Mormon Garments and the Armor of God

To those unfamiliar with the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to informally as “Mormons,” the concept of Mormon garments may seem unusual at first. However, for faithful Latter-day Saints, the temple garment is a deeply symbolic and sacred part of religious life. One of the most meaningful comparisons made in Church teachings is between the temple garment and the “armor of God” described in the Bible. This symbolic parallel helps explain the significance of Mormon the garment and its role in the daily lives of Latter-day Saints.

Understanding the Temple Garment

Some people wonder: “why do Mormons wear garments?” Adult Latter-day Saints can choose to participate in a sacred temple ceremony called the endowment, where they commit to a high standard of devotion to God. An endowed person is authorized to wear the temple garment. This simple white underclothing, consisting of two pieces, is worn day and night beneath regular clothing, serving as a constant reminder of a person’s covenant with God. Small Mormon garments markings on the fabric represent biblical principles of obedience and humility.

Wearing “Mormon holy undergarments,” as they’re called by some, is not a matter of custom or tradition, but of personal conviction. It is, as Church leaders have taught, “an outward expression of an inward commitment”—a daily physical reminder of one’s desire to follow Jesus Christ and live a life of righteousness, modesty, and faith.

Russell M. Nelson, the current President of the Church, taught that the temple garment “represents a continuing commitment,” and referred to it as part of the “enduring armor of God.”

The Biblical Armor of God

The comparison to armor is rooted in scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warned early Christians of the spiritual dangers they faced, urging them to “put on the whole armour of God” so they could withstand evil (Ephesians 6:11–18). Paul described this armor in symbolic terms, with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, and constant prayer being essential defenses in the battle against spiritual darkness.

The challenges facing individuals and families today—immorality, addiction, dishonesty, divisiveness—are what modern Church teachings describe as “the wiles of the devil.” These are the spiritual assaults members try to defend against.

The Garment as a Symbol of Spiritual Armor

Just as helmets and breastplates protected soldiers in ancient times, Mormon garments serve as a spiritual covering for those engaged in today’s moral and spiritual battles.

The temple garment fulfills three main purposes for Latter-day Saints:

1. It reminds wearers of their sacred covenants with God.
   
2. It provides a form of spiritual protection.
   
3. It encourages modesty in dress and living.
   

Church leaders emphasize that Mormon the garment itself is not magical or superstitious. The power and protection it symbolizes do not come from the cloth itself, but from Jesus Christ. When a member honors their covenant by wearing the garment with faith and integrity, it helps them resist temptation, avoid spiritual harm, and remain focused on the divine. The garment can empower them to stand strong amid the world’s distractions and pressures.

Endowed Latter-day Saints are taught to wear the garment day and night throughout their lives. While it may be removed for activities that cannot reasonably be done while wearing it, such as swimming, showering, or intense exercise, members are encouraged to restore it as soon as possible. In this way, the garment becomes not just a reminder, but a consistent expression of devotion. 

Because discipleship is meant to be a part of life, there are different Mormon garments styles of fabric that can comfortably suit members’ lifestyles.

Biblical and Historical Precedent of Mormon Garments

The idea of sacred clothing is not unique to Latter-day Saints. In the Bible, priests who served in the temple also wore special religious underclothing (see Exodus 28:42). These garments served as a symbol of the priest’s spiritual duty and divine protection.

Similarly, Latter-day Saints wear the garment in preparation to serve God and as a continual reminder of the sacred promises they have made. In both ancient and modern contexts, the sacred nature of religious clothing reflects a shared principle of spiritual commitment being expressed through outward signs.

Spiritual Warfare in Modern Times

Latter-day Saint teachings frame the spiritual challenges of our time in terms of warfare—not with physical armies, but with the spiritual “rulers of darkness” Paul described. This war has raged since the time of Adam, and continues today.

In the face of these trials, Church members are taught to “put on the armor of righteousness” (2 Nephi 1:23) as symbolized by the temple garment. This spiritual armor is not made of metal, but of faith.

A Quiet Symbol of Strength

To outsiders, Mormon garments may seem simple or even strange. But to those who wear them, they’re something deeply sacred. It is a daily act of devotion, a quiet source of strength, and a personal expression of love for Jesus Christ.

As one Church source puts it, the white garment “symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God.”

Mormon the garment is not worn for show. It is not a badge of superiority. Rather, it is a symbol of humility and consecration. In wearing it, Latter-day Saints seek to align their hearts with God, shield themselves from evil, and prepare themselves to stand firm in the battles of life.

About Mormonism Explained

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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