Hearts are changed by the truths learned in Latter-day Saint temples about God and Jesus Christ — and by promises made to love and serve, said Elder David A. Bednar in an op-ed published on Medium this week.
The op-ed was featured on the online platform as hundreds have walked through the newly restored Washington D.C. Temple during the media and VIP sessions of the open house, with free public tours beginning next week.
“We focus less on what we want and more on aligning our will with God’s,” wrote Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Recently, Elder Bednar has thought about the millions of people who have driven past the Washington D.C. Temple and may have some basic questions about why it exists. “With this in mind, I want to share three simple answers to questions you may have about temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he wrote.
Elder Bednar speaks of the Washington D.C. Temple: ‘It is not just about this building’
Elder Bednar’s article featured three questions and answers: What is a temple? What happens in the temple? Why do we build temples?
God “typically works from the inside out,” wrote Elder Bednar. “If we let Him, God can change our hearts — and then we are blessed with capacity and strength to change our circumstances.”
Read more coverage of the Washington D.C. Temple
- About the Washington D.C. Temple, plus the dedicatory prayer
- Washington D.C. Temple open house extended, rededication date rescheduled
- In exclusive national interview, Elder Bednar calls Washington D.C. Temple ‘a place of light, of peace’
- See photographs of the inside of the Washington D.C. Temple
- Elder Bednar speaks of the Washington D.C. Temple: ‘It is not just about this building’
- What the Church did to restore, refurbish the Washington D.C. Temple and why it matters
- Video: Elder Bednar asks, why are we surprised by today’s youth
- Video: How temple visitors are finding stillness, peace in the nation’s capital
- Reverse Open House Series: How a temple open house inspired visits to other faiths’ sacred sites, events
- Welcoming media – traditional and social – to the Washington D.C. Temple
- What those who visit are saying at the Washington D.C. Temple
- This week on social: 2 Apostles share insights about the temple during Washington D.C. Temple open house