Photo by Alex Bertha
Temple garments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide blessings when worn properly.
People who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often raise questions about the temple garment. In “The Temple Garment: ‘An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment’,” Elder Carlos E. Asay discusses the sacredness of temple garments and what they mean to Latter-day Saints.
Members of the Church who are endowed—or who have made religious covenants—in a temple wear the temple garments underneath their clothing throughout their lives. According to Elder Asay, the garments are a “reminder of the sacred covenants made with the Lord in His holy house, a protective covering for the body, and a symbol of the modesty of dress and living that should characterize the lives of all the humble followers of Christ.”
The scriptures refer to sacred garments. Adam and Eve were given “coats of skin,” or sacred clothing from God, before leaving the Garden of Eden. (See Genesis 3:21.)
Attending the temple, making covenants with the Lord there, and wearing the temple garment are sacred experiences. We must remember “to wear [the garment] willfully and properly,” Elder Asay says. “When one does not understand the sacred nature of the temple garment, the tendency is to treat it casually and regard it as just another piece of cloth. . . . How one wears the garment is the expression of how the individual feels about the Church and everything that relates to it.”
Read Elder Carlos E. Asay’s article “The Temple Garment: ‘An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment’” to learn more about the sacredness of temple garments.
—Kiana Kekauoha, Mormon Insights
feature image courtesy of lds media library
Find more insights
Watch a video on Mormon Newsroom titled “Temple Garments” to see photos of temple garments and other temple clothing. This short video shows that these garments are sacred to members of the Church like other religious garments are sacred to members of other religions.
Read John S. Tanner’s Ensign article “To Clothe a Temple” about dressing modestly in order to be obedient in the wearing of temple garments.
Read Elder Russell M. Nelson’s article titled “Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple” about how to prepare to enter the temple in order to perform and receive temple ordinances.