While speaking to the Church News about temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recalled leading tours during the Washington D.C. Temple open house last April. 

The press asked questions about the building, its design and finishings. “And I said, we can get you those answers, but that’s not what matters,” recalled Elder Bednar. “That is not what I would like you to focus on in this tour. We are sons and daughters of God. He has a plan for us as His children, and the temple is a place where we learn about the Father’s plan for us.”

This Church News video titled “Inside Out” features Elder Bednar talking about the purpose of temples and how covenants and ordinances change hearts. 

“The Savior said, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). That’s beautiful imagery, and it is lovely language. It is also a spiritual reality.”