Lesson 5: Learning from the Lord through Symbols
Symbols around the world:
https://visme.co/blog/symbols-and-meanings/
Temple Clothing:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-12-1400-what-are-temple-garments?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-01-0100-sacred-temple-clothing?lang=eng
What are some symbols that you see in your everyday life? Stop signs and lights
How can symbols help you remember important things?
The Lord most
often taught in parables. He used a verbal way to represent symbolically things
that otherwise might be difficult to understand. He related stories with
chickens, birds, flowers, foxes, trees, burglars, highwaymen, sunsets, rich and
poor. In a very real sense, these stories could speak to the hearers according
to their locality, professions, and understanding.
But there are things that can be masked in symbolism that people don’t pick up
on, until they learn more and are humble enough to be taught by the Spirit.
What are some of the parables Jesus used to teach the people?
Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14);
Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32):
Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45–46).
“The prophets
and apostles often used symbols to teach of Jesus Christ and His atoning
sacrifice. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the basis of the gospel and of all
the blessings we receive. It makes salvation possible. Therefore, most of the
symbols in the scriptures teach us about the Savior and His sacrifice.” The
symbolism found in the temple also teach us of Jesus Christ, and they are a
reminder of the covenants that we have made with Him.
·
What things in the earth bear record of the Savior? Moses 6:63
·
In what ways do priesthood ordinances bear record of the Savior? Alma 13:16
Before the atonement, death and resurrection of Jesus, the people sacrificed animals as a symbol of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Moses 5:4–8
Now, we sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit. 3 Nephi 9:20
The priesthood ordinances we
receive in the temple also help us to remember the atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ.
The following words are from President Russell M. Nelson,
“Essential ordinances of the gospel symbolize the
Atonement. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of the death, burial, and
Resurrection of the Redeemer. Partaking of the sacrament renews baptismal
covenants and also renews our memory of the Savior’s broken flesh and of the
blood He shed for us. Ordinances of the temple symbolize our reconciliation
with the Lord and seal families together forever.”
If we don’t understand all of the symbolism in the temple,
it doesn’t mean that we aren’t worthy to be there. (If the Spirit has confirmed
to you that you should be there, you really should be.) SO if you don’t
understand everything, it means you should go back, and keep studying and
praying.
Why do you think God teaches us in layers? 2 Nephi 28:30 and Doctrine and
Covenants 42:49–50
Even though in the temple, we repeat the same ordinances and hear the same
words, we can continue to learn and receive guidance and information from the
Spirit. Even the prophets do that.
We receive sacred symbols in the temple, which increase our understanding and
protect us.
“In a symbolic way,
the teachings and rituals of the temple take us on an upward journey toward
eternal life, ending with a symbolic entrance into the presence of God. The
characters depicted, the physical setting, the clothing worn, the signs given,
and all the events covered in the temple are symbolic. When they are
understood, they will help each person recognize truth and grow spiritually.”
“All things have their
likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things
which are temporal, and things which are spiritual” (Moses 6:63).
The temple itself is a
symbol:
“If you have seen one of
the temples at night, fully lighted, you know what an impressive sight that can
be. The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness,
becomes symbolic of the power and the inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ
standing as a beacon in a world that sinks ever further into spiritual
darkness”
The temple clothing is
also symbolic. When we enter the temple, we change from street clothes into
white temple clothing, which is a symbol of purity. President James E.
Faust said:
“Fundamental to temple worship is the principle that ‘God is no
respecter of persons.’ [Acts 10:34.]
Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position,
wealth, status, race, or education. All dress in white. All receive the same
instruction. All make the same covenants and promises. All receive the same
transcendent, eternal blessings if they live worthy to claim them. All are
equal before their Creator.”
After you go to the temple and participate in covenant there, you will wear special
underclothing:
“The garment represents sacred covenants. It
fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer. … The
garment, covering the body, is a visual and tactile reminder of [covenants made
in the temple]. For many Church members the garment has formed a barrier of
protection when the wearer has been faced with temptation. Among other things
it symbolizes our deep respect for the laws of God—among them the moral
standard.”
When you go to the temple, you can expect to learn many new things and feel the power of the Lord’s Spirit. We should be continually preparing ourselves spiritually to participate in the temple. It’s a privilege to go to the temple, and we will find more knowledge, greater faith, and more sure spiritual protection by going as often as we can.
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