Monday, May 23, 2011

Temple symbolism to ponder

Here is Paul speaking of the temple:
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19-20, emphasis added)
Consider that little gem. If the temple veil symbolizes Christ’s flesh, then what might that add to our understanding of the marks upon it? (see also John 20:26-27) What meaning does this add to our understanding of the garment?

5 comments:

Jocelyn Christensen said...

Ooh, you're going deep now! :) That John ref ...wow...I'm going to have to ponder this throughout the day! Thanks!

David Tayman said...

This reminds me of a post I wrote on my blog back in 2009, that I think you may find interesting, concerning how some have viewed this symbolism in the past, and how it may be applied to our modern LDS temples:

"The Veil, That Is To Say, His Flesh"

Anonymous said...

really interesting to consider...I'm not sure what I think yet, but the first Ideas that pop up in my head are:
baptism, taking on Christ's name...partaking of the emblems of his flesh and blood at sacrament.

i love how the scriptures are so full of these little gems that help us to understand the temple/our relationship with Christ better
-chococatania

Michaela Stephens said...

David Tayman, Thanks for leaving your comment. I checked out your post and it was very interesting. I also tried to leave a comment, but for some reason the form wasn't showing anything I typed, so I'll leave my comment here.

It struck me that there could be another level of very simple symbolism with the color choices of the veil and the high priest's robes.
Red, blue, purple.

Red seems to represent blood or mortality.
Blue seems to bring to mind heaven, spiritual things, and even God.
Purple is a mix of blue and red colors. Thus, the colors on the veil and the high priest's robes could prefigure the dual nature of Jesus Christ--half mortal man, half-diety.

Ribs said...

Appreciate this blog and wanted to add what about our primary colors song.

Our Primary colors are one, two, three—
Red, yellow, and blue.
Each one has a message for you and me.
Each is a symbol true!
Red is for courage to do what is right,
Yellow for service from morning till night.
Blue is for truth in our thought and our deed.
We will be happy when this is our creed.

Related to LDS art of the Savior, I've found paintings where he's wearing sashes of each of the colors.

Enjoy your pondering!