President Jeffrey R. Holland recently rededicated the Toronto Ontario Temple, which has undergone over a year of renovations. During an interview following the ceremony, the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about a common phrase we use related to temple worship.
“We talk about ‘going through’ the temple as if the experience was to go in one door and out the other,” President Holland shared in a video message. “Well, the point isn’t ‘going through’ anything. It’s to have the temple come into us.”
Offering Our Hearts
The Apostle taught that as we allow the power of the temple—the Lord’s power—into our lives, our hearts will be healed and sanctified. He said:
“When Christ came to the Nephites, He said to them, ‘[Your offering, your sacrifice] is a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’
“We’re still going to have broken things [when we come to the temple], but that’s your offering. Put it on the altar, and I’ll give it back to you better, more polished, more sanctified, and you will take it and have it returned. And your heart won’t be broken. It will be healed and whole and holy.
“And it becomes the modern day sacrifice. That’s what temples are for.”
Watch the full interview in the player below.
Rededicating Ourselves
In a social media post after the event, President Holland also testified of the importance of renewing our dedication to the Lord.
“The rededication of the Toronto Canada Temple—which has not been in use for 18 months—reminds us we can fully rededicate ourselves to Jesus Christ and His work,” he wrote. “Today, may we rededicate ourselves to not simply ‘go through the temple,’ but may we have the temple ‘go through us.’”
Many people have appreciated President Holland’s perspective, with one Instagram user commenting:
“Thank you so much for your inspired teaching. I don’t think I have ever thought about the temple this way. I love and sustain you, [President] Holland. We ever pray for you. I will forever be grateful for your teachings and service throughout the years. I truly love you.”
Another wrote:
“Your prayers made a difference as you asked the Lord to help us rededicate our lives to Him as you rededicated the Toronto temple. That prayer was much needed. Thank you for coming @jeffreyrholland”
Read more about President Holland’s message on the Church News.
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