The Increasing Power: Temples, Covenants, and the Spiritual War

Did you notice it? Not the celebratory announcements, the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but something deeper? Something almost imperceptible to the casual observer? This week, two temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were dedicated – one in Lindon, Utah, and another in the Philippines – and with them, according to the living prophets, a measurable increase in godly power entered the world. This isn't a matter of conjecture; it’s a declaration from the Brethren, a truth echoing through the ages, rooted in the very nature of covenant and divine action.

We are familiar with the concept of covenants – the sacred agreements we make with God, sealed by priesthood authority and ratified in holy places. The temple, the House of the Lord, is the nexus of these covenants, a beacon radiating His power and influence. But how often do we truly grasp the magnitude of what transpires within those hallowed walls?

The Temple: More Than Stone and Mortar

Consider the words of Elder Renlund: “Not just servants… but friends of Jesus Christ.” This isn't a passive relationship; it’s an active participation in His work, a deepening of our understanding and connection with Him. The temple isn't merely a beautiful building; it’s a conduit, a portal through which divine power flows. As President Nelson taught, this isn't symbolic power or religious excitement; it is godly power.

The Adversary's Counterforce

This increase in godly power isn't happening in a vacuum. The adversary's influence continues to intensify, and God responds with commensurate strength. Every dedication is a direct countermeasure, a bolstering of the spiritual defenses of His children. Think of the exponential effect: thousands entering the temple, receiving ordinances, and then radiating that power into their families, their communities, the world.

The transcript highlights a powerful illustration: imagine 216 temples with a thousand people each receiving and then spreading that power. That’s a potential for profound, widespread influence. And if each of those individuals then influences just twenty others… the impact is staggering.

A Spiritual War

Too often, we compartmentalize our faith, treating temple attendance as a checkbox on a list of spiritual duties. But the prophets are calling us to a deeper understanding – a recognition that we are engaged in a spiritual war, a conflict between Zion and Babylon, between God and Satan. Each temple dedication is a battlefront, a testament to God’s commitment to strengthening His people and advancing His work.

Are we truly prepared for this war? Are we actively seeking that power, striving to become not just servants, but friends of Jesus Christ? Are we diligently performing our covenants and allowing that divine power to permeate every aspect of our lives?

Beyond the Dedication

The dedication of new temples is cause for rejoicing, undoubtedly. But let it also be a catalyst for profound introspection and renewed commitment. Let us seek to understand more fully the purpose of the temple, the nature of covenants, and our role in this spiritual struggle. Let us not merely attend, but participate, allowing the power of the temple to transform us into instruments of God’s will.