The LDS Temple: A FALSE Path to God

Posted Aug 3, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

For many faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the temple is considered the highest expression of devotion to God. It promises eternal families, exaltation, and entrance into God’s presence—but only after receiving certain ordinances and proving worthiness through temple recommend interviews.

Yet, as sincere as these efforts may be, the temple system is not the path Jesus Christ laid out in Scripture. The Bible makes it clear:

“Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?” – Acts 7:48–50 (KJV)

From the beginning, God revealed that no man-made building could contain Him. Salvation has never depended on sacred buildings, handshakes, or ceremonial rituals—it is a free gift through Jesus Christ alone.

1. The Temple’s Origins: Borrowed from Freemasonry

Historical records show that Joseph Smith was initiated as a Master Mason in March 1842. Within weeks, he introduced the LDS temple endowment. Early ceremonies copied Masonic oaths, handshakes, and penalties almost word-for-word.

• Example: Before 1990, participants in the LDS temple made gestures identical to Masonic death penalties if covenants were broken.
• Biblical Warning:

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” – Matthew 15:9 (KJV)

True worship doesn’t come from secret handshakes or copied rituals. It comes from a heart transformed by Christ.

2. Salvation in the Temple vs. Salvation in the Bible

The LDS temple teaches that to live with God, members must:

• Receive endowment ceremonies.
• Be married (sealed) in the temple.
• Learn and use secret tokens to pass through heaven’s veil.

But Jesus said the opposite:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6 (KJV)

• There is no veil to pass through using handshakes.
• There are no hidden passwords required to enter heaven.
• Eternal life is a gift, not earned through temple rituals:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

3. The Temple’s Secret Oaths and Fear

Jesus’ teachings were open and public:

“I spake openly to the world… in secret have I said nothing.” – John 18:20 (KJV)

In contrast, LDS temple attendees swear lifelong secrecy, binding them to an organization rather than freeing them in Christ. This is spiritual bondage, not liberation.

4. The True Temple of God

Scripture reveals that under the New Covenant, God’s temple is no longer a building or ritual—it’s the believer’s own body:

“Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?” – Acts 7:48–50 (KJV)

And again:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)

• No building can make someone closer to God.
• The Holy Spirit makes every believer a living temple.
• Jesus tore the veil at His crucifixion, giving direct access to the Father without rituals:

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom…” – Matthew 27:51 (KJV)

5. The Deception of Exaltation

The LDS temple promises that if members do everything required—pay tithing, keep commandments, attend rituals—they will become gods.

But the Bible warns this is the oldest lie of Satan:

“…ye shall be as gods…” – Genesis 3:5 (KJV)

True Christianity teaches that we will never be gods. We are redeemed children, saved to worship and glorify the One True God forever.

The Good News

To my LDS friends, you don’t need a temple recommend, a ceremony, or secret handshakes to reach heaven. Jesus has already paid the full price:

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” – Hebrews 10:12 (KJV)

• Your forgiveness is complete in Christ.
• Eternal life is received by faith alone, not temple works.
• God calls you to freedom:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

A Loving Invitation

If you’re LDS and feel the weight of endless requirements, know this:

• Jesus is enough.
• You can leave behind man-made rituals and step into the grace of God right now.
• Pray to Him directly, without fear or intermediaries, and He will save you (Romans 10:9–10).

Final Thought

The LDS temple may feel sacred and beautiful, but it is not God’s plan for salvation. It is a counterfeit system, borrowing from man’s secret societies and turning people away from the simplicity of Christ. The real temple is your heart, filled with His Spirit, freely redeemed by His blood.