Book of Mormon Gospel Topics - Latter Day Saints

Endowment

LDS Summary:

The LDS (Brigham Young) changed the focus of the endowment from "power from on high" used to teach others and build Zion to a self-serving act to be used after death and implemented a secret ceremony (that has changed over time)

RLDS Summary:

The RLDS denies ceremonial endowments and called the LDS endowment ceremony "anti-christian"

Endowment requires power from on high

Both the LDS and RLDS agree that Jesus said that to be endowed (endued) requires power from on high

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

King James Version, Luke 24
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Inspired Version, Luke 24
45 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day;
46 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
47 And ye are witnesses of these things.
48 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.
49 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
50 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was taken from them, and carried up into heaven.

The Endowment needed to go to all nations

January 2, 1831

Both the LDS and RLDS Doctrine and Covenants agree that Joseph Smith Jr. described the endowment as needed to "go forth among all nations" to spread the Gospel

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

LDS D&C Section 38
31 And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—
32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high;
33 And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.

38 See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church.

RLDS D&C Section 38
7a And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless:
7b wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment, that you should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law;
7c and there you shall be endowed with power from on high, and from thence, whosoever I will, shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do;
7d for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.

8e See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church.

The Endowment needs to teach all men February, 1831 Both the LDS and RLDS Doctrine and Covenants agree that Joseph Smith Jr. described the endowment as needed to "teach the children of men" the Gospel
LDS	RLDS / Restoration
LDS D&C Section 43 15 Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; 16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.	RLDS D&C Section 43 4b Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; 4c and ye are to be taught from on high. 4d Sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.

The Endowment is power on high

June 1, 1833

Both the LDS and RLDS Doctrine and Covenants agree that Joseph Smith Jr. provided a revelation that described the endowment as "power on high" (consistent with Luke 24)

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

LDS D&C Section 95
8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;
9 For this is the promise of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem.
10 Nevertheless, my servants sinned a very grievous sin; and contentions arose in the school of the prophets; which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened.

RLDS D&C Section 92
2a Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment, that you should build an house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high, for this is the promise of the Father unto you;
2b therefore, I commanded you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem; nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievous sin; and contentions arose in the school of the prophets, which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened.

The Endowment was power on high

June 22, 1834

Both the LDS and RLDS Doctrine and Covenants agree that Joseph Smith Jr. provided a revelation that the endowment was "power from on high" and used to build Zion

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

LDS D&C Section 105
9 Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion—
10 That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
11 And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high.
12 For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.
13 Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion.
14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles.

17 But the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words.

31 But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations;
32 That the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ; therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
33 Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that the first elders of my church should receive their endowment from on high in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland.

37 And inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion..

RLDS D&C Section 102
3c Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion, that they themselves may be prepared and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty and the things which I require at their hands.
3d And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high;
3e for behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me;
3f therefore, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion; for behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfill; I will fight your battles.

5b but the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words; but inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an endowment for them if they continue faithful.

9a But firstly, let my army become very great; and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations,
9b that the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ; therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
10a Verily, I say unto you, It is expedient in me that the first elders of my church should receive their endowment from on high in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland;

10d and inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion.

The Endowment occurs without "pomp or parade"

Feb. 21, 1835

Both the LDS and RLDS agree that God endows people "without worldly pomp or great parade"

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

LDS Church History, Vol. 2, Chap. 13, page 197
General Charge to the Twelve. The following general charge was given to the Twelve by President Oliver Cowdery...Remember, you are not to go to their nations till you receive your endowments. Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power from on high. You need a fountain of wisdom, knowledge and intelligence such as you never had. Relative to the endowment, I make a remark or two, that there may be no mistake. The world cannot receive the things of God. He can endow you without worldly pomp or great parade. He can give you that wisdom, that intelligence, and that power, which characterized the ancient saints, and now characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world.

RLDS Church History, Vol. 1, Chap. 21, page 545-546
Kirtland, February 21, 1835. Pursuant to adjournment, a meeting of the church was held; and, after prayer by President David Whitmer, and a short address by President Oliver Cowdery to the congregation...The following charge was given to the Twelve by President O. Cowdery...Remember you are not to go to other nations till you receive your endowment. Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power from on high. You need a fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence, such as you never had. Relative to the endowment, I make a remark or two, that there be no mistake. The world cannot receive the things of God. He can endow you without worldly pomp or great parade. He can give you that wisdom, that intelligence, and that power, which characterized the ancient saints, and now characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world.

The Endowment is power on high

April 24, 1843

Elder Joshua Grant delivered a message using the same definition of endowment as Luke 24 and D&C Section 95 (LDS) and 92 (RLDS) as power on high - defined as wisdom and intelligence. He also consistently described God as unchangeable. The consistency of these remarks with the revelations to Joseph Smith indicates the priesthood were being taught these doctrines.

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

Same reference (there was one church at this time - the LDS and RLDS had not split)

Times and Seasons, Vol. 4, No. 15, June 15, 1843, page 236-237
A discourse delivered by Elder Joshua Grant, jun. at the Conference. 15th
In all the dispensations of the lord, and in all his dealings with the children of men, he has pursued one uniform, undeviating course, though the earth by revolutions may have changed, and man has been wavering and fluctuating, God has declared concerning himself; "I am the Lord, and I change not" and wherever we can trace the dealings of God with man, we shall find that they have been unchangeable, he has always taught man by revelation. In regard to the gospel, it is a principle that has always existed, in all ages where God has had a pure church; and if the children of Israel were placed under a school master, and the law was added, it "was because of transgression," and not because of the changeableness of God, for he has always pursued one uniform course, to edify, instruct, and give the world a knowledge of his law; and in unfolding the principles of truth to the human family, he never instructed them at random, nor suffered them to go according to their notions, or at the bidding of men; they never wage "a warfare at their own charge" but they were endued with power from on high; wisdom and intelligence was given through the great source of the priesthood, which God has given to regulate the affairs of his kingdom, and thus being endowed and qualified by the wisdom and intelligence that God has imparted, they were prepared to unfold the gospel of Jesus Christ to a fallen world. If this has been God's way of dealing with the children of men, it naturally follows that it will continue to be, and if the preachers of the gospel in primitive days, were thus called and empowered, it follows as a natural consequence, that it will continue to be, and that as God is immutable, and unchangeable, whenever he calls men in any age of the world, he will qualify, and inspire them, in the same manner. And if they are thus taught, whether in this age, in ages that are past, or that are yet to come, there will be a uniformity in doctrine, and ordinances, they will teach the same things. There have been many who have professed to be called of God; but their doctrines have been diverse, and their ordinances conflicting. The reason of this difference is, that they have not been taught of God, nor inspired from on high; but their learning has been merely scholastic and their wisdom the science of men. Thus situated, it is impossible that they should teach correct principles; for man is finite and fallible, and God is infinite and infallible, and it is impossible for the people of this, or of any other age, to comprehend the Creator without being taught of him.

Brigham Young changed the Endowment to be a self-serving act

April 6, 1853

Brigham Young denied that D&C LDS Section 95 (RLDS Section 92) and LDS Section 105 (RLDS Section 102) was a full endowment to be given in Kirtland Temple (in contradiction to the revelations) and changed the focus of the endowment from "power from on high" used to teach others and build Zion to a self-serving act to be used after death

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

Journal of Discourses, Vol. 2, page 31
...the second House of the Lord, that we have any published record of on the earth, was so far completed as to be dedicated. And those first Elders who helped to build it, received a portion of their first endowments, or we might say more clearly, some of the first, or introductory, or initiatory ordinances, preparatory to an endowment.

The preparatory ordinances there administered, though accompanied by the ministration of angels, and the presence of the Lord Jesus, were but a faint similitude of the ordinances of the House of the Lord in their fulness; yet many, through the instigation of the devil, thought they had received all, and knew as much as God; they have apostatized, and gone to hell. But be assured, brethren, there are but few, very few of the Elders of Israel, now on earth, who know the meaning of the word endowment. To know, they must experience; and to experience, a Temple must be built.

Let me give you the definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the House of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.

The RLDS denies any "pomp or parade" for the Endowment

December, 1878

W. W. Blair called the "robings, scenic displays, theatrical declamation, penal oaths and covenants" of the LDS endowment ceremony "anti-Christian"

William Smith (Joseph Smith Jr's brother) denied the endowment taught and practiced in Nauvoo consisted of "secret oaths, covenants, signs, grips, passwords, etc."

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Saint's Advocate, Vol. 1, No. 4, page 60, December 1878
In the foregoing we have seen the true order, the true pattern, of the endowment given of God, (and also the divine pattern of marriage). There were no secrecies in the endowment, no penal oaths and covenants, no secret grips, no secret passwords, no grotesque and mawkish robings, no bewildering scenic exhibitibnSj no theatrical. twaddle, and no promises: to follow "file leaders" or to blindly obey the dictates of the priesthood; but all was open plain, pure, devotional, enlightening, elevating, sanctifying, joyful, and spiritual; while the sweet peace of God, and the power of his Holy Spirit manifest in tongues, interpretations, prophecy, visions, healings, and other marvellous things, testified that the endowment was genuine, and of heavenly origin.

At Nauvoo, about the same time, two years after the death of Joseph and Hyrum, a somewhat similar "endowment" is said to have-been given, excepting the Phosphorous illumination. Many living witnesses testify that it consisted in washings, anointings, robings, scenic displays, theatrical declamation, penal oaths and covenants, promises to yield unquestioning obedience to their "file leaders," with a covenant to avenge the blood of Joseph and Hyrum upon this generation.

This is anti-Christian, and utterly opposed to the letter and spirit of Christianity as taught in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, those books which teach the true faith and doctrine of the true Latter Day Saints, and by which they are finally to be judged.

That Joseph the Seer was not the author of the endowment given either at Voree, Nauvoo, or in Utah, may be further seen by the following questions by the writer in July last, and their answers by W. B. Smith, the only surviving brother of the Seer, and one of the Quorum of the Twelve at his death.

Ques. [Blair] — Did Joseph the Seer teach or give an endowment at Nauvoo, or elsewhere, the same or similar to that given by the Brighamites?
A. [William Smith] — My answer is, he did not.
Q. — Did Joseph the Seer teach or sanction, in Church affairs, the giving of secret oaths, covenants, signs, grips, passwords, etc.
A. — My answer is, he did not.

...In conclusion we may say that all persons with whom the writer has conversed who passed through the endowment at Kirtland, in 1836, Bro. George Morey, the temple-keeper; Ebenezer Robinson (editor Times and Seasons) and wife; John E. Page, one of the Twelve at the time of Joseph's death; Ebenezer Page; William B. Smith, the Seer's brother; and others,—all join in testifying to the plain and significant ceremonies that were connected with the endowment; to the purity of heart and life essential to receive it; and to the wonderful and glorious manifestations of the Spirit and power of God that attended all such as were prepared and faithful before the Lord.

The RLDS denies ceremonial "endowments"

April 9,1886

The RLDS denies ceremonial "endowments".

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

RLDS General Conference Resolution 308.3
The committee noticing specifically some of the alleged entertained views set forth in the reasons given, state: That as to the alleged "temple building and ceremonial endowments therein," that we know of no temple building, except as edifices wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints on Pentecost Day.

Latter Day Saints - What do they Truly Believe (about the Endowment)?

Endowment

LDS Summary:

RLDS Summary:

Endowment requires power from on high

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment needed to go to all nations

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment needs to teach all men

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment is power on high

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment was power on high

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment occurs without "pomp or parade"

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The Endowment is power on high

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

Brigham Young changed the Endowment to be a self-serving act

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The RLDS denies any "pomp or parade" for the Endowment

LDS

RLDS / Restoration

The RLDS denies ceremonial "endowments"

LDS

RLDS / Restoration