Learn More About the Covenant, Power, and Protection Associated with the Temple Garment

Photo by ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Like people of many other faiths, Latter-day Saints wear special clothing as part of some religious practices. For example, we wear white clothing when we are baptized. We also wear special ceremonial clothing in the temple while we participate in temple ordinances. Those who receive their temple endowment have the privilege of wearing a unique and sacred article of religious clothing called the “temple garment” or the “garment of the holy priesthood.” These garments are sometimes referred to as sacred Mormon endowment clothes or sacred Mormon sacred garments, which hold significant spiritual meaning for members.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that faithfully wearing the temple garment “represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus, we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us” (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001, 33).​ Many people, including those searching for dead Mormon burial pictures, are curious about the different types of Mormon sacred garments worn during the endowment.

What is the Temple Garment?

Faithful adult Latter-day Saints who have received their temple endowment wear a garment under their everyday clothing that has deep religious significance. The simple underclothing is usually referred to as the “temple garment” or the “garment of the holy priesthood.” The Mormon sacred garment is white and comes in two pieces (a top and a bottom) that are worn underneath the outer clothing. These garments are often mistakenly referred to as magic underwear Mormon explained, but they hold sacred significance and are a constant reminder of covenants made in the temple. They come in different styles and fabrics to accommodate different Mormon garments for female and male members with various preferences.

In biblical times, priests who served in the temple also wore special religious underclothing (see Exodus 28:42). The undergarment served as spiritual protection and was provided when a priest was anointed to serve in the temple. In our day, men and women similarly wear the Mormon sacred garment in preparation to make covenants with God and as a reminder of those sacred commitments.

What is Expected Regarding Endowed Members and Wearing the Temple Garment?

During the initial part of the endowment, members are authorized to wear the Mormon endowment clothing and covenant to wear it throughout their lives. Faithfully wearing the temple garment is one way we honor our commitments to God. We are reminded that “it is a sacred privilege to wear the garment. Doing so is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.5.5). Wearing the sacred undergarments Mormon is a demonstration of our love for the Savior and a declaration to Him and our Heavenly Father that is similar to the declaration we make when we take the sacrament—that we want to follow Jesus and we want His Spirit to be with us always.

The Lord promises wonderful blessings to those who honor the covenant to wear the temple garment. It is a reminder of covenants made in the temple and strengthens our resolve to follow the Savior. When worn properly throughout life, it also serves as a protection against temptation and evil. What a magnificent assurance of divine power and safety! Wearing the sacred garment Mormon helps us “put on the whole armour of God” (see Ephesians 6:11–18).

The General Handbook states, “The temple garment should not be removed for activities that can reasonably be done while wearing the garment. It should not be modified to accommodate different styles of clothing. … the garment should be worn beneath the outer clothing. It is a matter of personal preference whether other undergarments are worn over or under the temple garment” (38.5.5). The First Presidency has further counseled: “The fundamental principle ought to be to wear the garment and not to find occasions to remove it. … When the garment must be removed, …it should be restored as soon as possible” (First Presidency letter, Oct. 10, 1988).

Does the Bible Mention Religious Clothing, Including the Temple Garment?

The pattern of the Lord offering sacred clothing to His children as part of entering a covenant relationship with Him began with Adam and Eve. The first mention of sacred clothing is in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve transgressed by partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the Lord God made them “coats of skins” and then “clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). The word “coat” is sometimes translated in the Bible as coat, garment, or robe.

Sacred religious clothing is also mentioned in Exodus 28:1–43; 29:4–9; 39:1–31; 40:13; and Leviticus 8:5–9; 16:4. This sacred clothing was initially provided when a person was set apart for temple service and worship and is associated with making covenants with God. Many are curious about the tradition of Mormon burial garments pictures to better understand the religious significance of the clothing worn in life and at death.

The Lord instructed Moses about the clothing items the priests who officiated in the temple were to wear. The Lord referred to this sacred temple clothing generally as “holy garments” (Exodus 28:2).

What is God’s Purpose for Religious Clothing?

Religious clothing provides a tangible connection that conveys spiritual understanding for things that we physically experience. For example, we are clothed in white when we are baptized. White clothing is symbolic of righteousness and purity, which is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ (see Revelation 19:8; 1 Nephi 12:10–11; and Alma 34:36). As we exercise faith by following Christ and entering the covenant of baptism, we are made spiritually clean through His Atonement.

Similarly, sacred temple clothing provides a tangible reminder of the gospel truths we learn and the blessings we are offered. The clothing also helps us understand and remember the covenants we make with God that are required to obtain these promised blessings.

Putting on sacred clothing helps us “put on Christ” (see Galatians 3:27–28) and acknowledge His Atonement. It also carries symbolism that focuses us on the blessings of accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior.

What Have Prophets and Apostles Said About Temple Garments?

President Russell M. Nelson

“Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus, we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us” (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001​, 33).

“…it is understood that each adult temple patron will wear the sacred Mormon sacred garment under their regular clothing.​ This is symbolic of an inner commitment to strive each day to become more like the Lord. It also reminds us to remain faithful each day to covenants made and to walk on the covenant path each day in a higher and holier way”​ (“Closing Remarks,”​ Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019)​.

First Presidency

The First Presidency has provided the following guidance on wearing the garment:

“The garment of the holy priesthood reminds us of the veil in the temple, and that veil is symbolic of Jesus Christ. When you put on your garment, you put on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. Wearing it is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow Him. The garment is also a reminder of your temple covenants. You should wear the garment day and night throughout your life. When it must be removed for activities that cannot reasonably be done while wearing the garment, seek to restore it as soon as possible. As you keep your covenants, including the sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances, you will have greater access to the Savior’s mercy, protection, strength, and power” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, section 26.3.3.2).

How Does the Temple Garment Remind Us of the “Coat of Skins” God Provided for Adam and Eve?

When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was commanded by the Lord God to not partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (see Moses 3:16–17). The Fall of Adam was a consequence of partaking of the fruit of the tree. However, our wise and loving Heavenly Father did not abandon us. He provided His Only Begotten Son as a Savior and Redeemer to overcome all the effects of the Fall. Jesus Christ “was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”; see also Isaiah 43:11).

Before God sent Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, He taught them His plan of happiness, He entered into covenants with them, and He made “coats of skins” and “clothed them” (see Genesis 3:21; Moses 4:27).

Imagine how Adam and Eve must have viewed this gift from God with reverence and gratitude! Even though they were separated from Him for a time, the garment provided a tangible reminder that God knew them, that He loved them, and that He had made a way for them to return to His presence.

The coats also reminded them of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which symbolically covered their nakedness. Sometimes the nakedness mentioned in the scriptures is literal. But it also often refers to the weaknesses and sins of all people. (see Romans 8:35). Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ provides a divine “covering” whereby we may be clothed with His love, His mercy, and His cleansing and enabling power. We gain access to these blessings when we make and honor covenants with God.

Just like Adam and Eve needed the mercy of God to cover over their transgression of partaking of the forbidden fruit, we each need a similar covering of mercy for the mistakes we make in this fallen world.

How Does Faithfully Wearing the Temple Garment Help Me Come Closer to the Savior?

The Mormon sacred garment is a physical reminder of our temple covenants and that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments so that we can always have His Spirit to be with us (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79).

The Mormon endowment clothes can also provide a personal connection to the temple veil and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. During Jesus’s lifetime, the temple at Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish religious community. Jesus taught there and sought to protect its sanctity. In the temple, a veil separated the main area from the “Holy of Holies”—a secluded inner chamber symbolic of the presence of God. At the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom, just as His flesh was torn and His blood was shed for us (see Matthew 27:50–51).

The Apostle Paul referred to the torn temple veil and explained that entry into God’s presence can only be “by the blood of Christ” and that we “enter into the holiest by the blood of Christ.” Paul further taught that the “new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us” is “through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (see Hebrews 10:10–20). In a sense, Jesus Christ became the symbolic veil through which we must pass if we wish to return to God’s presence. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all our sins and is the only hope for all people and for all time.

Putting on the temple garment therefore suggests that we are “putting on Christ” (see Galatians 3:27–28) and inviting His influence and power into our lives. It also reminds us of the temple veil and His Atonement. It helps us remember Him and strengthens our commitment to follow Him as we prepare to return to the presence of God.

What Does It Mean that Faithfully Wearing the Temple Garment Will “Serve as a Protection”?

The scriptures speak often of the power and protection afforded God’s covenant people (see Ephesians 6:11–13; 1 Nephi 14:14; Moroni 10:31).

Faithfully and righteously wearing the Mormon sacred garment provides a shield of God’s power—power to increase our desire to become more like Him, power to love and serve more completely, power to resist Satan’s temptations, power to withstand the world’s confounding voices, and power to “cease fleeing, make an about-face and confront Babylon and be victorious” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Church News, Nov. 12, 2022). The power and protection do not come from the fabric of the garment itself. The power we receive as we keep our covenants, including the covenant to wear the temple garment, comes from Jesus Christ—He is the source.

Elder David A. Bednar said, “Our hearts, our desires, our honoring of sacred gospel covenants and ordinances, our obedience to the commandments, and, most importantly, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—these are the things that enable us to receive the protection and blessings promised through the power of the holy temple and the holy garment” (“The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 86).In conclusion, we express our love for the Savior and desire to walk His covenant path as we wear the Mormon sacred garment. It is an outward expression of our inward commitment to serve Him.

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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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