The Crowning Temple Ordinance

[Annabelli]

This was a daily Gem on Oct 10/Wednesday

"The crowning temple ordinance is available only to a man and a woman

when they are sealed together, forming an eternal family unit. It is by

virtue of this and all other priesthood ordinances that the families of

the

earth shall be blessed (see Abraham 2:11). This sealing ordinance is so

central to the Lord's purposes that He has promised to the faithful who

are not sealed in this life through no fault of their own this blessing

in

the life to come. No other doctrine in all of religion better confirms

God's commensurate love for both His sons and His

daughters."

Is this a "blanket" ordinance? (an ordinance to cover all ordinances)

[the_jason]

I'm not sure I understand your question.

[Annabelli]

What is a crowning temple ordinance?

[the_jason]

The ultimate. The highest. All other temple ordinances are preparatory to the sealing ordinance.

[Doctor Steuss]

What is a crowning temple ordinance?

"By 1843, the temple’s full import and design seem to have crystallized in the Prophet’s teachings. The doctrines of sealing and of becoming kings and queens, priests and priestesses were often discussed. Joseph Smith taught that “except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection,” 31 nor can they obtain the highest degree of the celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.)"

(“The Restoration of Major Doctrines through Joseph Smith: Priesthood, the Word of God, and the Temple” )

[Moksha]

So is this about the Second Comforter Ordinance?

[the_jason]

So is this about the Second Comforter Ordinance?

Huh?

[Annabelli]

Who can perform Temple Ordinances? Aaronic Priesthood/Melchizedek Priesthood and can both men and women do sealings?

[checkerboy]

Only Melchizedek priesthood holders administer temple ordinances. With the exception of the initiatory which is done by females for females. Sealings are performed by special men given the sealing authority of the priesthood.

[Elphaba]

Second Anointing

[onyx]

Second Anointing

Elphie,

this link didn't work...

Onyx

[tiancum]

Is this a "blanket" ordinance? (an ordinance to cover all ordinances)

No it is a specific ordinance contained in the scriptures.

New testament as well as DnC.

Yes it has to do with receiving the second comforter, or having our calling and election made sure. It does not necessarily have to happen at the same time (calling and election, and the ordinance) but they follow one another.

[Old Tex]

Yes it has to do with receiving the second comforter, or having our calling and election made sure. It does not necessarily have to happen at the same time (calling and election, and the ordinance) but they follow one another.

From the topical guide:

Comforter. Two Comforters are spoken of. The first is the Holy Ghost (John 14:16–27; Moro. 8:26; D&C 21:9; 42:17; 90:11). The Second Comforter is the Lord Jesus Christ himself. "When any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him" (D&C 88:3–4; 130:3; HC 3:381). See also Holy Spirit.

)

[Old Tex]

Who can perform Temple Ordinances? Aaronic Priesthood/Melchizedek Priesthood and can both men and women do sealings?

Each LDS Temple has a Temple Presidency consisting of a President and two Counselors. Each Temple also is for all LDS living within a given area around the Temple called a Temple District. The LDS Wards (local congregations) who have members with Temple reccommends from their Bishops in the Temple District can be called as Temple workers. Temple workers, under the authority and direction of the Temple President perform the ordinances involved in most of what happens in the Temples like Endowments and Sealings.

I think there are now some 150 Temples operating throughout the world, with about fourteen more under construction, and others on the drawing board. The Lord is hastening the building of Temples to bless the lives of all the members, plus to prepare for the work for that will go on throughout the 1000 years of peace.

Afterall, that's why there will be 1000 of peace, to get everyone's Temple work done back to Father Adam and Mother Eve, our first parents. If this were not done, then, as is stated in the last chapter of Malichi, the earth would be smitten with a curse, or, as, modern scripture put it, the earth would be utterly waisted at His (Christ's) coming.

[Elphaba]

I do believe, without realizing it, the OP is talking about the "Second Anointing," or the "Higher Order of the Priesthood." This goes beyond the Melchezedik priesthood, and, in MY opinion, from 1838 to 1844, women held the priesthood of the "Second Anointing" and the "Higher Order of the Priesthood" as well as the men. But that's another topic.

Here is an excerpt from an excellent article written by David John Bueger, called The Second Anointing in Latter-day Thought and Practice, 1983, BYU Studies, Vol. 19, Sec. 1. It is an excellent source for describing the Second Anointing, and how it ensured godhood to those who attained the "Highest Order of the Priesthood."

Second Anointing The following is an excerpt:

"In a sense the institution of this “higher ordinance” was the logical next step. The previous twelve years of pronouncements, sealings, and anointing “unto eternal life,” guaranteed a status that, according to Joseph’s 1834 teachings, even the Nauvoo endowment administered to members of the ‘Holy Order simply provided that the men who received it would live in the celestial kingdom, as angels and servants.

"Until 1843, women had been excluded from these ordinances, possible because of Joseph Smith's personal reluctance, Emma Smith’s rejection of polygamy, John D. Bennett’s lurid expose, and/or the apostasy and subsequent reconciliation of Orson and Sarah Pratt over polygamy. However, Doctrine and Covenants 131 and 132 indicated that this exclusion deprive the men (what had received the previous ordinances) o the highest kingdom of glory--godhood. The higher ordinance was necessary to confirm the revealed promises of ‘kingly powers” (I.e.,, godhood) received in the endowment’s initiatory ordinances.

Godhood was therefore the meaning of this higher ordinance, or second anointing, for the previously revealed promises of Doctrine and Covenants 132: 19-26 implicitly referred not to those who had been sealed in celestial marriage but to those who had been sealed and ordained ‘kings and Priests,” “queens and priestesses” to God. Such individuals would necessarily have received the “second anointing”; The shall they be gods and have all power, and the angels are subject to them.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think it’s important to remember that this the Second Anointing is rarely, if ever, performed anymore. I have heard the Presidents are given the Second Anointing, but I have no way of verifying that.

In Joseph’s Day, in my opinion, he saw the Second Anointing much as he saw polygamy. It was another way to keep familial ties together, ensuring a robust and happy family to live with through out the eternities.

Elphaba

[Annabelli]

From the topical guide:

Comforter. Two Comforters are spoken of. The first is the Holy Ghost (John 14:16–27; Moro. 8:26; D&C 21:9; 42:17; 90:11). The Second Comforter is the Lord Jesus Christ himself. "When any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him" (D&C 88:3–4; 130:3; HC 3:381). See also Holy Spirit.

)

I'm not sure exactly what that means and is it something that the Prophet & 12 achieve?

[Elphaba]

Elphie,

this link didn't work...

Onyx

Hi Onyx,

I'm sorry this didn't work for you. At least I know someone wanted to read it! hehehehehe

Try this and see if it works: Second Anointing

Take Care,

Elphaba

[a-train]

Am I the only one that thought the OP was talking about sealings and not the Second Anointing? Perhaps I am just not paying enough attention.

What ARE we talking about in this thread?

-a-train

[Elphaba]

Am I the only one that thought the OP was talking about sealings and not the Second Anointing? Perhaps I am just not paying enough attention.

What ARE we talking about in this thread?

a-train

Actually, you're not -a-train, as it has occurred to me, and I've been the most in support of it being the second anointing.

However, I think I've changed my mind, and think it is talking about a marriage/sealing.

What keeps nagging at me is: "The crowning temple ordinance is available only to a man and a woman when they are sealed together, forming an eternal family unit. . . .).

The "crown" imagery fits in so well with the "second anointing," and, as far as I know, that doesn't occur anywhere else in the rituals. However, I have not been through the temple, so I do not know whether it does or not.

I know you've been through the temple. If it wouldn't be a violation of discussing temple content, could you tell me if the sealing ordinances refer to a crown? If they don't, then I'm still not sure, as a crown is integral to the second anointings.

However, I think you're right and I'm wrong. I don't think there is yet enough information to consider Annibelli's OP to be a "second anointing," and plenty to consider it a temple sealing.

Elphaba

[Old Tex]

<div class='quotemain'>

Am I the only one that thought the OP was talking about sealings and not the Second Anointing? Perhaps I am just not paying enough attention.

What ARE we talking about in this thread?

a-train

Actually, you're not -a-train, as it has occurred to me, and I've been the most in support of it being the second anointing.

However, I think I've changed my mind, and think it is talking about a marriage/sealing.

What keeps nagging at me is: "The crowning temple ordinance is available only to a man and a woman when they are sealed together, forming an eternal family unit. . . .).

The "crown" imagery fits in so well with the "second anointing," and, as far as I know, that doesn't occur anywhere else in the rituals. However, I have not been through the temple, so I do not know whether it does or not.

I know you've been through the temple. If it wouldn't be a violation of discussing temple content, could you tell me if the sealing ordinances refer to a crown? If they don't, then I'm still not sure, as a crown is integral to the second anointings.

However, I think you're right and I'm wrong. I don't think there is yet enough information to consider Annibelli's OP to be a "second anointing," and plenty to consider it a temple sealing.

Elphaba

Elphaba,

I'm not sure were you got this quote to begin with, but I think I see the cause for the confusion. It has nothing to do with a "crown". It is using the word "crowning" to mean the higest or ultimate event or station one can obtain. Without celestial or eternal marriage, it doesn't really matter what else one does if their desire is to beome joint heirs with Jesus Christ and receive all that the Father has. If celestial marriage is not entered into and all the commandmnts relating to it are not kept, one will not qualify to enter into the highest level in the Celestial Kingdom. From that perspective, Celestial marriage is the ultimate, or "crowning", achievement one can attain to.

I am curious about something. You list your religion as atheist. Why does an atheist have such interest in what happens in an LDS Temple? I think that if I were a true atheist, that I wouldn't waste my time in caring about anything involving a God that I denied even existed. Are you begining to doubt your atheistism?

[a-train]

I think the term 'crowning' simply implies that it is the highest ordinance of the temple. Having one's calling and election made sure and the actual performance thereof is not a preparatory ordinance for entrance into the LORD's Presence, it IS entrance into the LORD's Presence. It is not requesite that it be performed in this life.

-a-train

[Palerider]

<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>

Am I the only one that thought the OP was talking about sealings and not the Second Anointing? Perhaps I am just not paying enough attention.

What ARE we talking about in this thread?

a-train

Actually, you're not -a-train, as it has occurred to me, and I've been the most in support of it being the second anointing.

However, I think I've changed my mind, and think it is talking about a marriage/sealing.

What keeps nagging at me is: "The crowning temple ordinance is available only to a man and a woman when they are sealed together, forming an eternal family unit. . . .).

The "crown" imagery fits in so well with the "second anointing," and, as far as I know, that doesn't occur anywhere else in the rituals. However, I have not been through the temple, so I do not know whether it does or not.

I know you've been through the temple. If it wouldn't be a violation of discussing temple content, could you tell me if the sealing ordinances refer to a crown? If they don't, then I'm still not sure, as a crown is integral to the second anointings.

However, I think you're right and I'm wrong. I don't think there is yet enough information to consider Annibelli's OP to be a "second anointing," and plenty to consider it a temple sealing.

Elphaba

Elphaba,

I'm not sure were you got this quote to begin with, but I think I see the cause for the confusion. It has nothing to do with a "crown". It is using the word "crowning" to mean the higest or ultimate event or station one can obtain. Without celestial or eternal marriage, it doesn't really matter what else one does if their desire is to beome joint heirs with Jesus Christ and receive all that the Father has. If celestial marriage is not entered into and all the commandmnts relating to it are not kept, one will not qualify to enter into the highest level in the Celestial Kingdom. From that perspective, Celestial marriage is the ultimate, or "crowning", achievement one can attain to.

I am curious about something. You list your religion as atheist. Why does an atheist have such interest in what happens in an LDS Temple? I think that if I were a true atheist, that I wouldn't waste my time in caring about anything involving a God that I denied even existed. Are you begining to doubt your atheistism?

Ellie's religion....she is a Democrat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......

[Elphaba]

I'm not sure were you got this quote to begin with, but I think I see the cause for the confusion. It has nothing to do with a "crown". It is using the word "crowning" to mean the higest or ultimate event or station one can obtain. Without celestial or eternal marriage, it doesn't really matter what else one does if their desire is to beome joint heirs with Jesus Christ and receive all that the Father has. If celestial marriage is not entered into and all the commandmnts relating to it are not kept, one will not qualify to enter into the highest level in the Celestial Kingdom. From that perspective, Celestial marriage is the ultimate, or "crowning", achievement one can attain to.

Yes, I know all of this.

However, the word “crown” is not as easily dismissed by me. I’ve done quite a bit of studying about the “Second Anointing,” and the word “crown,” may allude to an ordinance no longer performed, (at least not that I can find), but one with which Joseph was intimately involved, called the “Second Anointing.“

What you describe above is what Joseph, at the end of his life, would have called the “First Ordinance.“ The "first anointing" refers to the washing and anointing portion of the Endowment ceremony. In this ritual, each person is anointed to become a king and priest or a queen and priestess "unto the Most High God."

However, Joseph’s theology was still evolving and eventually he revealed what is known as the “Second Anointing.” He introduced it slowly to the elite members of the church he knew he could trust, whom he called the “Quorum of the Anointed,“ or the “Holy Order.“

In the "Second Anointing,“ the purpose of the anointing was far more powerful. Rather than a ceremony promising one will become a king or a queen, the “Second Anointing” ceremony ensured the participant was NOW a King and Priest, or a Queen and Priestess unto God, and that their Calling and Election was made sure.

In other words, regardless of what happened to people after they had received their Second Anointings, their place as a God, a King and Priest, or a Goddess, a Queen and a Priestess, was not affected. It would be there no matter what.

According to Apostle Bruce M. McConkie, those who have their Calling and Election made sure "receive the more sure word of prophecy, which means that the Lord seals their exaltation upon them while they are yet in this life. . . . Their exaltation is made sure.

Joseph and Emma received the very first “Second Anointing” on February 28, 1843, and were not just anointed to become a king and queen; they now WERE a King and Priest, and Queen and Priestess, “unto the Most High God.“

Thus, the word “crown” in the OP post caught my eye, as only a King or a Queen actually wears the crown.

According to Buerger: “Themes of the unconditional nature of the Second Anointing occasionally appeared in public sermons of Church authorities in Utah. For example:

Anthony W. Ivins, in his April 8, 1901 diary, writes that Joseph F. Smith said “No man receives a fullness of the Melchisedek Priesthood till he has received his second anointing. Men recommended for this sacred ordinance should be men of God whose faith and integrity are unquestioned.

Eventually Church presidents limited the practice to only the presidents and apostles and then around 1928 it seems to have dwindled substantially. I haven’t been able to find any example of it anywhere since that time.

The Fulness of the Priesthood": The Second Anointing in Latter-day Saint Theology and Practice is an excellent article written by David John Buerger about the Second Anointings.

I am curious about something. You list your religion as atheist. Why does an atheist have such interest in what happens in an LDS Temple?

My interest is Mormon history, such as the 'Second Anointings" I've discussed here.

I think that if I were a true atheist, that I wouldn't waste my time in caring about anything involving a God that I denied even existed.

Thank you for telling me what you would do if you were an atheist.

Are you begining to doubt your atheistism?

No.

Elphaba

Ellie's religion....she is a Democrat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......

Yeah Pale, and once I've become you're last plural wife in the CK, and you discover I was right all along, do I get to move up in the line?

Elphie

[Gaia]

GAIA:

Here's some more info on this Second Comforter - Making ONe's Calling and Election Sure", for anyone who may be interested:

To (briefly!) review:

LDS doctrine teaches that one is "saved" by being (re)born of Christ as His son or daughter (see Moses 6:59); however that is a CONDITIONAL state, dependent upon continued obedience to the Gospel, the ordinances, and remaining "faithful to the end".

This conditional state is made "certain" by making one's "Calling and Election SURE". One can make their "calling and election" to *anything* "sure" -- we are "called and elected" to salvation, exaltation, etc; that election can be "made sure" by/when the Holy spirit of Promise seals it.

Specifically regarding Exaltation:

One is "called and elected" to exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. Joseph Smith said: (From TPJS Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 295 +)

"After having all these qualifications [faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity; etc], the Apostle Peter lays this injunction upon the people 'to make your calling and election sure.' He is emphatic upon this subject —- after adding all this virtue, knowledge, etc., "Make your calling and election sure."

(Joseph Smith, _Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith_ 305.)

"1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom.

(Joseph Smith, Ibid 306.)

"When the Lord has thoroughly proven a person, and learned that person is "determined to serve the Lord at all costs, the Lord will soon say to that person, 'thou shalt be exalted.'"

GAIA's COMMENT:

In effect, the "day of judgement" is moved up for that person, and when that happens, their calling and election to exaltation is no longer conditional, it becomes SURE, absolute, definite, with a seal put upon it by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

This can be done either of three ways:

1. The Holy Spirit of Promise puts the seal on that person.

2. A Priesthood blessing or statement may confirm that the Holy Spirit of Promise either has, or is currently, at that moment, sealing the person up to eternal life.

3. Ultimately, there is a Temple ordinance (called the "Second Anointing" because it is an anointing) associated with this "Second Comforter" ("this Second Comforter is the promise which i give unto you of Eternal Life" -D&C 67:10-14.)

In the early days of the church, it was administered to individuals, but as the Fulness of the Priesthood was revealed/ developed, it became an ordinance that is administered to a COUPLE together -- at least part of which occurs within the Holy of Holies.

Scripturally, the SEcond Comforter is "the PROMISE which i give unto you of Eternal Life". There are several blessings that can accompany this Second Comforter, specifically:

D&C 76:

They are they who are the church of the Firstborn [i.e., those who are sanctified and sealed unto eternal life]. They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things— They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;

And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.

Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—

Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ in God's.

And they shall overcome all things.

Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.

These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.

These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.

These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.

These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.

These are they who are come [by the powers of the Gospel] unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.

These are they who have come [by receiving the Second Comforter] to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.

(Hyrum L. Andrus, The Glory of God and Man's Relation to Deity [Provo: BYU Extension Publications, 1964], 65.)

JOseph Smith explained the meaning of the "MOre Sure Word of Prophecy" spoken of in 2 Peter 1:18-19, thusly:

Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son.

Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heirs with Him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

(Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], 298.)

However, once one has made their Calling and Election SURE, and received this Second Comforter, they are in a much different position relative to sin:

Here's some clarification on the conditions governing those who make their Calling and Election Sure - (receive the Second Comforter):

(Hyrum Andrus, _Principles of Perfection_ 340)

"Joseph Smith held that when a man in mortality makes his calling and election sure to eternal life, he stands in a different relationship with God than he did before he received that guarantee. He has met the fundamental challenge of his mortal probation; he has developed spiritually so that he can return to the presence of God and claim the promises which are ordained for those who make their calling and election sure. Consequently he is under a greater esponsibility to obey the law of God.The promise of eternal life is given initially to man on a contingent basis through the covenant of baptism. But when he makes his calling and election sure to celestial glory, that promise is guaranteed to him——sealed, or made sure——providing he does not sin against the Holy Ghost and thereby become a son of perdition. Except for this possibility, he will receive in the resurrection the promise which was sealed upon him. To an associate who had received this guarantee, the Prophet explained:Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent you from inheriting eternal life for you are sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eternal life, having taken the step necessary for that purpose. ...

It is not consistent with divine truth and mercy for the atonement of Christ to pay the debt of wilful sin after an individual has been sealed to eternal life. There is such a thing as man placing himself beyond the reach of Christ's mercy and forgiveness. There is a difference between wilful sin and sin committed inadvertently as a result of the weaknesses of the flesh. It is in cases of wilful sin that those who make their calling and election sure are visited with judgments.

Having sealed some brethren at Kirtland to eternal life in 1833, Joseph Smith warned that "if any of them should sin wilfully after they were thus cleansed, and sealed up unto eternal life, they should be given over unto the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."

End.

I hope that's helpful --

Blessings --

~Gaia

I'm not sure exactly what that means and is it something that the Prophet & 12 achieve?

GAIA:

Hi Anabelli --

As for what it means, please see above discussion.

One can make their calling and election sure by continued faithfulness -- either in this life, or upon their death.

As for who achieves it -- In the early days of the Church, there were many everyday members who did, as individuals -- both male and female.

As the Fulness of the Priesthood and temple oridinances were revealed and instituted, however, it became something for a COUPLE to receive together;

-- But again, many "everday" members have; it's not something for just the leaders or an elite few;

Rather, it's for ANYONE who pays the price of being "determined to serve the Lord at all costs" (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 150-151)

Blessings --

~Gaia