The Holy Temple (Refreshed Edition) by Boyd K. Packer

In The Holy Temple, President Packer examined in detail the doctrines and practices surrounding the holy temples that dot the world. This timely and valuable book will help members at every stage of life as it focuses on a temple's purpose, beauty, and blessings.

Part one offers the Lord's invitation: "Come to the temple," setting forth the requirements for attendance—basically, preparation through worthiness—and the attitude and behavior appropriate for those attending the temple. Part two deals briefly with ancient temples, then turns to the central human figure in temple work: Elijah, who anciently held the keys relative to the sealing power of the priesthood.

Elijah's return and all that it means for the happiness and salvation of humankind are the themes of parts three and four. The restoration of temples and the doctrines involved are explained, starting with the construction of the Kirtland Temple at great personal sacrifice to the Saint. Once dedicated, it fulfills a major purpose in the glorious visions of April 3, 1836, the Savior himself introducing three heavenly beings who then convey priesthood keys, including Elijah.

Then, line upon line, the Restoration prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith, receive the doctrine of temple work for both the living and the dead, including temple ceremonies, the doctrine of linking families together through the sealing power, and an increase in the spirit of Elijah, as our ancestors beyond the veil assist those involved in temple work here.

The endowment with its sacred covenants and its elevating symbolic instruction, the sealing ordinance, and the other temple ceremonies are discussed sensitively and authoritatively. Written in a conversational style, this is an outstanding book on a subject crucial to every child of God.