"Keith.  Who told you that you are naked?"   --  A question that was offered to Keith T.

The Symbolism in the Temple Garment

By Eleazar, 2002

The purpose of this essay is to uncover some of the symbolism in the garment bestowed on patrons in the LDS temple endowment ceremony.   There are no promises of completeness or accuracy, nor does it come with any claims of authority.   This essay is intended to offer thoughts for consideration and to potentially comprise a starting point for individual searches. 

All of creation is symbolic, but few notice the profound messages that surround them.  This symbolism is understood at its highest levels when it is applied to the self in the present moment.     In order to comprehend the fuller meaning of the LDS Temple endowment ceremony, one must begin to pay attention to what occurs as well as learn to read the symbols contained therein.

In the case of the garment, endowment patrons are given a covering which they are told is the “Garment of the Holy Priesthood” and represents a “garment of skins” given to Adam when he was cast from the Garden of Eden.   Patrons are told that this garment is to be a “shield and a protection” and they must wear this covering “all the days of your life”.   However, very few who have taken out their endowments in LDS Temples take time to consider what is symbolized by the garment or how it relates to the endowment ceremony and the temple experience as a whole.

Tokens and Symbolism

Before proceeding to a discussion of the symbolic meaning of the garment, it may be valuable to discuss the meaning of tokens.   First, one must come to understand what tokens are.     This is one of the grand keys to comprehending the fundamental meaning of the endowment, as well as the meaning behind the temple, the apron, robes of the Priesthood, the garment of skins, and many other symbols used in the endowment ceremony.  

Tokens are symbols.    That is what the word token means.    As symbols, they are representative of something else.   They of themselves are valueless, except in regard to their symbolic meaning as tokens, signs, and images.    An example of a highly valued and well-used token in our materialistic culture today is our monetary currency.    Monetary currency (eg. paper currency, coins, computer blips) being used today has little inherent value of itself, but it is what it represents (a quantity of goods and services) that is real and has value.   

In the endowment, Adam is given tokens by God and these come in a variety of forms in addition to the hand grips (handshakes) called tokens.   Eventually one will come to notice that the temple building and the endowment itself are tokens.   Moreover, physical items used in the endowment ceremony such as the apron, garment, priesthood robes, cap, slippers, and veil are tokens as well as is the words and teachings that comprise the ceremony itself.    Each of these is meant to be representative (symbolic) of something else.    One of the purposes of the endowment ceremony is to get Adam in a frame of mind where he begins to see beyond the tokens and uncover what they represent.

Unfortunately, carnal man tends to be obsessed with outer forms.  As a result, he tends to mistake the tokens for what is valuable, sometimes to the point of worshiping them (holding them sacred).    This attitude, in essence, makes carnal man into an image worshiper as well as a sign seeker.    To benefit from the endowment experience, Adam needs to entirely change his (carnal) way of thinking such that he lets go of his grip on the tokens and then notices that which the tokens, signs, images, and forms represent.   Unfortunately, the vast majority of those who regularly attend LDS temples fail to let go of the tokens and thereby trap themselves into a endless cycle of doing the "work for the dead" (their own work) until such a time that they begin searching for the further light and knowledge (meaning) that is promised.    When this has occurred, then the LDS temple and its token endowment will no longer be needed, having fulfilled its purpose of taking Adam to a whole new level of being.  

            Tokens and the True Temple.     Carnal man is prone to mistake forms for what is important and thereby miss entirely what he seeks.    True to form, carnal man will totally miss the seemingly obvious idea that the true temple is he, himself, and that the LDS endowment itself is a token of this.    Where is the temple?    Those who think that it is yonder building are pointing to forms because the person is the temple spoken of.   

            At some point in his worldly experience, carnal man will begin to realize that he is mistaken in his perception of the temple being a man-made structure (a building) and will begin to realize it is "made without hands."   At this time, he may even think that he has found the full truth, but it is not over yet because he may still labor under many of his former misconceptions.   In realizing that he is the temple spoken of, carnal man may begin to think that the true temple must be his physical body.   However, at this point carnal man is still caught up in the forms, though he doesn't yet know it.    Ultimately, time, sad experience and careful consideration of the idea will bring him to an understanding of his error in identifying himself with his physical body.    He will begin to realize that he is not the body, therefore the temple, which is said to be him, must be something else that is in the body.   As he does this, he will begin to revisit questions that he once considered solved such as asking who is he. 

            It may be valuable to point out that the Biblical passage stating that “…Ye are the temple of God…”, does not say that the temple is the physical body, but that it is you.    It may be suggested that one will come to comprehend what is the temple only when they come to comprehend themselves.   Ironically, that is a primary message of the endowment.   Those who truthfully seek the answer to the riddle of the temple will joyously discover newer and higher levels of meanings to who they are (being). 

            More about Tokens.   At a risk of belaboring the obvious, it may be helpful to visit the topic of tokens in the LDS endowment in further detail.    Again, this essay is directed at uncovering the symbolic meaning of the garment.  However, a fuller understanding of the man Adam in the endowment story is essential in comprehending the symbolic meaning of the garment because we (the patrons) are (symbolically) him and the garment is a part of our clothing.  

Again, the temple and its endowment is meant to teach you about yourself and what you are feeling/thinking/doing.    Unfortunately, many endowment patrons are unwilling to entertain the idea that they are living out their existence as carnal and profane beings.   Their orthodox mode of thinking makes them prone to mistakenly interpret the endowment and its meaning in a self-flattering way.  As long as we continue in this mode of thinking, the meaning of the endowment will continue to be unhelpfully flattering to us and, thereby, un-edifying.   The profound meaning will continue to be elusive until such a time that we are able and willing to bear the chastisement of the endowment and, thereby, receive its intended benefit.

            Inasmuch as the endowment parable is meant to show Adam what he is being, its meaning is relevant to Adam (who is us) in the present time and place.    It many ways, it can be considered a mirror in which Adam can see himself in the present moment.   As it turns out, the meaning that Adam is meant to see (perceive, comprehend) is profoundly edifying, though far from flattering.   Hopefully, this idea will become clear as this essay progresses.

            Tokens are Free and Abundant.     Again, the garment is one of the many tokens (symbols) used in acting out the endowment.    Of course, Adam fails to comprehend the deep meaning of the garment, much less the meaning behind other tokens he is given.     In regard to tokens, there is an interesting exchange between the characters of Lucifer and Adam in the endowment story.   Lucifer asks Adam if he has any tokens and whether or not he sells them for money.   To Lucifer’s inquiry, Adam replies in the negative and adds that he “holds them sacred.”    This reply is profoundly meaningful in regard to the endowment message about tokens.

            In trying to uncover the meaning in Adam’s reply, one should remember that Adam, at this stage, represents fallen and carnal man who is, appropriately, lying.  Even though this part of the endowment parable includes participation of multiple characters (Lucifer, Adam, Eve), the most significant aspect of this is that Adam lies to himself.   Although, Adam does not directly sell the tokens for money, he does indeed use them in merchandising.   All who attend the LDS temples to get the tokens (endowments) must first pass a series of questions that include an affirmative answer to having paid up (in tithing).   However, Adam is true to form in failing to notice what he is doing and, therefore, sincere in his answer.

But, that is not all, in fact, it is much worse because Adam claims to hold the tokens “sacred” and here one runs smack into the subject of worship.   Although carnal man professes to not (directly) sell tokens for money, he claims them as his own, secrets them from (himself and) others, and is (often) found co-opting them into organized religion from which he uses them to merchandise men’s souls.   Here, one might again be reminded that Adam represents us in our present state of being.   In the same way that Adam erroneously thinks he is doing right by holding his tokens “sacred,” we as endowment patrons (Adam) do the same and, like him, become the worshiper of images.   That is the state of mind of nearly all who regularly attend the LDS temples.   While this might sound offensive to some, we should remind ourselves that the LDS endowment is meant to edify by teaching us.   Moreover, it does this by (symbolically) showing us what we are doing at the present time so that we might understand (ourselves) and thereby uncover a new (state of) being.    It would do little good to tell us something that we already know or teach us concepts that are obvious.

            One might notice that since all of creation is symbolic, tokens (symbols) abound to such a limitless extent that they always surround us.   Ironically, this is part of the meaning of the garment, which serves as a covering (surrounding) for the (true) temple (which temple ye are).   There is also a significant meaning in Adam being representative (token) of each (and every one) of us.    The name Adam itself is a token (symbol) that applies to all, rather than one, just as tokens (of creation) are given (freely) to all.   

Like salvation itself, the symbols (tokens) are freely given to anyone who is able to read (comprehend) them.   Moreover, when Adam comes to a true comprehension of tokens, he will realize that sacred is not secret.   In fact, it is often the opposite.   As Jesus said, man does not take (sacred) light (knowledge) and place it under a bushel (hide it in secrecy).   Certainly, God does not since it (knowledge/light) is everywhere (in all creation) to be (freely) had for the taking by all who are awake (spiritually).     Despite the fact that many will agree that tokens in creation are ubiquitous and freely had, some will still take offense that this essay (which is itself a token) openly discusses subject matter that is held (by some) as sacred.   The surprising part of this is the great value  which some will continue to place on tokens.    If one feels offended at the openness of this essay, then one might be well advised to carefully consider why it is so. 

Adam’s (Our) Spiritual Greed.    The meaning of the garment is intricately interwoven into what Adam is being after he is cast out from the Garden and into "the world in which we (Adam) live now."   Unfortunately, Adam doesn’t remember who he is, which knowledge would grant him a key to what is happening.   Moreover, this knowledge is integral to his ultimate comprehension of the garment symbol.

 As a result of his existence as a carnal being, Adam suffers from a form of spiritual greediness that makes him into a beast.   Adam desires to achieve salvation, yet fails to recognize that his greedy zeal for salvation is the very thing that keeps him from finding it.    Adam is told that salvation is free, but he erroneously thinks that he must earn it.    Moreover, he is prone to think that salvation is earned through perfect obedience.   As a result, Adam is willing to do almost anything that is required for achieving perfect obedience, despite what it may cost others.   Furthermore, Adam tends to interpret the cause of his continued failing to "please God" and obtain salvation as a failure to obey (God) without question.    Adam erroneously perceives this (blind) obedience to God as being man’s ultimate goal.

As a result of carnal man’s misunderstanding of obedience, the well-known story of Abrahamic sacrifice, as well as the story of the fall of Adam, are mistakenly viewed as failures of obedience rather than failures of understanding.   In the former case, it is popularly viewed that Abraham was fully willing to kill Isaac in perfect obedience to God and this is what made Abraham a great exemplar to generations after.   However, it might be helpful to consider that this orthodox view is wrong.   Abraham's supposed willingness to follow through with killing Isaac stands in stark contrast to the familiar story of the willing self-sacrifice of Jesus on behalf of others and the profound admonition to others that "... whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).    The orthodox view of Abrahamic sacrifice also stands in stark contrast to Abraham possessing the  "Greater love….., that a man lay down his (own) life for his friends"  (John 15:13).   

In the case of Abraham, the story of righteous sacrifice is more profoundly understood when one realizes that Abraham did indeed sacrifice his own son, though he did not sacrifice Isaac.   In this particular case, Isaac was the symbol of Abraham's one (and only) most prized and valuable creation, his own arrogant zeal, his unholy ego, and beastly nature.   The sacrifice of one's own beastly nature is symbolized by the ram caught in the thicket by its horns that was said to be sacrificed by Abraham in Isaac's stead.

 Because of the misunderstanding of what is required, carnal man is prone to commit the most beastly of acts in the name of perfect obedience to God in his attempt to secure his (own) reward.   Though Adam does not yet realize it, this is the whole problem.   In his greedy zeal, Adam is willing to murder to get gain (his own reward).    However, Adam needs to comprehend that he cannot find salvation at such high cost to others.   Instead, Adam needs to come to the point where he is willing to yield up everything, including his own life, for the sake of another.  Did Abraham love Isaac more than himself?    At the bare minimum, orthodox religionists should admit that their interpretation of Abrahamic sacrifice proclaims not.

At this juncture, one might consider the attitude of nearly the entire Christian world in regard to the voluntary self-sacrifice of Jesus.   Nearly all who call themselves Christians maintain that the suffering of Jesus is essential to pay for their own sins so that they can be saved.   Ironically, Christians will sometimes condemn those who were responsible for persecuting and killing Jesus while at the same time giving thanks that it happened (for their benefit).    Again, this stands in stark contrast to the idea of having love so great that one will lay it down for their friend, since few are willing to do this, proclaiming that Jesus died for them, but they are not willing to likewise (in his example) give up their own lives (ie. salvation) to stop his suffering.  

Unfortunately, carnal man, who fails in understanding the meaning of sacrifice of the beast, will eventually graduate from mistakenly killing innocent animals to requiring human sacrifice and ultimately the sacrifice of a God for payment to get salvation.   One may realize that this has everything to do with the meaning of the endowment garment.  To comprehend the meaning, Adam needs to entirely and completely give up his old way of thinking and begin to see himself with new eyes.  It may be valuable to consider that this has everything to do with consecration.    Ultimately, the carnal man Adam will mourn when he comes to the full realization that it is he, himself, who is the one responsible for killing the Christ.   And in doing so, he will also comprehend that the garment he wears is a token of what he has done.

Uncovering the Meaning of the Garment

With the above thoughts in mind, perhaps it is now time to take up a discussion of meaning in the symbol (token) of the garment.    The garment is a symbol of different things at advancing levels of understanding.   Many of these meanings are interwoven in addition to being layered.  The interweaving and multiple level of meaning of these symbols may be loosely compared to  the proverbial Russian dolls which are stacked one inside the other.    To uncover the more profound meanings of the garment, one must first consider what the garment is said to be and its purpose.  

Coat of Skins.   Endowment patrons are told that the garment they are wearing is a representation of the garment of skins that Adam was given when he was cast out from the Garden.   Of course, this part of the endowment parable is intricately interwoven with such things as Adam receiving a physical body and placing an apron upon himself in an attempt to cover his supposed nakedness.    One might notice that at one level of understanding, the garment represents our physical bodies.   These physical bodies can be said to be garments of flesh (skin) that are a covering for the (true) temple in the same way that the cloth garment worn by temple patrons covers their physical body.   The latter represents a token (the garment) being used to cover another token (the physical body) in an intricately-fashioned layer-upon-layer motif that is symbolic in itself.

Again, endowment patrons are told that the garment they wear represents the garment Adam was given that was anciently made of skins.   Some might notice that there is an interesting correlation to the apron that is worn in Freemasonic ritual that is also said to have been originally made of animal skins, more particularly lambskin.   Inasmuch as the endowment garment is, like the apron, considered by LDS to be a covering for their "nakedness," its symbolic connection to the meaning of the apron should not be overlooked.    Again, there is often a layer-upon-layer form to meanings and symbols throughout creation.   Moreover, there is often a repeat of symbolic motifs.    In many ways, the meaning of the endowment garment is synonymous with the meaning of the endowment apron as well as similar symbols in our culture such as the emblematic necktie worn by those in the business world.   In addition, there is meaningful symbolism in the garment being made of animal skin.   Though not taught openly, LDS teachings have it that the garment given to Adam was made of the skin of the first animal sacrifice (presumably made by God on Adam’s behalf) that was aimed at redeeming Adam from his fallen condition.   In regard to this notion, it might be helpful to recall that the ancient Israelites mistakenly observed a bloody ritual of sacrificing (killing) a lamb as a part of their (failing) efforts in achieving perfect obedience to God.   One might also want to remember that Jesus is often called “the lamb” and his sacrifice is often compared to the bloody Israelite ritual.   All of these things are important to remember in discovering much of the deeper symbolic meaning behind the Temple Garment.

That You Might Become Clean.   Keeping in mind that there are multiple layers of meaning, remember that every individual going through the endowment, regardless of gender, is represented by both Adam and Eve rather than one or the other.  Adam symbolizes one thing, Eve another, but both pertain to each individual.    This is opposed to the egotistical tendency for men to claim the chosen gender and relegate women to second class status.

At the beginning of the endowment ritual, patrons are greeted with the narration that “Brethren, you HAVE BEEN washed and PRONOUNCED CLEAN, or that through your faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation....  Sisters, you have been washed and anointed to become hereafter Queens and Priestesses to your husbands.”   (capital letters added for emphasis).  The appearance of these words in the endowment are profoundly meaningful and are interwoven into the meaning of the garment.  Therefore, these words may be worthy of careful consideration.  

Although the patrons are told that they have been washed and pronounced clean, nowhere in the washing and anointing ceremony is this done.    Rather, all patrons are washed (in the preliminary rites) that they  “… MAY BECOME CLEAN from the blood and sins of this generation”  (capital letters added for emphasis).    As a result of their own (egotistical) way of thinking, many patrons, including women, will only hear (pay attention) to the first half of the narrator's pronouncement and, in doing so, will mistakenly think that they have already become clean.    Moreover, true to form, women (the sisters) will tend to hear the same words without realizing that the statement above is addressed to the brethren.   One should realize that it is intended to be this way and this is why the endowment is so powerful as a token (symbol).   However, to uncover the deeper meaning, one needs to realize that men and woman are symbols for the spirit and the body, respectively, and it is never meant to be about gender.

In regard to the pronouncement in the washing and anointing ceremony (that one may become clean), it may be helpful to notice a few of the finer points of what is happening.   One point to notice is that the words, in essence, are a pronouncement on patrons that they are UNCLEAN (since they are washed using the words ‘to become clean’).    This is opposite to what most patrons tend to hear and remember in the temple experience.    Ultimately, patrons need to notice this and more, such as the words that it is the blood and sins of "this generation" from which they are to become clean.   Since 'this generation' refers to the one that is now, the admonition pertains to the present time and place. 

Moreover, in the endowment parable, Adam is conned into thinking that he is naked.   To cover his nakedness, he first dresses himself in an apron that he continues to wear proudly without once asking why it is so.   God then bestows upon Adam a garment of skins that also serves the purpose of covering his “nakedness,” since it was given “when he was found naked” (words from washing and anointing ceremony), again which idea (nakedness) was all a con by Lucifer.   Of course, if Adam doesn’t question why he wears an apron (in which he has dressed himself), he will be much less likely to question why he wears a garment that he sees as given by God.   Adam has yet to comprehend how things come to him. 

In regard to the garment of skins, one might also properly refer to it as a “garment of sins,” since that is exactly what is going on.   Adam is being cast from the garden for the sin of misunderstanding rather than of disobedience.    As a result, it is profoundly appropriate that Adam be dressed in a garment of misunderstanding (his "sin").    Moreover, as a garment of misunderstanding, it fails to cover his nakedness (lack of understanding) as Adam intends.    At this juncture, some might notice that in many ways the garment and the apron are identical.   Adam graduates from using leaves (apron) to using the skin (garment) of innocent animals to cover himself.    In doing the latter, he is symbolically “covered in blood” (since killing had to occur to acquire the skins).   Again, these symbols are powerfully interwoven.   It might be noticed that many in the Christian world who claim to love the Christ will proudly proclaim themselves to be clothed, baptized, or bathed in the “blood of Jesus.”     This blood of the lamb, in essence, becomes their (proclaimed) covering and it is given (by God) according to their desire.   In being their (metaphorical) covering, it can also be compared (symbolically) to a garment that is worn by them.   To become clean, one must do something quite different than perceived.   Rather than bathe (clothe, cover) themselves in the “blood,” they need to become clean (of it).   And in our proclaiming of the orthodox gospel, we might consider that we have been guilty of shedding (innocent) blood (of the lamb).

Some may be confused over this proposed symbolism because the garment is also called the "garment of the Holy Priesthood."   The meaning of this will not be discussed because it is beyond the scope of this essay.   However, in trying to uncover the meaning of this reference to the garment, it may be helpful to remember that there are several priesthoods.   One might also notice that the "robes of the Holy Priesthood" that are later given to endowment patrons, completely cover the garment.

 The Garment as a Veil.    Endowment patrons may notice that the garment they wear is tied closely to the symbolism of the veil that separates the patrons from the Celestial room.   Not only is the veil made of similar material as the garment, but both also contain identical symbolic markings.    This essay will not discuss the meanings behind the marks because to do so would appear too convoluted and unwieldy to contribute to the purpose of this essay.   However, in pondering the deeper symbolic meaning of the marks, it may be helpful to notice that some are inverted in comparison to similar motifs found in Freemasonry.   For example, the sign of the compass, which is said to represent the male (Masonry), is placed on the left over the heart (the position of the female) and it points up (V) in a receptive position rather than down (/\) in the opposite.   These particular references have everything to do with deeper meanings of the creation parable that is the core of the endowment story.  

Symbolism in the creation parable can be applied at more levels than popularly perceived.   One additional level of meaning pertains to the "creation before the creation" or rather what occurred before the creation of this planet (earth).    The words "in the beginning" refer to an earlier time of the spiritual creation that, of course, happened before the material creation.   We need to recognize the role we play in the spiritual creation because of its relevance to the material creation.   Unfortunately, we tend to be oblivious to the deep meaning that is right in front of us that tells the whole story of creation.   We need to consider our role in the drama as "the woman."   Despite the fact that there are frequent scriptural references to the whole of creation as "the woman," the church as "the bride", and the enemies of God as "the whore," there is a common inability to sort out what is symbolically meant by "woman."  Again, one should remember that symbols are placed where they are most useful and this particular presentation of the (inverted) markings (motifs) is unusual.   The deep meaning of the markings are particularly relevant to those who clothe themselves in a belief system which is unjustly patriarchal.

Returning to the veil, one might notice that the garment covers (surrounds) the body in the same way that (tokens in) creation surround each of us.  The garment is often colloquially called the "temple garment" among LDS, which is a profound statement since the garment is used as a covering for the (true) temple.   As stated previously, covering of the (physical) body by the garment is reminiscent of the same in regard to the physical body (a garment of skins) covering the temple of the spiritual body.  Again, one might notice the layer-upon-layer of symbolism.     In uncovering further meaning behind the garment symbol, it might also be helpful to notice the many other veil symbols and what they cover.    Examples are such things as the atmosphere being a veil covering the earth, women patrons in the endowment have veils covering their faces, the temple veil covers the Celestial Room, and a "veil of forgetfulness" covers the memory of man's prior sojourn before coming into the Garden.   At multiple levels of meaning, carnal man is to pierce all of the veils on his journey to remember understanding and, in doing so, find wisdom.   In this last respect, it might be valuable to recall the words of T.S. Eliot:

We shall not cease from exploration.

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.

Final thoughts

The purpose of the endowment is to do the work for the dead, which correctly refers to those who are the spiritually dead.  The spiritually dead include many of those living in the spirit world in addition to those who are currently living in the mortal world of the flesh.    The spiritually dead are those who are in the position of benefiting most from the endowment.   

The (spiritually) dead also applies to those who are considered "custodians of the endowment".   One might wonder what Lucifer is doing in the temple (or Garden).   One of the great mysteries of the endowment parable is that Lucifer is placed in the Garden (by God) and gives an endowment to Adam and Eve (by giving them the fruit of the tree).   It happened then and it happens now.   However, Lucifer doesn't comprehend the endowment for which he is made the custodian (by God).   Though he speaks words that are profound truth, it is not the way he means them.   Lucifer is unable to perceive his own role in this drama or the meaning of what is happening.

The idea that the custodians of the endowment (LDS leaders) play the symbolic role of Lucifer is obvious in the endowment parable, but it is rarely noticed by patrons.  One such obvious occurrence is where Lucifer is successful in instilling fear into Adam and Eve and successfully convinces them that they are naked.   Prior to this, Lucifer says (to Eve) that he is her "brother."   Immediately after Adam and Eve run to get aprons to cover their supposed nakedness (according to Lucifer's instruction), a voice (narrator -- a custodian of the ceremony) comes over the loudspeaker saying "Brothers and Sisters, put on your aprons."    Like Adam and Eve, the patrons readily comply without questioning what is happening or asking who is speaking to them.    Moreover, the endowment patrons retain the apron throughout the endowment ceremony without questioning why or noticing much else that happens to them.   Because of this failure to see what is most obvious, they are considered to be walking in darkness at noonday.   And because of this failure to see the obvious, there is a need to return to the temple time after time to do the same work until one begins to see (perceive) what is happening.    

With the above in mind, one begins to see the wise purpose of the endowment.    When God says (to Lucifer)  that "I will place enmity between thee and the seed of the woman", it is the same (meaning) as that which is spoken (to Adam) in "... cursing the ground for y(our) sake."    Rather than seeing such pronouncements as curses, one might more profoundly see them as blessings (since they are given for Adam's "sake").   The endowment itself is given for Adam's "sake" (blessing).   A similar "blessing" is stated in modern times in regard to to the church:   "... because of your dead works, I give this church unto thee..." (D&C 22:3)    That which is given to Adam is none other than the preparatory gospel in its fullness as contained in the BoM as well as other scriptures.   Although it lays heavy burdens on Adam, it has a divine purpose of bringing Adam to a point of frustration where he becomes humble and, therefore, teachable.    The purpose of the preparatory gospel  is fulfilled when the Christ returns.   Adam begins on the path to wisdom when he finally recognizes him.... not only the Christ, but also the one who is called Lucifer.   The latter stands at the head of nearly every earthly church, proclaiming his own light, and many worship him.   Until Adam sees (understands) truthfully, he will continue to think and act as the proverbial wolf in lamb's clothing and hypocritically call himself holy in the name of the lamb whom he has slain.   In doing such, he will continue to be found lying, secreting the tokens, and merchandizing them as a part of his precious religion.  As Adam comes to see (perceive) the reality of his error, he will let go of his grip on the tokens and begin to share them freely and unconditionally with all, as they are intended to be.   In doing so, he will be given the meaning, the very thing that he has been seeking without realizing it.

While the notion above may not be flattering, deep and sincere reflection upon it will reveal its wisdom.   It is of little use to have anyone who deeply understands the meaning of the endowment to endlessly return to the temple (building) and repeat the motions without benefit.   The work for the dead will continue, but the newly emerged man (formerly Adam) will no longer be needed there.   The (spiritually) dead always do the work for the (spiritually) dead.   This is the nature and perfection of the Telestial world, though few will comprehend what that means until they have passed beyond it.

            In coming to an understanding of the garment, Adam would be well advised to take time to consider who it is who told him that he is naked.   And in doing this, it may be helpful for us (Adam) to reflect upon the reason we wear an apron to "cover our nakedness."   These considerations also apply to the garment that shares much of the same meaning with the apron.   In taking the second step, Adam will need to come to grips with why God bestows the garment upon him.   Ultimately, Adam will see (perceive) that it is part of the essence of perfection.

In the process of becoming clean from the blood and sins of (t)his generation, Adam will begin to understand what he has been doing wrong.   He will begin to realize that his failure to find what he has sought stems from his failure of understanding what he is already given.   The tokens will change for him so that they continue to reflect Adam's state of being.    

In his journey to find wisdom, Adam will ultimately pierce all veils.    In doing so, the old heaven and earth will pass away and a new one will come into being.   These veils will become rent, fall behind, and will no longer occupy a forward position in Adam's new earth.   In this process,  Adam will overcome death.   He will find that this can be done by simply taking it off and casting it aside.   In the process of casting off his (bloody) garment of  s(k)ins which he wears from killing the lamb, Adam will find a new (living) garment which has always been there, but unseen.   And despite his having cast aside the (bloody) garment, Adam will have fulfilled his covenant to wear it all of the days of his (former) life.   Adam was dead, but the one who became Adam lives again.

After reading this essay, some might mistakenly feel that they should immediately remove their temple garments.   Perhaps these should be reminded that such an action would be wide of the point of this essay.   Adam should not place undue emphasis on the tokens themselves because it is what they represent (symbolize) that is most important.    In one sense, all in mortality wear the garment of skins (a physical body).    One needs to realize that the garment is given for a divine reason that is for Adam’s (our) understanding.   Adam is to wear the garment until he doesn't need it any more.   And when it is the right time (to remove it), he will know himself.   And when Adam comes to know himself, he will have arrived where he started (the Garden) and comprehend it for the first time.   As a result of (t)his experience, Adam will have found wisdom.