What are temple garments and why are they worn?

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

45. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. 46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Topic: Temple Garments Source: Q&A Temple Garments What are temple garments? Temple garments are underclothes that act as a reminder of covenants made in the temple. They are white, made from a variety of fabrics, and have markings with spiritual significance. When were they “invented?” According to Biblical tradition, the Lord made "garments of skins" for Adam and Eve after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. The first historical record clearly referring to garments in modern times is from 1845. However, Joseph Smith probably introduced them in 1842, around the same time he revealed the endowment. Who came up with the initial design? It's unclear. There are no firsthand accounts of how Joseph Smith arrived at the design of garments. Did some early Church leaders teach that Jesus wears garments? Possibly. There is one thirdhand account that claims Jesus wore garments in the First Vision. There are some accounts from early Church leaders that reference Jesus and use the terms "garment" or "vesture," but it's unclear if this refers to temple garments or simply to clothing. Are there connections between garments and Freemasonry? Yes. There are similarities between symbols on temple garments and important Masonic symbols, including representations of the compass and square. What is the purpose of garments? The Church Handbook states that the "garment is a reminder of covenants made in the temple. When members are faithful to their covenants and wear the garment properly throughout their lives, it also serves as a protection." Prophets and apostles have taught that the garment helps remind members of their temple covenants and protect them from temptation. When we go through the temple, do we covenant to wear garments? Not explicitly. The Church Handbook states that during the initiatory, members are "authorized" to wear garments and those who receive the endowment "make a covenant to wear the temple garment throughout their lives." But do members of the Church make an explicit covenant in the temple about wearing garments? No. However, an explicit covenant is also not made during the baptismal ordinance, but it is referred to as a covenant in scripture. Are garments supposed to protect people from physical harm? Maybe? Some Church leaders and members believe this, although the Church has never made an official statement related to this idea. The idea that they may offer physical protection is a traditional belief that may originate from secondhand reports about Willard Richards being protected in Carthage Jail because he was wearing temple garments. John Taylor, Joseph, and Hyrum were not wearing their garments and were injured and killed. But aren’t there stories about people being saved from danger by their garments? Yes, there are stories about people being protected from physical harm, but there are also instances of Church members and leaders who were injured or killed while wearing their garments.

Question: What is the significance of the temple garment worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and what is the appropriate way to wear them?

The garment provides a constant reminder of the covenants made in the temple. The garment should be treated with respect at all times. It should not be exposed to the view of those who do not understand its significance, and it should not be adjusted to accommodate different styles of clothing. When worn properly, the garment provides protection against temptation and evil. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.