055 The Kirtland Endowment: What it Was and Why it Matters
Mar 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Delve into the intriguing origins of Latter-day Saint temple worship, explore the spiritual experiences at the Kirtland Temple, unveil the mystery of Elias and the keys of gathering Israel, and discover the ongoing impact of the Kirtland Endowment on temple ordinances.
The Kirtland Endowment in 1836 included visions of Jesus, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, each bestowing unique gifts of power symbolizing gathering Israel, restoration, and sealing power.
The Kirtland Temple experience marked the beginning of poured-out blessings promised to those who keep the commandments, with Jesus manifesting himself and speaking to his people in mercy.
The endowment in the Kirtland Temple connected the past with the present, emphasizing temple building, restoration of Gospel ordinances, and sealing power for eternal family relationships.
Deep dives
The Vision of the Savior in the Kirtland Temple
On Easter Sunday 1836, in the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery have a vision of the Savior standing upon the pulpit, described with eyes like flame of fire, feet on a paved work of pure gold. Jesus forgives their sins, accepts the temple's dedication, and promises to manifest himself and speak to his people in mercy in the temple.
The Acceptance of the Kirtland Temple Dedication
Jesus states that he has accepted the Kirtland Temple, promising to appear there, manifesting himself to his people if they keep his commandments. He assures that the hearts of thousands will rejoice due to the blessings and endowments received in this temple, marking the beginning of poured-out blessings on his people.
Visions of Moses, Elias, and Elijah
Following the vision of Jesus, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in rapid succession. Moses bestows a gift of power that symbolizes the gathering of Israel as prophesied. Elias represents restoration and keys. Elijah imparts the sealing power, connecting families through genealogical work.
The Culmination of the Endowment
The visions of Moses, Elias, and Elijah culminate the endowment in the Kirtland Temple. Each figure bestows a unique gift of power, contributing to the greater blessings and manifestations promised in the temple. These Old Testament figures connect the past with the present, symbolizing the restoration and sacred work to be carried out.
Moses: Keys of Gathering Israel and Temple Building
Moses confers the keys of gathering Israel from all parts of the earth, symbolizing the return and covenant of the scattered tribes. This parallels the Mount of Transfiguration, highlighting Moses as the gatherer of Israel. The keys focus on temple building, echoing Moses' role as the first temple builder, illustrating a connection to the temple and the revelation of ordinances for blessings.
Elias: Dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham
Elias restores the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham, emphasizing blessings for future generations through marriage and family ordinances. The keys granted by Elias enable couples to receive Abrahamic blessings, linking families together for eternal blessings. The restoration encompasses celestial marriage and the establishment of eternal family relationships for blessings to extend through generations.
In 1831 the Lord promised the New York saints that if they would gather together with Church members in Ohio they would there “be endowed with power from on high.” Trusting this promise most of them moved to Ohio in expectation of receiving this endowment, or gift, of power from on high. But what exactly was this endowment? What “power” was given from on high? Was it one thing, or several things? And how was this gift (or gifts) of power received in the Kirtland temple so crucial in the unfolding story of the development of Latter-day Saint temple worship in general and to our personal temple experience today?
In this episode of Church History Matters, we dig into the surprising yet satisfying answers to these important questions.
