The Temple Is Where Earth And Heaven Intersect: Understanding Elder Bednar’s Profound Teaching
Have you ever stood before a majestic LDS temple, its spires reaching toward the sky, and felt a profound sense that this place is different? That here, the mundane routines of daily life touch something eternal? This isn't just a feeling; it is a core, revealed doctrine. The statement "the temple is where earth and heaven intersect" captures the very essence of these sacred houses. This powerful concept, frequently taught by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, provides a foundational framework for understanding why temples are so central to the worship and hope of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It moves the temple from being a mere beautiful building to a vital, operational bridge between the mortal and the divine.
Elder Bednar’s teachings clarify that this intersection is not metaphorical but literal and functional. Temples are designated places where divine power and authority are manifest, where covenants are made that bind families together for eternity, and where the veil between the terrestrial and the celestial is exceptionally thin. This article will delve deeply into this transformative principle, exploring its dimensions through the lens of Elder Bednar’s instructions. We will unpack what it means for the temple to be an intersection, how that intersection operates through covenants and ordinances, and what practical, life-altering implications this has for every individual and family. Prepare to see the temple not just as a place you go, but as a fundamental reality that shapes your entire spiritual journey.
Who is Elder David A. Bednar? A Brief Biography
To fully grasp the significance of the teaching "the temple is where earth and heaven intersect," it is helpful to understand the messenger. Elder David A. Bednar has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 2004, one of the highest governing bodies in the Church. His teachings are known for their clarity, depth, and practical application of gospel principles.
Before his apostolic calling, Elder Bednar had a distinguished career in academia, serving as a university professor and administrator. This background informs his methodical and insightful approach to explaining complex spiritual concepts. He has a unique ability to connect doctrinal truths with everyday experience, making profound teachings accessible and actionable.
His emphasis on the temple is not incidental; it is a central pillar of his ministry. He has given numerous addresses and written extensively on the purpose, power, and privileges of temple worship, consistently pointing members toward the temple as the ultimate place for spiritual nourishment and divine connection.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Allan Bednar |
| Birth Date | June 15, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Calling | Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (since 2004) |
| Prior Calling | Presidency of the Seventy (2004), Area Presidency, Stake President, Bishop |
| Profession | Former University Professor & Administrator (Business) |
| Education | B.S. (Brigham Young University), M.B.A. (Purdue University), Ph.D. (Purdue University) |
| Spouse | Susan Kae Robinson Bednar |
| Key Teaching Focus | Covenants, Temple Worship, Disciple of Christ, Grace, and Accountability |
The Temple as a Literal Intersection of Realms
Elder Bednar teaches that the temple is not merely a symbolic meeting place but a literal, physical location where the powers of heaven and the realities of earth converge. This is based on foundational LDS scripture, such as Doctrine and Covenants 97:15-16, which states that temples are "built that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people." The intersection is operational, meaning divine work—the work of salvation and exaltation—happens there in a unique way.
A House of Revelation and Divine Communication
At this intersection, the communication channel between God and humanity is clarified and strengthened. The "veil" mentioned in scripture is not just a barrier but a selective medium. In the temple, through the power of the Holy Ghost, that veil becomes "thin," allowing for greater personal revelation. This isn't about seeing visions every time, but about receiving quiet, certain guidance, answers to prayers, and a deepened spiritual understanding that is harder to obtain in the constant noise of the world. The temple's environment—its peace, its focus, its sacred symbols—is designed to facilitate this form of communication.
A Place Where Time and Eternity Touch
Temples also represent an intersection of time and eternity. The ordinances performed there, such as sealings for families, are described as having "efficacy beyond the grave." They are not just for the living participants but are vicariously offered to those who have passed on, creating a grand, intergenerational work that transcends mortal lifespan. This is where the linear progression of earthly life is linked to the eternal nature of the soul and family relationships. When you participate in a sealing, you are literally acting at a point where your present time connects with the eternal destiny of your ancestors and descendants.
Covenants: The Mechanism of the Intersection
How does this intersection function? The primary mechanism is covenants. Elder Bednar repeatedly emphasizes that temples are "covenant-making" and "covenant-keeping" spaces. A covenant is a two-way promise between an individual and God, with specific obligations and promised blessings. At the intersection of earth and heaven, these covenants are the binding agents.
The Covenant Path Centered in the Temple
The temple endowment ceremony is a rich, symbolic instruction on the covenant path. It outlines the plan of salvation, from the pre-mortal existence, through mortal probation, and into eternal life. Participants make specific covenants, such as the law of obedience, the law of sacrifice, and the law of the gospel. These are not abstract ideas but concrete commitments that shape daily life. The intersection is where you formally and sacredly agree to align your "earthly" actions with "heavenly" laws, and in return, receive "heavenly" promises—including, ultimately, the opportunity to return to God's presence.
The Sacred Nature of Covenant Language
The language of the temple is intentionally precise and covenantal. Phrases like "hearken and obey" and "always remember him" are not suggestions but binding promises. Understanding this transforms one's perspective. Attending the temple is not just a "good thing to do"; it is a sacred appointment to renew and better understand the most important promises you have made with God. The power of the intersection flows from your fidelity to these covenants. As you keep them, the blessings of heaven—protection, guidance, sanctification—are more fully manifest in your earthly life.
The Temple vs. The World: A Deliberate Separation
A critical aspect of the temple being an intersection is that it requires a separation from the mundane. Elder Bednar often contrasts the sacred nature of the temple with the secular nature of the world. This doesn't mean the world is evil, but that its dominant philosophies, priorities, and pace are different from the eternal principles taught in the temple.
Setting Apart a Sacred Space and Time
The temple's very construction and dedication set it apart. It is a "house of the Lord," distinct from meetinghouses used for weekly worship. This physical separation allows for a spiritual separation. When you enter the temple, you are asked to leave behind worldly concerns, distractions, and even the casualness of everyday speech. This act of setting apart is essential for the intersection to occur. You cannot fully engage with heavenly realities while your mind is entangled in earthly trivia. The temple recommends a period of personal worthiness and preparation, emphasizing that approaching this intersection requires intentional spiritual readiness.
A Counter-Culture of Holiness
The temple's teachings often stand in contrast to modern societal norms. It teaches eternal identities, the divine nature of the family, the absolute necessity of moral purity, and the principle of consecration (using one's resources to build God's kingdom). Living these covenant principles in a world that often promotes individualism, relativism, and materialism is a form of "keeping the temple in your life." The intersection empowers you to live differently because you have been in that sacred space and made those sacred promises. It provides an anchor of truth in a shifting world.
Personal Revelation: The Individual Experience of the Intersection
While the temple is a universal institution, the experience of the intersection is intensely personal. Elder Bednar teaches that each worthy individual can receive personal revelation tailored to their circumstances within the temple walls. This is where the general, grand plan of salvation meets your specific, mortal journey.
Receiving Guidance for Your Unique Journey
You might go to the temple with a heavy decision, a lingering question, or a burden of sorrow. In the quiet, reflective atmosphere, thoughts and impressions may come that were not there before. This is the intersection at work for you personally. It could be a sudden clarity about a career move, a softened heart toward a family member, or a renewed sense of purpose. The temple doesn't give all the answers in neon signs, but it calibrates your spiritual sensitivity so you can better recognize the whisperings of the Spirit in your life outside the temple as well.
The Role of the Holy Ghost as a Guide
The Holy Ghost is the conduit for this personal revelation. The temple is a prime location to "put off the natural man" (as taught in the endowment) and become more receptive to the Spirit. The symbols, the quiet, the act of worshiping without distraction—all these help quiet the "natural" voice of anxiety and logic, allowing the still, small voice of divine guidance to be heard. Learning to recognize and act on these promptings is a key skill developed through regular temple attendance. It is the practical, daily evidence that earth and heaven are indeed intersecting in your life.
Family History: Extending the Intersection Across Generations
Perhaps the most tangible expression of the temple as an intersection is its role in family history and genealogy. Elder Bednar has powerfully taught that the temple is the place where the "great work of salvation for the dead" is accomplished, connecting generations across the veil.
Vicarious Work: A Grand, Unifying Project
The doctrine is that essential ordinances—baptism, confirmation, endowment, sealing—are required for exaltation. Since not everyone has the opportunity to receive them in life, the living perform these ordinances by proxy in the temple for their deceased ancestors. This creates an incredible intersection: a living person on earth, acting in a sacred space, performs an ordinance on behalf of a deceased relative in the spirit world. The work literally spans the divide. It makes your family history research not a hobby, but a sacred duty and a profound act of love that binds your family across time.
Turning Hearts and Healing Relationships
This work has a powerful, personal effect on the living. As you search for names, you learn about your ancestors. As you attend the temple to perform their ordinances, your heart turns to them. This can foster a sense of identity, belonging, and gratitude. It can also mend broken family lines and bring healing. The intersection in the temple extends backward to honor the past and forward to secure the future, as sealings create an unbreakable chain linking parents and children across generations, all ultimately connected to the Savior.
The Temple as a Pattern for Life: Bringing Heaven to Earth
Finally, Elder Bednar teaches that the temple is not an escape from the world but a training ground for living in the world with a heavenly perspective. The lessons, covenants, and spiritual power received at the intersection are meant to be taken out and applied in daily life.
Living Temple Principles in Daily Life
What does this look like? It means striving for the purity symbolized by the temple clothing. It means practicing honesty in all dealings, as we are always in the presence of the Lord. It means nurturing family relationships with the eternal perspective gained from sealings. It means serving others with consecration, viewing our time and resources as belonging to God. The temple becomes a reference point. When faced with a moral dilemma, you ask, "What would my covenant self, who has been in the Lord's house, do?" This is bringing the power of the intersection into the mundane.
A Source of Strength and Perspective
In times of trial, the memory of the temple—its peace, its truths—can be a sanctuary. The promises made there provide hope that transcends current circumstances. Knowing that your family relationships are sealed can give strength to work through difficulties. The overarching narrative of the plan of salvation, so clearly taught in the temple, puts mortal pains and joys into their proper, eternal context. The temple equips you with an eternal lens, and that lens changes everything about how you navigate "earth."
Conclusion: The Invitation to Step Into the Intersection
The teaching that "the temple is where earth and heaven intersect" is far more than a poetic saying. As clarified by Elder Bednar, it is a dynamic, doctrinally rich description of a sacred reality. It is a place where God's power is manifest, where we make binding covenants, where we receive personal direction, where we connect with generations past and future, and where we are equipped to live better, more Christ-centered lives.
This intersection is open to all who prepare themselves worthily. It is an invitation—not a burden, but a privilege—to step out of the secular swirl and into a space of profound spiritual negotiation and renewal. The temple stands as a beacon, a literal house of the Lord where the terrestrial and the celestial meet. Your decision to attend, to worship, to make and keep covenants there, determines how much of that heavenly power and perspective you will bring into your earthly journey. Go to the temple. Participate fully. Listen carefully. You are standing at the most important intersection of your life.
