Lying to get a temple recommend

[Boris_natasha]

What happens to a person who lies to get a temple recommend? What do you personally believe? What answers can I find in the scriptures? I have never had the temptation. But I know others have. I wonder what percentage of temple goers have lied to get there.

[MarginOfError]

Simple...they will be justly rewarded for their actions.

[Dravin]

Simple...they will be justly rewarded for their actions.

Indeed, mocking God (and that is what one would be doing) carries consequences.

Edit: Note I'm not talking about things like biblical plagues or curses. I'm talking about them having to stand before God and be judged for their behavior.

Edited June 5, 2010 by Dravin

[deseretgov]

Yes. There will be a severe punishment if they do not repent. But I think he work they do is still considered valid.

[john doe]

Luckily, I only have to worry about my own faults and failings and whether or not I am worthy to be in the temple. I leave it to God to take care of those who lie to gain their earthly rewards.

[mikbone]

D&C 132:7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.

[Hemidakota]

What happens to a person who lies to get a temple recommend? What do you personally believe? What answers can I find in the scriptures? I have never had the temptation. But I know others have. I wonder what percentage of temple goers have lied to get there.

One can lie and get into the temple and think of covering their actions. But, what is the difference than this person, who believes they are worthy by works, do it for the numbers to receive the aspiration of receiving honors of others, and do it for the wrong reason?

[baver3]

I heard this story one time (maybe its LDS folklore) about a lady lied to get into the temple because she wanted to see what it was about. She was a total fake and it was a scam. She went through the temple for the first time and when she came out she crossed the street (I think it was the SLC temple) and was run over by a car and killed.

Now Im sure that doesnt happen to every single person who lies and of course this woman's intent was of complete deceit but I think people get their reward.

I think some people lie because maybe they have a wedding to go to and they dont want to be embarrassed because the cant go or get a recommend. Maybe they shouldnt go because they have some sins to work out, but the testimony is still there. I personally believe the Spirit will lay guilt upon them harshly to bring them to repentance.

Before my uncle married his second wife, his wife had an affair which led to her first divorce. She never repented for it, lied and then remarried my uncle. So far nothing has happened to her. I think people who lie and say they dont have any past sins to work on just try to stuff it down deeply and rationalize that maybe they repented on it on their own and dont need to confess it. I personally believe that NOT confessing it has damned her progression for the past 10 or so years. I think it has kept her from progressing in a lot of ways. Yes, she will be judged later on but I also believe that not keeping yourself inline with the straightness which is demanded of us to be deemed worthy of temple worship aslo inhibits us spiritually for how ever long we are unwilling to correct our behaviors. I think we are the greatest enemies in holding ourselves back. Its what Satan wants but we do it to ourselves.

[Guest mormonmusic]

I don't think any self-respecting temple recommend holder would advocate lying to get a temple recommend.

However, I have seen people pay a bit of tithing for a while to get their temple recommend so they can see family members sealed. After the ceremony is over, they go back to their old ways. I wonder what the Lord will do in that case. I guess we just leave that up to Him.

[Avrham]

I would leave God do the "correcting" only he can see mine or anyone else heart

[Snow]

I heard this story one time (maybe its LDS folklore) about a lady lied to get into the temple because she wanted to see what it was about. She was a total fake and it was a scam. She went through the temple for the first time and when she came out she crossed the street (I think it was the SLC temple) and was run over by a car and killed.

Get real. That's a silly Mormon myth.

What really happened is that as she crossed the street she burst into flames. As her skull cracked open from the heat and her brains spilled to the gutter, a creature that was part tiger, part goat, part anaconda and part Angelina Jolie came by and ate what was left of her.

We can prove that is what really happened because it is the same thing that happens to all such liars. I am waiting for the pictures I took to be developed at the Shutterbug as we speak.

[MarginOfError]

I do have a true story that may illustrate what happens to people who lie to get into the temple. I know this is true because it happened at the Boston temple while I was an ordinance worker there.

Sister X knew a woman who wasn't a member but was curious about what goes on in the temple. Sister X offered to let the woman use her temple recommend to go in and see what it was all about. The agreement was made, the woman showed up, presented the recommend, then promptly went down to the cafeteria where she asked, "where can I get a cup of coffee around here?"

Something about her question seemed strange, so she was briefly questioned, the truth was given, and she was escorted out of the building. The recommend was confiscated and the incident reported to Sister X's bishop and stake president. End of story. No doom, death, or destruction. People were just left to be judged by the Lord and those to whom keys of judgment in Israel have been given.

[NeuroTypical]

What happens to a person who lies to get a temple recommend?

They'll live their lives and be judged according to the law they've been given and the contents of their heart.

Just like the rest of us.

LM

[Hemidakota]

I don't think any self-respecting temple recommend holder would advocate lying to get a temple recommend.

However, I have seen people pay a bit of tithing for a while to get their temple recommend so they can see family members sealed. After the ceremony is over, they go back to their old ways. I wonder what the Lord will do in that case. I guess we just leave that up to Him.

Unless we believe that heaven is watching us. Then, we are self-governed. Do you think in the millennium, we will need to carry a temple recommend?

[danceinthedark]

I was baptised about 6 months ago and no where near ready for a temple recommend...I even struggle with basic faith in the restored gospel lately. My husband is life long LDS and I know he would love for us to be sealed. I would love to be able to go to the temple...I guess it would be tempting to in another 6 months-lie and say things to get me my recommend...however I have too much respect for the church to do such a thing.

Besides...I feel if I were to enter the temple without being "worthy" and without total belief the experience would be empty and may result in further lack of faith in the Church.

[Wingnut]

Do you think in the millennium, we will need to carry a temple recommend?

I do. I'm not self-centered enough to think that Mormons are the only people who will be righteous enough to live under the Savior's reign.

[NeuroTypical]

I don't think any self-respecting temple recommend holder would advocate lying to get a temple recommend.

I've collected two or three stories about people lying to get a TR. None of them advocate it, but all of them did it.

One lady (a poster on an 'lds vs. critics' board) was pretty forthright about her plans. She did not believe in the truth claims of the church, but was active and had lied to obtain a TR. She was planning on continuing to lie to keep it, so she could see her daughter get sealed.

LM

[Boris_natasha]

Get real. That's a silly Mormon myth. What really happened is that as she crossed the street she burst into flames. As her skull cracked open from the heat and her brains spilled to the gutter, a creature that was part tiger, part goat, part anaconda and part Angelina Jolie came by and ate what was left of her. We can prove that is what really happened because it is the same thing that happens to all such liars. I am waiting for the pictures I took to be developed at the Shutterbug as we speak.

Ahh, if it were only so simple, so surreal. I prefer the complex explanation of dying over and over again in eternal damnation if you deceive in order to receive. BTW, I never did like Jolie.

[Hemidakota]

I do. I'm not self-centered enough to think that Mormons are the only people who will be righteous enough to live under the Savior's reign.

Pleaze!!! Wingnut, do have issue with the statement?

Unless church members live the terrestrial laws, they will be removed.

[Wingnut]

Pleaze!!! Wingnut, do have issue with the statement?

Unless church members live the terrestrial laws, they will be removed.

I do have issue with it. I think there are plenty of good and righteous people outside the LDS faith who will live during the Millennium. By the end, I suspect that all will be converted, but I don't believe that we have a monopoly on righteous living and knowing Christ. I wouldn't be surprised if there are many of the LDS faith that won't be found worthy to live during that period.

[Hemidakota]

Stop making prejudgmental comments. My original posting has nothing to do what you are stating. Beside, I am harsher on the Saints than those who are not.

Back to my statement, is there a need for a temple recommend during the millennium? The answer is no.

[Wingnut]

Stop making prejudgmental comments. My original posting has nothing to do what you are stating. Beside, I am harsher on the Saints than those who are not.

Back to my statement, is there a need for a temple recommend during the millennium? The answer is no.

Okay, I'm not sure why you're suddenly being so hostile. I still disagree with you, however. If there are non-LDS people living on the earth during the Millennium, there will still be a need for temple recommends.

[Tamiele]

I have a family member that I know has a current recommend, but she has severe doubts about church doctrine. She goes along with things because of her husband - wanting to please him and keep the peace at home, I guess. I was quite taken-aback one day when I was alone with her and she brought up how she thought that the 3 degrees of Glory sounded strange to her, she said she didn't believe it. She also doesn't like to think in terms of more than one God - like the aspirations to become like God's as we are encouraged to do. Anyhow, as she was talking about this to me - I was shocked to the point of blurting out "so how is it that you have a Temple Recommend"....she didn't say anything. I left it alone. I felt annoyed inside - but I agree with others who have said - it is Heavenly Father's job to handle that one. As someone new to this Gospel, I did wonder and was concerned about the work that she did in the Temple - would it be recognized and accepted even if she wasn't mentally a full participant - if you know what I mean.

Edited June 9, 2010 by Tamiele

[Wingnut]

Hemi, from everything I've gathered from your postings in the over a year-and-a-half that I've been on this site, it's clear to me that you have had some extraordinary experiences in your life, which is wonderful. However, it does not make you a binding authority on matters. You need to stop presenting your doctrinal opinions as concrete fact. I don't care if you're President Monson. If you are, you know that this is not an appropriate setting in which to be authoritative. You easily confuse new members and even long-time members of the Church when you consistently post things like this, for which you have absolutely no basis. It makes me uncomfortable to think that someone with a fledgling testimony and understanding of the Gospel might become confused or worse by the things that you post here.

[Hemidakota]

Hemi, from everything I've gathered from your postings in the over a year-and-a-half that I've been on this site, it's clear to me that you have had some extraordinary experiences in your life, which is wonderful. However, it does not make you a binding authority on matters. You need to stop presenting your doctrinal opinions as concrete fact. I don't care if you're President Monson. If you are, you know that this is not an appropriate setting in which to be authoritative. You easily confuse new members and even long-time members of the Church when you consistently post things like this, for which you have absolutely no basis. It makes me uncomfortable to think that someone with a fledgling testimony and understanding of the Gospel might become confused or worse by the things that you post here.

No wingnut, it is your assumption. Yes! We are all entitled to READ, RESEARCH, STUDY, and even pray over the same materials, talks, or articles. We have opinions. We have postulations. We have assumptions. We even the right to discernment sister. There is but one prophet, as there are fourteen called Apostles. They still run the church and that is authoritative word. Whether you accept it, or I, their word is final for the church; posting this if you failed with my own testimonial point. You know Wingnut, even in the Celestial world; we still have opinions that may not agree with yours. This is what makes us different and self-aware, we can have form opinions. Being authoritative is matter of conjecture here and clearly your own assumption. Yes! I am sure the few I am leery of will chime in but it really doesn't matter if they oppose what I present. What does matter, is the Savior.

As I seen this week alone and some posting last week, you need to follow your own advice sister when it comes to posting. There are times, I wonder if you are leaving the correct or most appropriate answer to a question or presenting it properly. Whether you actually made any attempt to research it out, find a reference to validate your posting, I am also leery of what is being posted. Far worse, agreeing with a person who stands out as a form of Zeezoram of our day, now, I am beginning to wonder myself. This makes me uncomfortable also, for I do fear for the less active and weaker testimonial members of the church on this board. You see, this is a two-way street of adding my advice. We are here to learn, to add to our own edification, and to help others to climb their own ‘Jacobs ladder’. Perhaps, you missed that…

Now what is distressing to see, could you imagine Wingnut, if you lived in Joseph day, stated to him as those apostates did over his acknowledgement of seeing GOD, moving doctrines they could not handle that was rejected. Even a few Apostles did reject them and eventually apostated. I wonder how you reaction would have been I came from Joseph house, then presented plural marriage doctrine, what would be your comments to me? Would they be like the same opinions of the apostates or would you acknowledge Joseph Smith was truly a prophet of GOD? Reading those past journals, this is same reaction on anything that goes against a specific few here when there is anything that requires further study and prayerful action; this is quite alarming to see.

Moving on sister…