Endowed from on High: Understanding the Symbols of the Endowment

by John D. Charles

The Endowment is a re-enactment of scriptural images and symbols. It is literally a gift - a gift of God's power. While carefully maintaining the sacred confidentiality of the temple ordinances, this book provides scriptural correlations which will open up rich new areas of understanding. Once you read this inspired information, you will be better informed about the scriptural authority and symbolism of the sacred ordinances. You will be better prepared and motivated to apply scriptural symbols in your life and strive to become more like Christ. Within these pages are more than twenty scriptural symbols which correlate with the temple service. The central focus of these symbols is found in Brigham Young's oft-quoted statement of the ceremony's ultimate to enable recipients to pass by the angelic sentinels who guard the entrance to God's kingdom as they "walk back to the presence of the Father." Endowed from on high teaches that revelation occurs during the endowment, that promises are required before blessings are granted, that covenants are the channels through which blessings flow, and that the Lord is voluntarily "bound" when we obey His commandments. This is a unique and reverential guide to growth in the most sacred of all areas of our relationship with the Savior and our heavenly Father. Reading and pondering Endowen From On High will be a choice experience for all Church members.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Church, Faith, Spirituality, Mormonism

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Adalynn Hassell · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book helped me prepare for the temple so much. the explanation of the symbolism really improved my understanding and readiness. it’s so simple, but really hits all the points so well.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following my quest to better understand the temple experience, I picked up this gem at the library. This one focuses on the endowment and expands our knowledge about this subject, through the scriptures. The author focuses on every part of the endowment and explains it using scriptural references and quotes from past and present prophets and general authorities. This helped me a great deal to start to understand why we have temples and how it helps us on our journey back to Heavenly Father. The last quote of the book is by President Gordon B. Hinckley which includes the following thought, on the blessings of temple service:"Every man and woman who goes to the temple comes out of that building a better man or woman than he or she was when entering into it." And that is something I could definitely use. By the way, this is a book I would definitely purchase.

[Alanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book very slowly (I've had it from Jacqui for months-- sorry, Jacqui!) because I felt like it was so simply put and yet so powerful that it was too easy to skim through it without actually taking in the information. So I read it slowly, but I very much enjoyed it.

[Erin L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, only about 100 pages. There's a lot of really good information here for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have gone through the temple. After reading the publisher's foreword I expected a lot more insight, so I was a little disappointed because it didn't feel like a lot of new information. However, it's a book I'll hold on to and read over again.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I'd read this pre-endowment, as it seems like a nice little overview and preparatory text, but for someone who is already endowed there isn't much new in here, and nothing really specific (which is to be expected, I suppose). Minus points for referring to those outside of Utah as "living in the mission field" and lack of information on gender roles.

[Dee Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptional! It gave me such insight as to the symbols of the Endowment. Non-temple goers would not really understand the book, but if you have attended the temple, you are going to have several ah-ha moments of clarity while reading this book. So glad I found this volume and will keep it on my bookshelves to be read again as I try to grow through service in the temple.

[Nonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after many years of attending the Temple, it is wonderful to have a reference book ( it is a very easy book to follow and understand ) to refresh the deep spiritual meanings of the Endowment and the symbols, covenants and promises contained within the Temple ceremonies.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I absolutely loved it. It is wonderfully written and has given me so much understanding about the Temple Endowment and provides scriptural references for strength. This is a book I will never be without. It's a little gem that every latter-day-saint should have.

[Sophie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book “Endowed on High: Understanding the Symbols of the Endowment” written by John D. Charles he is able to explain temple symbolism in a way that he does not cross the fine line of reveling or discussing sacred information. I chose to read this book to get a richer understanding of the endowment based on the information given to us through scripture. With sacred confidentiality maintained I was able to understand the importance of the temple at a greater level along with an enriched understanding of what I have learned from prophets’ teachings. I thoroughly enjoyed and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has entered or would like to enter The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples.

[Sharla Moody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this book. It has some good things, but our knowledge and openness about the temple has grown under Pres Nelson and this book has some inaccuracies that should be corrected and then reprinted.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small book but gives a wonderful overview about the temple and the symbols there. I feel like each book that I read I gain more understanding of the temple and what we do there. I am so grateful for the author who meticulously goes through the basics. It helped me to understand more.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, simple. Best thing about this book is the specific scriptures it points to for further study.

[Cindy Sa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a quick read, but I learned so much.

[Nidsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent brief primer on the endowment

[Colby Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the temple! Such good teachings in this book and I want to go back and have a greater experience because of the things I’ve learned.

[Lyndee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! There were so many hidden gems in here and my scriptures are filled with notes. I love this little book so much! I’m certain I will be referring to it again and again.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read in preparation for attending the temple for first time.

[James Biser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I work in an LDS temple, and I found that Mr. Charles presented a well- researched treatise on the activities that take place inside the temple. He also included history that makes the picture more complete and will even enlarge the understanding of people who regularly take part in temple worship. I recommend this book to everyone who would like to learn more about the temple.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Since I have gone over a year without being able to go to the temple due to shutdowns from Covid-19, this book was a welcome refresher to the importance of the endowment.
This book reviews the scriptures and meanings of why we go through the endowment and then why it is important it not only for us but for our ancestors as well. This book gave me a better scriptural understanding of the endowment ordinance.
@cedarfort
https://www.cedarfort.com/products/en...

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better the second time, probably because I read more carefully and over a shorter period of time.

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This book draws parallels from scripture to temple ordinances, making it easier to see the eternal nature of the ceremonies. The writer taught temple preparation as a missionary, and is excellent at explaining things in concise, simple language. I appreciate that whenever needed, descriptions are used from Church authorities to ensure no inappropriate lines are crossed. It's a wonderful, reverent treatment of a sacred subject with the obvious goal of helping members get more out of temple attendance. I plan to read it again soon, knowing I'll gain more the second time through.

[Robyn Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book. Profound but not as inspiring as I hoped.
Most favorite quote came from the back cover.
"The central focus of these symbols is found in Brigham Young's oft-quoted statement of the ceremony's ultimate purpose: to enable recipients to pass by the angelic sentinels who guard the entrance to God's kingdom as they 'walk back to the presence of the Father.'"
Definitely worth the read but possibly better read "all at once" instead of one chapter at a time like I did. The chapters are short so I never invested the time to seriously absorb the content as the chapters related to each other.

I own this book but will be "donating" it.

[Tinae Goodell, Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has helped me tie some of the confusion of the temple which I will soon go through and helps with scriptures and talking about some of the symbolism in the temple. I will definitely read this book and keep it close to me after I go through the temple too. It has helped me understand the temple and why they are so important to us too. Very good and suggest even those who go to temple to read it and see for themselves. Thought it is a good little book and not hard to read. But worth taking time through.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable. At 100 short pages it is a book that can be pondered and enjoyed in an afternoon of reading. The writing style is simple, yet the ideas hinted at are profound. I understand most completely from symbols and think often about their meaning so I didn’t necessarily read anything I didn’t already know (however low the levels of my learning); still my appreciation of the uniqueness of Temple worship and learning from on High has been strengthened. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who desire to ponder more fully on things eternal.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles discusses the symbols found in the LDS endowment ceremony, relating them to LDS scriptures and expounding on such topics as the endowment ceremony, initiatory, temple clothing, the history of the ancient endowment ceremony, and more. Nothing in here was particularly earth-shattering; it was all pretty common sense and probably pretty familiar for most endowed LDS members. However, it would be a good book for those who are preparing to go the temple for the first time.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book. I heard a lot of great things about this book from people that I really trust to give me good reviews. It was short, to the point, and let you know a little of what to expect without giving more information than I would be ready to hear. It also gave some really good suggestions about places to study in the scriptures to prepare to help understand the symbols.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paperback book that explains about the temple very simply and clearly. It has nothing that isn't in the scriptures and the Encyclopedia of Mormonism and other sources---all public information that anyone can read. And yet, it is helpful and clarifying. We are temple workers now, and I am glad I bought the book. $9.98.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for those who are preparing to enter the temple, or have been once or twice. It's well written and respectful of the ordinances and covenants, but most of the insights aren't terribly profound. They are things I'd imagine most people would have noticed after having attended a handful of times.

[Jen Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this book is a great supplement to understanding what we do in the temple. The author uses only scriptures and the words of the prophets but explains things in a very insightful way.

[Sanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading from this book every night for the last week. I plan to start it over again tomorrow night. I didn't understand some of it, so it will be good for me to re-read over and over. The writing style is simple but it is still complicated because of the subject matter.

[Vgathright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I learned so much about the meaning of the endowment. The author does an excellent job of weaving scriptures into each stage of the endowment to explain the purpose. Wish I had read this years ago!