Question
Gramps,
Why is the inscription “The House of the Lord” etched into each temple? I have heard that the Savior personally inspects and accepts each temple. Is that correct?
Loren
Answer
Dear Loren,
The following is an excerpt from the First Presidency Message, written by President Gordon B. Hinckley, in the March 1993 Ensign.
“This is a temple of God. The entablature on its face declares “Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord.” The first phrase of this statement is a declared recognition of the Almighty and a pledge of holiness and reverence before Him. The second is a statement of ownership. This is His house, built through the consecrations of the people and presented to Him as their offering of love and sacrifice.”
Each temple is dedicated to the Lord. The dedication of the Kirtland Temple is recorded in D&C 109. I have included two verses here that is pertinent to your question.
5 For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation; and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.
16 And that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God, even thy house;
In D&C 110 the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house.
1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.
2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.
3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.
6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.
I am not aware of any place where it is recorded that He appeared in other temples and accepted them. My personal feeling is that if He did for the Kirtland Temple, He would have for others as well.
Gramps
