Mormon Hierarchy Origins of Power, p 146; “Smith removed his own endowment “robe” or garment before he went to Carthage Jail and told those with him to do likewise. His nephew Joseph F. Smith later explained, “When Willard Richards was solicited [by Smith] to do the same, he declined, and it seems little less than marvelous that he was preserved without so much as a bullet piercing his garments.”” – D Michael Quinn
Revelation 3:5; “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
Today we’re looking at the key word in this subject matter; garments.
Biblically speaking what does this word mean and should we care? Let’s take a quick look at a couple of things in His word to clarify this important matter!
In the Greek the word garment is ‘himation’, a derivative of the word ennumi, which means to put on as in clothing, a garment like a dress, raiment, robe, vesture.
When the Apostle John used the term ‘white raiment’ he was referring to purity. Purity doesn’t come through our fulfillment of obeying ordinances that are found in a church’s doctrine, rather, purity comes as a result of what is in your heart and knowing Him. Your willingness to learn, obey and submit yourself to Him and His word is a good picture of wearing white.
Likewise, another picture of this is found elsewhere in His word. If the Apostle Peter’s two epistles could be defined in one word I’d choose the word knowing. What you know about Him will determine the type of garment (himation) you’re clothed in upon His return. Submitting yourself to Him, loving your brothers and ‘being mindful of what’s already been preached’ are all signs that you’re clothed in purity. 2 Peter 3:2
In John’s revelation we see that Jesus comforted some believers in Sardis, Turkey telling them that if they continued on in their walk they’d be found worthy and be seen as wearing white raiments.
Now with our correct understanding of white raiment (garments) out of the way, we’re wondering…
In light of the Church’s recent Youtube video explaining to all the world the importance of temple garments and why they wear them…
Why wasn’t Joseph Smith wearing his garments when he was killed at Carthage Jail?
He had the forethought to carry his Jupiter Talisman in his pocket so where were his garments?
Were they just not that important to the ‘man of God’?
Let’s not forget to pray for these dear people! It’s cumbersome having to wear temple garments 24/7 as it’s nothing more than being tied to another law. Furthermore, wearing garments outside of the OT temple isn’t found in the Bible.
Leave a Reply