In the religious practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temple garments hold deep spiritual meaning. They represent a sacred covenant with God, embodying the teachings of Christ and the divine grace He offers. Through the act of wearing these garments, Latter-day Saints honor their commitment to live according to the commandments and to receive the blessings of spiritual protection and guidance that come from keeping sacred covenants.
Worn daily as an intimate reminder of Christ's grace, the temple garment signifies a personal relationship with Him, symbolizing the constant need for His protection and the renewal of spiritual promises. The practice echoes ancient traditions, where garments were used as symbols of righteousness, protection, and devotion to God, foreshadowing the Savior's Atonement and His role as a protector and redeemer of mankind.
Ancient and Scriptural Foundations of Sacred Clothing
The use of sacred garments dates back to the very beginning of human history. According to Latter-day Saint teachings, God clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skins after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21). These garments were not merely for physical covering, but were symbolic of spiritual protection, representing the hope of redemption through Christ. This act foreshadowed Christ's future role as the Redeemer who would cover the sins of humanity with His Atonement, offering divine grace to all who would follow Him.
Throughout biblical history, clothing often held sacred meaning. In the law of Moses, the priests wore specific garments to symbolize their consecration to God (Exodus 28), and prophets would wear sackcloth to signify humility and repentance. These garments pointed toward a higher spiritual reality and anticipated the coming of the Messiah, who would clothe His followers in righteousness.
Metaphysical Clothing in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the concept of spiritual clothing takes on greater depth. Christ and His apostles often taught the importance of "putting on Christ" in a figurative sense. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the early Christians, frequently uses the metaphor of clothing to describe the process of becoming Christlike. In Romans 13:14, he writes, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh.” This call to “wear” Christ emphasizes the need for His followers to take upon themselves His attributes, living His teachings in their everyday lives.
Paul further elaborates in Ephesians 6:11-18, where he urges believers to “put on the whole armor of God” as spiritual protection against evil. This armor includes righteousness, faith, and salvation—all gifts made possible through Christ’s Atonement. Similarly, in Galatians 3:27, Paul speaks of baptism as the moment where one “puts on Christ,” symbolizing the beginning of a new life in Him.
These New Testament teachings illustrate that the faithful are called to figuratively wear Christ’s righteousness, echoing the same principle seen in the use of temple garments in Latter-day Saint worship: a daily reminder to live in accordance with His teachings and commandments, and to seek His grace and protection.
Spiritual Protection and Covenants
In the Latter-day Saint tradition, the wearing of the temple garment is more than a symbol—it serves as a constant reminder of the sacred covenants made with God. These covenants include commitments to live a Christlike life, follow His teachings, and keep His commandments. By wearing the garment, Latter-day Saints express their willingness to live these covenants and to invite Christ’s grace into their lives.
Latter-day Saints believe that the temple garment represents a spiritual protection through Christ’s power and authority. This protection is believed to come from faithfully honoring sacred covenants. While the garment itself does not hold magical properties, it acts as a physical reminder of spiritual blessings that come from living a covenant-centered life, striving to align with Christ's teachings. Through Christ, they believe they can be fortified against spiritual challenges.
Sacred Garments in Other Faith Traditions
Throughout history, religious garments have been used in many faith traditions as symbols of devotion and as daily reminders of an individual's relationship with the divine. Just as Latter-day Saints use temple garments to reflect their covenants with Christ, other religious groups incorporate sacred clothing to signify their faith and dedication to God.
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Judaism: In Jewish tradition, the tallit (prayer shawl) and tefillin (phylacteries) are worn during prayer to remind the wearer of God's commandments and their covenant relationship with Him. These garments represent a deep commitment to live by the teachings of the Torah.
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Islam: Muslim women often wear the hijab as an expression of modesty and faith, symbolizing their submission to God. This practice is a daily reminder of spiritual devotion and reflects the desire to live in accordance with Islamic principles.
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Hinduism: In Hinduism, the sacred thread (yajnopavita) worn by Brahmins signifies a commitment to spiritual and religious duties. It serves as a reminder of their responsibilities within the faith and their connection to the divine.
While the specific meaning and use of sacred garments may vary across traditions, the common theme is the same: these garments act as outward expressions of inward devotion, helping individuals stay connected to their faith and reinforcing their spiritual commitments in their daily lives.
Conclusion: Clothed in Christ, Strengthened by Covenant
For Latter-day Saints, the temple garment is a profound and sacred symbol of their relationship with God through Christ. Though similar to sacred garments in other religious traditions, the temple garment holds a unique significance. Worn close to the skin, it represents not only a deep connection to God but also a daily reminder of the covenants made with Christ and the grace offered through keeping those commitments.
Through their faith and dedication, Latter-day Saints believe that wearing the temple garment enables them to live in alignment with Christ’s teachings, serving as a constant reminder of the spiritual protection, blessings, and divine grace available through their covenants. In this way, they are truly “clothed in Christ.”
