In Section 105 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reveals that the redemption of Zion was to be postponed. President Lorenzo Snow taught that one of the reasons behind that postponement was that the saints "refused to comply with the order of consecration, consequently they were allowed to be driven from their inheritances; and should not return until they were better prepared to keep the law of God, by being more perfectly taught in reference to their duties, and learn through experience the necessity of obedience.

"And I think, " President Snow continued, "we are not justified in anticipating the privilege of returning to build up the center stake of Zion, until we shall have shown obedience to the law of consecration. One thing, however, is certain, we shall not be permitted to enter the land from whence we were expelled, till our hearts are prepared to honor this law, and we become sanctified through the practice of the truth."In addition, the Lord explains in verses 11 and 12 that His people cannot be prepared for Zion's redemption until they are endowed with power from on high.

This "seems to refer to the temple ordinances, which also are called an endowment," states the Church Educational Systems's Doctrine and Covenants student manual.

Earlier revelations (see D&C 38:32; 95:8) received by the Prophet had alluded to an "endowment" from on high.

The fulfillment of this prophecy began in part after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated and certain initiatory ordinances were performed there. However, the endowment as it is given to worthy members in temples today was not given at that time.

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said in 1930: "If we go into the temple we raise our hands and covenant that we will serve the Lord and observe His commandments and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. If we realize what we are doing then the endowment will be a protection to us all our lives - a protection which a man who does not go to the temple does not have.

"I have heard my father say that in the hour of trial, in the hour of temptation, he would think of the promises, the covenants that he made in the House of the Lord, and they were a protection to him . . . .This protection is what these ceremonies are for, in part. They save us now and they exalt us hereafter, if we will honor them. I know that this protection is given for I, too, have realized it, as have thousands of others who have remembered their obligations."

*****

(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the gospel doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Kellene Ricks.

Sources: Church Educational System Doctrine and Covenants student manual; Doctrine and Covenants Compendium, by Sidney B. Sperry; Comprehensive History of the Church, By B.H. Roberts, Volume 1; and Encyclopedic History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, By Andrew Jenson.