Lord will reward your sincere efforts as he did with me, and as promised by the prophet Moroni in his book chapter 10.

Hi Pastor Jeff! I hear what you are saying about putting God before family. I would say that one of the great divine paradoxes is that as you give everything to God he takes what we give him and purifies our desires and returns back to us what we have given him but better. That sacrifice takes faith! One of the final covenants of the endowment (I think this is fine to mention) is the Law of Consecration, where you promise to give everything to God, material and of yourself. The promise is that in the due time of the Lord we will receive everything from him. I would also add that following God as the highest priority is usually compatible with Family being most important, but God comes first when the choice is forced. I enjoyed seeing how much you have learned! Wanting to read the standard works has left you with quite the reading list. But if and when you read through the standard works, I think it would be cool for you and Greg to discuss through some of CS Lewis's stuff. He was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints or an evangelical, but I love his thoughts and I would enjoy seeing where you, Greg and Clives agree and disagrre.

You may have missed that there is no eternal rest in Gods creations. The creation is ongoing, cyclical by nature by way of birth, innocence, awakening, work/sacrifice, justice/mercy, becoming one, redemption, receiving God’s name and finally resurrection to something new and incomprehensible. In short death and resurrection is the pattern, Christ and literally his name brings order and makes all things possible. Eternal progression my friend. Many have not fulfilled this pattern in the most ideal way, some are truly evil and seek to pervert Gods order. Some may understand a ritual of purification or anointing and only see a reflection of their own wickedness. Finally being sealed as husband and wife is how we fulfill the command to overcome our fallen state and the fallen state of the world. It is the union of polarized forces that together we transcend duality and become perfected in Christ. So we can only be perfected in Christ by being one as husband and wife and we can only be one as we are unified in Christ.

Thank you for your explanation and perspective. Hearing your beliefs helps me to better understand my friends who are Protestant (I am LDS). We sometimes get a little cross ways in our conversations about religion because we have different perspectives. But your going into some detail of your beliefs helps me see their view a bit more clearly. I appreciate your respectful way of learning about temples and of our faith.

Just a couple of thoughts. I appreciate your open mindedness. I am a member of the church. Before i became a member i went through a open house. I wondered the same feelings. What is the big secret. The temples are really sacred. But there are things that would not be understood unless you were a member. In order to go you have to go through Temple Preparation classes. They prepare you to understand more. If you first went without the preparation most of it would be so confusing. I feel the need to explain that after the proxies are completed the deceased has the opportunity to accept or decline. Agency is an eternal principle. Keep these videos going

Great video. I always look forward to seeing how you view Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. I have made it one of my life’s goals to study the architecture, history ,and archetypal principles related to temples and temple ordinances. I have found surprising correlations between ancient Jewish, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, near eastern, far eastern, Native American, early Latter-day Saint and modern Latter-day Saint temples in their archetypal representation of sacred space, man’s relationship to God and our place in the Cosmos. I have been a lifelong Latter-day Saint and have attended temples faithfully for over 20 years. I feel like I learn something new all the time that opens up whole new avenues to me for understanding the infinite, Eternal nature of God’s love and the divine potential of His children. The best description I have heard of the temple is that it is an archetypal scale model of the Cosmos and we go there to properly orient ourselves to the world and our place on the journey back to Gods presence. In the temple time and space cease to exist and we learn to see the world around us and ourselves from God’s perspective.

I've been thinking a lot recently about what it means for Jesus to be the light of the world. Ultimately, everything we experience that it truly light is of Him then, right? The mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is to show his light to the world, as I believe is the mission of every Christian faith. I saw a video recently suggesting that it might be better to refer to us as a heretical Christian sect than a cult if one feels the need to make a distinction, and I feel like that's a label I can live with, even if its still a little insulting. Everyone who hears the word cult pictures a place of darkness, and its really no wonder how quick we are to defend ourselves from such notions. I think it's worth noting that a temple has only ever been a comforting place to me when I felt worthy to be there, and it's hard to imagine the presence of God being any different. Good works may not be required for salvation, but what sort of heaven would God's presence be if you couldn't look him in the eye? He can wash away sins and offer infinite love, but how does he change people? Is it not by walking a path for us to follow? He may have vanquished the gates of Hell, but he will not force anyone to walk through that opening. I think everyone has to fundamentally change in some ways to be capable of embracing that light without being burned by it. I wouldn't say that we are saved by any good works, but is it possible to change without them? I think that's the purpose of the covenants and the ordinances. To help orient us so that we can better have the ears to hear the word and the eyes to see the light. To facilitate the changes we need to make. The light is there no matter what we do. The gates are no more no matter what we do. I guess an appeal to the idea of progression after this life is that it's hard for me to imagine anyone leaving it being ready to embrace that light to it's fullest without learning a thing or two. I feel like the alternative is to believe that God is going to fundamentally alter who we are with a wave of his hand to make us ready, and I can't imagine any of us would be here to begin with if that was an option. I think the idea of eternal progression exists under the notion that the only alternatives are decline and nonexistence. God isn't getting any more perfect, but his work is certainly progressing. I'm not sure it's necessarily so much a progression of character as it is simply an inevitability assuming anything resembling time exists. I'm sure we'll have a Sunday to rest at the end of this life, but will that last forever? Will there cease to be good to do? I kind of doubt it. Does that make sense? That's my theory anyway. I don't pretend to know the mysteries of God and I seriously doubt I ever will in this life. We probably don't even have a language sufficient to properly express it, and I'm sure understanding everything right now is unnecessary for salvation. I'm going to do my best to walk in the light, and trust that God knows what he's doing. It never ceases to amaze me how the Gospel manages to seem so simple, yet boundlessly complex at the same time.

Thanks so much! This video was such a good overview, and you are doing a great work to build peace between denominations, helping build hope for the day when Christ comes and we can have that "unity of faith"

It's one of the best videos to date! I was so blessed with the gracious and thoughtful explanations of the differences done with great respect. Well done Pastor Jeff. ❤

The temple covenants and sealings seal us to Heavenly Father. A husband and wife are seal together TO Heavenly Father. It’s HIS eternal family that is sealed NOT our earthly family. That’s why children born in the covenant (born to parents sealed to God) even if those parents seek a temple divorce they don’t need to be re sealed to earthly parents. They keep the sealing of the covenant to God. It isn’t about earthly families sealed for eternity. It’s about Heavenly Fathers eternal family sealed for eternity on earth with our earthly bodies for His (Gods) eternal family.

This was good. I appreciate what you are doing and you do it so well and sincerely.

I am from the Philippines. I have been watching your videos and I love your sincerity.

It was interesting that you had a chance to view the Assembly Room in the St. George Temple and wondered what it is for. Well, I can say that after many years in the church and going to the Temple many times, I don't actually know either. HOWEVER, just before going out into the mission field in 1969, we (other missionaries called at the same time) met for a brief training time of about 3 days in Salt Lake. We all had a chance to do an endowment session in the Salt Lake Temple. Of course it is an experience I will never forget. After the ceremony we were escorted as a group of probably 150 up into the assembly room of the Salt Lake Temple. As I recall from more than 50 years ago, it was arranged pretty much the same as the one in St. George, however MUCH larger. After we had gathered there, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined us from the rostrum to answer ANY questions that we may have about the temple ceremony, the purpose of temples, what was expected of us as missionaries, etc. I believe that the Apostle that was answering questions was Elder Packer, who died not too long ago. He was very patient and thorough. As to the arrangement, I believe that the backs of the benches can be switched so that they can face either East or West. This is because if the assembly is being directed under the Aaronic Priesthood, then the members will face towards the Aaronic Priesthood podium and vice versa for the Melchizedek Priesthood. Looking back, I remember that when the Nauvoo temple was re-built and dedicated, that service was broadcast church-wide. My wife and I attended via CCTV and they used the assembly room that is in that temple for that dedication. So, there are two examples of how temple assembly rooms are used. I hope that this is helpful.

I have a question for Pastor Jeff, how do you come to know when the Holy Ghost has revealed or confirmed something to you?

In truth it's somewhat similer to a Naziritic vow. Where a person covenants their life more strictly to God. That person is "consecrated" "Set apart" or made "Holy to God." Part of that requirement back then also involved avoiding the use of Alcohol to be more temperate. Like Samual and Samson. (Though Samson was really bad at it.) There is washing and anointing to Priesthood and a laying on of hands for blessings. This isn't so much that you are 'special' now but it means you have an additional responsibility to serve God and serve your fellow men. Before a person goes on a service mission they are required to go to the Temple and consecrate themselves to God. Every blessing the Lord gives blesses your Life but in truth the blessing is meant so you can feed his sheep. In acts. The Apostles received this outpouring of the spirit before they went out to establish Christ's Church. The Temple Endowment is meant to be a similar thing. First for yourself and then for others.

Pastor Jeff I believe that salvation is not a reward it is a result of. We are here to prepare ourselves to live in a state of glory. The state of glory we end up in is dependent upon how we prepare. The guideline for our preparation is the life of Christ and his commitments. I am a Latter Day Saint and have been for 65 years since I was baptized on July 8 1953. I enjoy your comments.

I saw you come out of the Orem temple. I tried calling out to you, but my voice is kinda' quiet. It was a beautiful tour. You talked about (on the video) the "secret things" that take place have been confusing to you in the past or cult-like. Let's say it is a lot like the experience of Moses when the Lord asked him to do certain things (like taking off his shoes) in order to help him understand the sacred nature of God and then he gave him further instruction. Or, with the Holy of Holies in the Jewish tabernacles/temples -You wouldn't want to give away those important things that God reveals because it is special. I hope people can understand that with God some things are just special and pure. The world couldn't handle those things. Also, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is our everything. And because of that we want to promise him to be faithful to him. He has gifts to give us. We also must surrender ourselves, and then he is willing to give us things that give us greater joy for eternity.

Jeff, I loved your wife's words when you went to visit the Saratoga Springs temple. She said something along the lines of having a longing for evangelicals to have something like the temple. I believe that was the Spirit of the Lord speaking to her heart that the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ really are the house of the Lord on Earth. This church really is Jesus Christ's church and the only place to find His authority. Let the Holy Ghost touch your heart (which takes some pride swallowing) and you will know it as millions of others do. Wish you the best and hope you seek to build other's faith in Christ and His church and not to break it down.

Hi Pastor Jeff, I like how this video is more directed to an Evangelical audience or someone not of the LDS faith. It's nice to hear an outsiders perspective of the Temple.

Dear Pastor Jeff, you ARE special. 🥰

Pastor Jeff, thank you for these videos. As a former Latter-day Saint and now Christian, I have found many Christians and evangelicals are not doing a good job of being respectful of Latter-day Saint tradition and beliefs, which is stumbling block for many Latter-day Saints who chose to leave. I appreciate you being respectful of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Although I don't share those beliefs any more, I do respect the faith of my ancestors. Have you thought about explaining how Hebrews Chapters 8-9 relates to the need for temples after Christ's ministry? I found these chapters very helpful in understanding why temples are no longer needed.

There is a great public video on the church website about the sacred clothing we wear daily as garments, and the clothing we wear in the Temple for the Endowment and Sealing ordinances, specifically. Also, the ‘assembly room’ in the St. George, LA, DC, and SLC Temples are for gatherings and conferences. A small example is my husband, a recent convert, who works for the Temple maintenance department, was invited to the LA Temple for the Ordinance Workers annual gathering. Those are Temple volunteers who have a weekly shift they work at the Temple for. They held it in the Temple assembly room because it was a conference center of sorts. For the Temple I volunteer for, Redlands CA, we have an adjacent Stake Center (public church building) on the same property as our Temple, so for Redlands we hold our annual Ordinance Worker gathering in the chapel of the Stake Center, and not in the Temple- because Redlands, though a high traffic Temple, is a smaller Temple and does not have an assembly hall. However, that is just one example. There are meetings occasionally held in Temple assembly rooms that are more holy than an annual gathering of Temple workers. Hope this helps a bit. Lastly, we can talk about so many things that happen in our Temples, but members don’t know what they can and can’t share so they err on side of caution. There is a lot publicly shared thru appropriate church channels of sorts, but not many are familiar with those. 🌟 Message me if you have questions or want the link for that great sacred clothing video.

Pastor Jeff, realizing you were never a member of the LDS faith, I can appreciate your effort to articulate your thoughtful and respectful observations from your three visits to LDS temple open houses. As a former devout member and temple worker, I'd like to add another layer of perspective from an Evangelical Christian... namely, the following - 1) In the cultural context of the Jews, Jesus Christ taught openly and publicly to all Jews regarding His gospel, keeping nothing in secret (or inaccessible or exclusive). 2) Jesus told the Pharisees that the physical temple would be destroyed... but that He would raise up the new Temple (Himself) so that whoever comes to Him will never be cast out. 3) When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the Temple was rent from top to bottom - meaning, the purpose of the temple was no longer needed... with the advent of a new covenant. Unfortunately, the LDS church has put back up this symbolic veil.... with covenants that embraces much more. 4) Within this new covenant, our bodies are the temple for the Holy Spirit. 5) Jesus Christ is the ultimate proxy for all of fallen mankind. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness... and only He provided the atonement for all of us. It is imperative we put our faith and trust in what Jesus Christ could only accomplish for all of fallen mankind. 6) With respect and humility, one can essentially see the LDS temple (with its doctrines, policies, procedures, and practices) as a type of spiritual pyramid scheme. One must pay an honest tithe to the LDS church for the opportunity to "progress" through their plan of Salvation. This technique and approach to "Salvation" has made them the wealthiest and most powerful American Church. 7) Finally, while the LDS church has been a bit more open about what takes place in their temples - a necessity due mostly to the internet, social media, and the growing number of former members who are in the know - there are still other unmentioned implications to their successful management of valuable temples throughout the world... which add to the LDS church's benefit (in political influence) and social and profitable return on investment. Obviously, the LDS temples are beautifully designed and they definitely improve the neighborhoods in which they are located... and I believe most reasonable community members are very appreciative of this. For the LDS faithful, temples - with all that takes place in them - are the symbol and hope of their faith. Jeff, it appears you understand this basic fact... and I'm grateful you are able to effectively articulate the contrast from your observations.

WOW! This was so wonderfully spoken. Thank you Pastor Jeff for always being so respectful. I don’t think there’s been a single video you’ve done where I didn’t feel the spirit of Jesus Christ. ❤

Jeff, Thanks for your genuine nature of seeking to understand our beliefs. I am a teacher and likewise want to understand other perspectives so I can accurately represent other's faith and views. In the final parts of this video you shared protestant or main stream Christian perspectives about what happens after this life. How do main stream Christians come to these conclusions? Are there a list of scriptures or sources that have informed those beliefs? Thanks in advance for any sources you can share.

Pastor Jeff, you would be more authentic if you stopped removing and hiding comments that call your behavior and objectives into question. You should address the concerns instead of hiding the fact that they exist. The behavior is that of a guilty man, not a man of God.

I have a hard time watching this as it feel like standard anti-LDS content with a new spin. Just make videos about your own beliefs without bashing on someone else’s.

Hi Pastor Jeff, Your respect, compassion and thoughtfulness is inspiring. We are all children of God. There was one thought process that I, as a Latter Day Saint, found a bit unsettling. You presented Temples and Latter Day Saints as progression driven peoples who seek power. At least that's what I heard. There are many with a 'God' goal in reaching exaltation. However, I see the temple as a sacred place where the spirit of God dwells. I do believe that there are covenants that are offered to mankind. The Lord's kingdom is a kingdom of order. Why make an earthly vow that states 'til death do us part' if regardless it is believed, hoped that is not the actuality. What is bound on earth is bound in heaven. No eternal covenant no eternal binding. Temple sealings do not have these words or sentiments. God, the Lord love each of us beyond our ability to comprehend. This I know. The temple has been a great blessing to me to edifyme and my family and to all I encounter. Could this special sacred beautiful entity be solely of man? I invite this to be a point of prayful ponderence, seeking as to invite personal revelation for those who desire it. There is truth everywhere. The Gospel does offer the complete truth. Though whenever man, in his imperfection, is involved there become interpretations. We each must ponder and pray to find the Lord, have a relationship with Him, to know Him, to serve Him, to honor Him. My daily strive in this mortal life is to love and live the Lord as best I can, seeking His guidance prayerfully His forgiveness daily and His Grace continually. Seeking the personal revelation He offers us all. The eternal hope for me is to be in God's presence with my family. This is Heaven to me. Of course we will be busy. Maybe I can paint nebula in the stars, create music for an angelic choir. There is much to learn. I just don't see that being a Goddess is something I desire. After all, is it heaven if we are required to do or become that which we do not seek. I would even say that the concept of becoming like God doesn't necessarily mean becoming a God. God is more than king or ruler. We as humans use such a small % of our brain. Can you imagine if we could grow and learn to fill it's potential. Even as a temple going, gospel loving Latter Day Saint I freely State I do not know nor understand all God offers. That's not a bad thing. If it were not so I would not need to develop faith. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for seeing the children of God that is each one of us who has been in mortality on this earth. Misty

Also I can’t imagine a continuous vacation. If you under stood why we are here in the first place it would help you understand what we believe the afterlife is going to be like.

Wonderful❤️ Happy New Year Pastor Jeff

Pastor Jeff you seem to have a problem with the Judgement seat of Christ which is mentioned in the Bible where Believers that are “saved” will receive rewards for their good works after salvation. Romans 14:10 and 2nd Corinthians 5:10. All believers ( born again) will stand before Jesus and will be rewarded for their good works that they did in the flesh while living on earth. I have been told by some Evangelicals that all that is required to enter Heaven is to say the sinners prayer. We as Amish and Mennonite Christians believe that Good Works are important and the Bible tells us so.

Why would God give Eve to Adam, if the Garden from your perspective represents Heaven and before the Fall of Adam, if being sealed to your spouse for time and all eternity is a step backwards? Based on what you are saying it sounds like you believe that marriage isn’t necessary, that just being in God’s presence is enough. If that were true, there would be no need for Eve to exist in the Garden with Adam. So why would Adam partake of the fruit of the tree to be with Eve if being in Heaven and in God’s presence is enough? Family is not only important to our Heavenly Father, it is central to His plan for us to return and be with Him again; that is why the Lord created the Ordinance of Sealing. It is so important to the Lord for us to have a family that He created, and promised, us a way to be together forever.

What a great man you are. Sincere, respectful, self-assured, and knowledgeable. Thank you for that. Quick question. How do you rectify your beliefs that you so eloquently shared with us, with the truth contained in Matthew 5:48?

"Exciting, fullfilling and adventurous" would suggest some form of progression, would it not? Even if its just learning from God

I toured the Kiev temple. The motif of wheat was beautifully infused into everything.

Hey Jeff, I love your videos and enjoy your perspective. To clarify, you stated (I'm paraphrasing) that it seems that Latter-day Saints are de-emphasizing the role of Joseph Smith in our theology. We are not de-emphasizing Joseph Smith so much as we are trying to properly communicate the central role of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. Just because we want to make it clear that it is Jesus we follow, that doesn’t minimize the importance of the Prophet. For example, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve released the Bicentennial Proclamation a couple years ago, which commemorates the First Vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Restoration of Christ's Gospel through Joseph Smith is central to the message proclaimed by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, as well as the full-time missionaries. The Restoration establishes our claim to Godly power and authority, and distinguishes us from other denominations.

The way I see it is that God always works in a series of progression: 1. The creation of the world and the unfolding of the beginnings of the plan of salvation. 2. Progression out of the garden of Eden and into the world 3. The flood and cleansing of the earth 4. Moses and the children of Israel and their journey to the promised land 5. The Saviors ministry and building up of his church/gospel 6. Reformation 7. Restoration of the Gospel 8. Gathering of Israel and the Temple work. Every step of the way there is growth and progression. The Temple is so necessary for us to be able to understand our Covenantal Relationship with our Savior. The whole purpose of the Temple is Jesus. Progression has and always will be a part of God's plan for his children, even after this life. There will be so much to learn and so many opportunities to grow from and show glory to the Father and our Savior.

Pastor jeff how does the evangelicals understand 1 Corinthians 15, 29

May I suggest you contact Hannah Stoddard from the Joseph Smith Foundation. She has tons of information about the restoration, Joseph Smith, why polygamy was practiced. Going through faith crises. Etc.

Heavenly Father doesn't choose who get to live with him as Pastor Jeff mentioned in 15:37. We make that decision. I do enjoy your videos. Thank you. ❤

I think there is another perspective worth exploring, that of the "high church" or "liturgical/mass" churches vs "low church" that is often noticed in the orthodox/catholic/apostolic vs protestant churches, where in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have both. In our meeting houses or church buildings, we have mostly "low church" or more protestant or evangelical worship is noticeable where the only "high church" or "liturgical/mass" church type of experience is a very short and simple sacrament ordicnace or communion. I think that from my understanding the lack of "liturgy/mass" or other "high church" types of worship is missing in protestantism or evangelicalism. Therefore, our "secret" rituals in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come off wrong to an evangelical or protestant audience that has no correllary, which wouldn't be true for orthodox/catholic/apostolic Chrsitian churches, for which most of our temple ordinances have direct correlaries and are familiar to them. I think it is unfair to classify your brand of Christianity as the mainstream when there are other "mainstream" Christianities like Catholics and Orthodox and Apostolic churches that have everything you seem to be rejecting as unnecessary or not Christian. I think if you studied Orthodoxy and the Apostolic fathers you will find that Latter-day Saint doctrine and worship isn't that far off from the broader mainstream of Christianity, if you include non-protestants & non-evangelicals.

This was very well done! Honest, thorough, and respectful.

I got super excited as I found out about this channel last year, but my excitement didn’t last long as I can’t stop feeling that Jeff’s only purpose is to convert us to main stream Christianity as he learns our hearts and minds. Main stream Christianity’s mentality alone doesn’t make any sense to me because the only requirement for salvation is to accept Jesus in your heart, and I don’t think there’s any other group out there taking it to the core as much as LDS members since we accept everything Jesus taught and did while we love it all and follow his teachings… in the meanwhile they justify their beliefs and behaviors against us saying and openly preaching that we got the wrong Jesus etc sounds just so shallow to me because of our differences in the doctrines - whoever or whatever God/Jesus is to them, they know He is all merciful and loving but in their minds that same Being would never accept or be satisfied with any LDS behaviors in trying to follow Jesus’s teachings? It’s just so hollow! Anyway, this point alone for me is just an example of lazy and irresponsible thinking about something so eternally important as Gods character and salvation while denying so many other teachings and verses of scripture of their own Bibles! Also, as mentioned by others in the comment section in this video, there’s so much support of the Bible about temples and about every point of doctrine about our beliefs out there and it’s only required a humble and honest heart to find these things and to find truth, but the. Accusations they would have to face and things they would have to sacrifice is just so much to ever consider investigating our church; and while many big egos fashioned as true followers try to prove us wrong - a behavior I often see in the main stream Christianity everywhere around me - many say to their peers that reading the whole Holy Bible isn’t necessary at all, so for this lacking of studying alone - their “only” source of truth - many barely know the content that it holds, unless it’ll reinforce their wants and beliefs, being then easily manipulated into anything that sounds loving, soft and easy to their hearts/minds. Excuse me if I’m being too bold or even sarcastic in my statements, it’s coming from a place of frustration in honesty and respectably dealing with evangelical colleagues’ behaviors, many that always look us down as a satanic cult while their actions could never be more extreme and not Christlike at all as they walk through life like they got it all, changing nothing, feeling superior then anyone that don’t accept Jesus in their hearts and/or got the wrong one. Not impressed and it makes it understandable why so many people hates religion and religion groups due to this super boosted behavior as some think it’s a manipulation system for self gain while brainwashing weak minds, since many just go with the flow, nothing questioning while lacking in studying and pondering their own bibles. Come and see by yourself with real intent to find truth is our only desire as we preach a living God that wants a one on one relationship with His children - individually. Meanwhile, LDS local leadership around every corner of the Earth aren’t trying to make any money from the members or their congregations, it’s quite the opposite, they sacrifice their time, talents and sometimes even money to help and serve those under their care, their sustainability comes from their own careers, it alone should speak volumes to the entire Earth about our fruits and hearts.

I loved this video Pastor Jeff! It really spoke to me when you talked about surrendering everything, including relationships to God so He can give you the identity and experiences that he wants. Very powerful stuff, and I think it's something we need to focus on more in our faith.

This is a very humble presentation of latter day saint temples. I personally go to the Saratoga Springs Temple every week to perform baptisms. I believe that it is a very important part of the latter day saint view of the world. My belief when I do proxy work is that if I wasn't able to do my own work while I was alive, I couldn't wait for someone to do my work for me! I have done work for people that have been waiting for hundreds of years. I could never wait that long!

16:55 you said that “those ideas are to be found nowhere in our construct” is a false and misleading statement Jeff. This is taught throughout the Holy Bible in both old and new testaments. One example👇but there are many more… Romans 8:16-17 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. What is a joint-heir actually mean? In regards to Jesus being heir to his Father, he obtains the same title, wealth, power, dominion and all that the Father has shall be Christs. If we, who are joint-heirs with Christ reach that status, we too obtain all that the Father has, he being a God grants us the same power, might and dominion.

I would say after reading through the comments I am disappointed that there is a lot more hate and smearing than I usually see in the comments sections for this channel. Pastor Jeff, as far as I can tell, is courageously trying to build bridges of understanding between two groups of passionately proselytizing people posing perplexing prospects for peaceful postures while holding differing convictions. This is going to stomp on people's toes. A few times he has accidentally trod on my metaphorical toes but is openly working to learn. I have faith that anyone who seeks for truth and the things of God will find it in proportion to their sincerity and diligence, and so I feel no need to try to try to shove truth down his throat as not only I have hope that God will reveal what is true in his own time and way, but that coercion and hate of people is proselytizing for the wrong person. If you have faith in Jesus Christ, please remember that you should know better. If you don't please just be respectful of other people's beliefs. And if you just like trying to get a reaction out of other people, dignified silence should not be misinterpreted as ignorance.

In the Book of Revelation, John sees the seals of the book opened. At the very end of the sixth seal, right at the opening of the seventh seal, John describes what he saw: (Chapter 7 verse 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. We Latter-day Saints take this vision of John literally.

I love that you have had a similar experience with what we have, that each time we go we can learn a bit more & more each time we go.

I’m having issues with spiritual and even political issues. So on spiritual matters I pray for a sign, on what to do and where to go. I want to join a church, get Baptised, but I don’t get any help from God. Even reaching out to churches they don’t seem to want to help I get little responses. There are some people who are willing to help but them seem to grow tired of my questions and stop replying. Even Christian KZfaq channels, or website don’t seem to want to help. And the only time I have had spiritual feelings is in a LDS church. And many have said they Aren’t good, but the community they have is amazing. Then on politics I sit more in the middle but felt the right side was more to God. But I seem many right wing people and points taken down by left wing people. Even getting on to science there is a lot religion can’t answer, or it make me struggle to accept religion. Plus just the fact all these religions and denominations exist I feel contradict one another and I’m just left confused. Why has God put me in this position, not answering me? Or his churches? Late twenties no partner, marriage. Overweight by about 20-25lbs. No friends. Ignored by people. I just have nothing in life, I thought I would be further in life by now. I do also think I would have been baptised in LDS by now if it wasn’t for my parents at the time being awkward and just childish about it. And I donno how to even deal with them about it nowadays. Even my sister was making fun of me for it. So if anyone can help me or guide me in what to, how to pray, what to ask, where to go, help with my family. And why do think God has made himself so hard to find? And even churches, Christians, Christian websites and such, friends you name seem to not want to talk with me, is there a reason? Seriously, any help would be very much appreciated!

Pastor Jeff: A nicely done vlog about temples. I appreciate your perspective and insights. I only have one issue. When you speak about the need for temples, you sound like you are taking the approach that we are deciding or you are deciding what is needful. If you believe that God left us the Bible and is no longer revealing His will to His children, then LDS and EvC are deciding based on scripture the best way to worship God. If, on the other hand, God reveals His will to living prophets and apostles, as He did to Joseph Smith and others, then temples are not a creation based on man's wisdom, but what God has instituted. God has revealed the need for temples as part of His work and glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of mankind. Continued revelation is the key to understanding temples and other differences between the Church and other Christian faiths.😊

Pastor Jeff, your videos are remarkably kind and generous to Latter-day Saints, respectful to an unaccustomed degree. As a lifelong LDS member, I am certain these feelings are reciprocated and genuinely so by your LDS friends, and those of us who know you only by way of the internet. When we discuss matters not fully revealed to us, things that “surpasseth all understanding” I think it is important not to be overly reliant on words and language, which in our fallen state is limited and degraded. For instance, when you focus on the word “progress” that is not how LDS people consider God or Christ, who are perfect in their knowledge and righteousness. Progress would be a word LDS people would apply to mortals such as ourselves, to whom all things are not yet revealed. God the Father and Christ His Son do not “progress” in our mortal conception, yet they do experience eternal increase as the Children of God “Come unto me.” “For behold, this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the eternal life of man.” If there is a variance in doctrine among mainstream Christian faiths and the Latter-day Saints about the afterlife, I’d think it is more pronounced about belief in hell. Make no mistake, Latter-day Saints believe in damnation of the wicked and an everlasting hell, but not as so often conceived and speculated among men. Justice is an eternal principle. Damnation - an eternal arrested development of a return to God, is a reality. Here’s the doctrinal disconnect - Latter-day Saints believe that Christ’s grace will ultimately be extended to all, save a tiny number not significant to any general discussion. This doctrine of hell would seem not to suffice common teachings of “everlasting damnation, “though it does. What it does not sync with is the common belief that sinners will “burn in hell for all eternity.” On that, I’m afraid the LDS doctrine of hell is much more terrible when fully considered in the words of Christ himself expressed in Doctrine & Covenants Section 19, where Jesus speaks to his atonement and sacrifice on the cross. This i illuminates why Latter-day Saints speak in terms of the atonement, not simply focus on the cross alone. Again, we are speaking of things which are incomprehensible to mortals and far beyond the limitations of language. But, in deep one-on-one conversations with my mainstream Christian friends, conceptions of the Cross always seem to hinge on the sacrifice of Christ by contrasting his unique perfection to the absolute injustice of his excruciating execution by crucifixion. True as this is, we cannot begin to appreciate what Christ has accomplished on our behalf as expressed through such language, which simply leverages the literary device of irony. Again, these things are set forth in Doctrine & Covenants Section 19. It would be wrong for me to paraphrase, excerpt, or synopsize here or anywhere else. I will repeat only this caution of our own limitations, “Ye know not.”