“Brethren and sisters, you are about to be put under covenant to obey and keep the law of sacrifice, as contained in the Old and New Testaments. …as Jesus Christ has laid down his life for the redemption of mankind, so we should covenant to sacrifice all that we possess, even our own lives if necessary… All arise. … Each of you bring your right arm to the square. …” — LDS Temple Endowment Ceremony, the Garden
The quote above is from a scene in the temple endowment ceremony. You can find it in the link provided above. It’s a haunting reminder of what’s wrong in Mormon temples, especially when you consider that Jesus gave His life for us.
‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins…’ Colossians 1:14
We love hearing from our readers – so our post today is in response to a request from one of them. Yay! Specifically, he asked if we could post info concerning the pre-1990’s temple endowment ceremonies containing blood atonement oaths. He frequently shares the info we publish with Mormons he knows, and this topic is one he’s been discussing as of late.
For the sake of brevity, we’re simply listing a few items they repeat in their oaths, and links for the numerous ceremonies they engage themselves with in the temples.
The first item is found in the 2nd session known as the ‘Garden Ceremony’. A noteworthy item is when the officiator at the altar tells them he’s going to explain the covenant with their ‘obligation of secrecy’, and he reminds them of this in each ceremony and for every sign he shows them as they take their oaths.
“…[The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign and penalty as the descriptions are given.]
ELOHIM: This is the sign. The execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, which you will be required to take upon yourselves…” [emp. added]
Each ceremony is much like the one preceding it with the noted exceptions of exchanging the term Aaronic Priesthood for Melchizedek Priesthood, and the scene they set up in the imaginary scenarios they’ve created.
One blood oath has them reenacting the slitting of their own throats, another with slitting open their chest to rip out their own organs. The 4th ceremony has them promising never to reveal the secrets, stating they’d rather have their life be taken.
‘I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.’
Afterwards they’ll chant the phrase, ‘Pay Lay Ale’ several times while standing around their altar. And then they’ll go on to chant the phrase ‘Oh God Hear the Words of My Mouth’, three times as well.
To read these in full, see the following:
Temple Initiatory & Endowment Ceremonies
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Part 1 The Creation
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Part 2 The Garden
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Part 3 Telestial World
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Part 4 Terrestrial World
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Part 5 The Veil
Temple Endowment Ceremonies Baptisms for the Dead, Sealings & Confirmations
To say this is the most grotesque way of worshiping our God of the Bible is obviously a given at this juncture.
It’s totally contradictory to instructions in James’ epistle which reads –
“Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.” — James 5:12
The Church came to the conclusion that their oaths weren’t up to par by today’s standards, and removed all offensiveness as to appease societal norms. Ironically, they’ve proven themselves to be false prophets once again because the original writings tells us the temple oaths could never change.
Oh beloved, activities in LDS temples are markedly demonic, and have no place in the life of a Christian! If you’re LDS we pray you’ll come out from amongst the evil, and into a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and Him crucified!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
All one has to do is study Freemasonry to see where Smith really got these oaths.
Exactly right, Glenn. I understand the Joseph Smith came up with the idea of the Temple Endowment ceremony only a couple of months after joining the Freemasons
I never felt that there was anything spiritually uplifting about any temple ceremony. The whole experience, even as an active Mormon, felt dark
Hey there Soldiermp & Glenn as well! 🙂 Here’s a link for our article on Smith’s shenanigans – aka – coming up w/ the temple oaths and joining the lodge just 6 weeks prior. Honestly, how did this man justify himself? Good grief… https://lifeafterministry.com/2013/06/coincidences-in-mormonism/
Great collection of links to articles, etc in that post!
Thanks! 🙂