Exploring the Revised Temple Recommend Questions Shared by President Nelson

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand the sacred nature of temples and the importance of being worthy to enter these holy edifices. Recently, President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet and president of the Church, announced updates to the temple recommend interview questions. In this article, we will delve into these revised questions and their significance.

The Significance of Temple Recommend Questions

Temple recommend questions serve as a guideline to help Church members evaluate their worthiness and preparedness to participate in sacred temple ordinances. These questions are not arbitrary; they are designed to help us assess our spiritual standing and identify areas where we may need to improve or seek guidance.

By regularly reviewing and updating these questions, the Church ensures that they remain relevant and aligned with the teachings of the gospel. The revisions announced by President Nelson reflect the Church’s commitment to providing clear and concise guidance to its members.

The Revised Temple Recommend Questions

Here are the revised temple recommend questions shared by President Nelson:

1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?
2. Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as your Savior and Redeemer?
3. Do you have a testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
4. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?
5. The Lord has said that all things are to be “done in cleanliness” before Him (Doctrine and Covenants 42:41). Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior? Do you obey the law of chastity?
6. Do you follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in your private and public behavior with members of your family and others?
7. Do you support or promote any teachings, practices, or doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
8. Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?
9. Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?
10. Are you a full-tithe payer?
11. Do you understand and obey the Word of Wisdom?
12. Do you have any financial or other obligations to a former spouse or to children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?
13. Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple, including wearing the temple garment as instructed in the endowment?
14. Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with priesthood authorities as part of your repentance?
15. Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in temple ordinances?

Understanding the Revisions

While the core principles and requirements for temple worthiness remain unchanged, the revisions to the questions aim to provide greater clarity and focus. Here are some key points to note:

• Emphasis on Testimonies: The first three questions emphasize the importance of having a testimony of God the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. These fundamental beliefs are essential for participating in sacred temple ordinances.

• Sustaining Church Leadership: Question 4 highlights the significance of sustaining the President of the Church, the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities and local leaders. This reinforces the principle of following inspired leadership.

• Moral Cleanliness and Chastity: Question 5 underscores the importance of striving for moral cleanliness in thoughts and behavior, as well as obeying the law of chastity. This aligns with the Lord’s commandment to “be ye clean” (3 Nephi 20:41).

• Following Church Teachings: Question 6 emphasizes the need to follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in both private and public behavior, with family members and others. This encompasses the principles of love, kindness, and respect.

• Avoiding Contrary Teachings: Question 7 addresses the importance of not supporting or promoting teachings, practices, or doctrines that contradict the teachings of the Church. This promotes unity and adherence to the revealed truth.

• Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy: Question 8 highlights the significance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, attending meetings, partaking of the sacrament worthily, and living in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel.

• Honesty and Integrity: Question 9 emphasizes the value of being honest in all aspects of life, reflecting the principle of integrity.

• Tithing and Word of Wisdom: Questions 10 and 11 address the importance of being a full-tithe payer and understanding and obeying the Word of Wisdom, which are essential principles for temple worthiness.

• Financial Obligations: Question 12 focuses on fulfilling financial and other obligations to former spouses or children, if applicable. This promotes responsibility and accountability.

• Keeping Temple Covenants: Question 13 emphasizes the importance of keeping the covenants made in the temple, including wearing the temple garment as instructed in the endowment.

• Repentance and Worthiness: Questions 14 and 15 address the need for repentance and resolving serious sins with priesthood authorities, as well as considering oneself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in temple ordinances.

These revisions aim to provide greater clarity and focus, helping Church members better understand and evaluate their readiness for sacred temple worship.

Preparing for Temple Worship

Reviewing the revised temple recommend questions can serve as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and personal preparation. As we ponder these questions, we may identify areas where we need to improve or seek guidance from priesthood leaders or trusted individuals.

It is important to remember that the process of becoming temple-worthy is a continuous journey of spiritual growth and refinement. By striving to live the principles outlined in these questions, we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and become more prepared to participate in the sacred ordinances of the temple.

In conclusion, the revised temple recommend questions shared by President Nelson are a testament to the ongoing revelation and guidance provided to the Church. By carefully studying and applying these principles, we can deepen our commitment to the gospel and fortify our testimonies, ultimately becoming more worthy to enter the Lord’s holy house.