How Mormon Temples Help the Dead
July 26, 2008
Filed under About Mormon Temples
Why Those who have Passed On Need us
One major purpose of Mormon temples has to do with those who have died and left this world. After we die, we are not immediately resurrected. The day will come when all men will stand before the throne of God to be judged of their sins, but before that day, there is much to do.
To fully understand this function of temples, one must realize that it is only in and through the name of Jesus Christ that man can be saved. “There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:17). That being said, there are billions of people who have lived on this earth without ever hearing the name of Christ, or coming to understand the sacrifice he made for them. Would God be just in condemning them for not believing in someone of whom they had never heard? And yet, without faith in Christ, they cannot be saved.
Both infinitely just and infinitely merciful, God has created a plan to help these people. After we die we go to a place called the Spirit World. Here, those who have died faithful in Christ continue their ministry to teach those who have never heard the gospel. In fact, after Christ’s death and before his resurrection, He Himself came to these people and declared to them that he had died for them as well (1 Peter 3:18-19, 4:6).
Necessity of Ordinances
Salvation is open to all who repent, but “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Baptism is not open to those who have passed on from this life. Without bodies, they cannot perform the essential ordinances the Lord requires of them. So once again, proving the infinite justice and mercy of the Lord, these ordinances are offered in Holy Temples. Baptism for those who have passed away is often called baptism for the dead.
Ordinances for the Dead
All of the ordinances offered in the temple for living members of the LDS Church are also performed by proxy for those who have passed on. This means that someone “stands in” for the person who has died. Baptisms are also performed by proxy for these people who have passed on. Because we have no way of knowing who will or will not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, these ordinances are done for everyone who has passed on (though we have been encouraged by the Church to keep this work within our own family lines. It’s this very reason that makes members of the church so active in genealogy). To have a family member who has passed on baptized by proxy does not commit them to that baptism, it merely gives them the opportunity to accept or reject the ordinance as they choose. Temple Marriage or Sealings and Endowments are also performed for those who have passed on.
This aspect of temples truly shows us the majesty and greatness of God, and proves to us that He loves all of His children, and invites all to come unto Him.
I have enjoyed reading about some of the lesser-known customs of the LDS Church on your website. I have had a passing interest since winter of 2003 when I was lucky to have found skiing with some friends in Utah to be a favorite pastime. Although I understand it to be work of fiction, I am curious to know your take/opinions on the HBO series “Big Love”. If you have seen the show, do you feel any parts of it represent some current struggles in your church?
Also, separately, does the ritual involving baptism for the dead include family relations that have chosen to abandon the church? If a person wishes to separate themselves from LDS, how is that reconciled?
Thanks, and I hope to hear from you.
Thank you for your interest and comments, Geoff. I think you’ll enjoy this newly revamped website. Mormons don’t appreciate the TV show “Big Love.” There is no polygamy in the Mormon Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (To learn more about historical polygamy, go to http://www.mormon-polygamy.org.) Thus, the show spreads many hurtful mis-perceptions about the LDS Church and its members. The show also attempted to portray temple ceremonies, which were not only mis-portrayed, but intruded on the most sacred aspects of our religion.
If a family member chooses to abandon his Mormon religion, he may or may not have chosen to remove his name from the records of the Church. If his name were removed, he would have to be re-baptized to reclaim his membership. Once he is deceased, the family could chose to do a proxy baptism for him, as long as the immediate family approved. However, proxy baptisms are not binding at all, unless the deceased (who lives on as a spirit awaiting resurrection) chooses to accept it. Thus, it is all up to the individual, whether living or dead.