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Completing Your Endowment
Completing Your Endowment is the third and concluding volume in a series on the LDS temple ordinances. Beginning with Preparing For Your Endowment and continuing in Understanding Your Endowment, this work is aimed at helping members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) better understand their temple ceremonies. Joseph Smith taught that knowledge is the power of salvation. With that in mind, one might what was the purpose for introducing temple ordinances to the Church? Are they simply arcane rituals to be memorized? Do they have some inherent magic necessary for redemption? Or are they rather intended to help the Saints gain knowledge, particularly knowledge which saves? And if imparting knowledge is their purpose, then what is the Lord trying to teach us? Once we have received the ordinances is that enough or is more required to complete our endowment? This book is an attempt to help the reader answer these questions. It is written in the hope that it will enable the reader to approach the temple with new eyes.
274 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 9, 2018
This is Jensen’s third book in his series on the temple, and like the other two, this one is also a winner. His other two books are highly recommended- Preparing for your Endowment for those who are getting ready to attend the temple, have returned to the temple after an absence, or have just attended the temple for the first time. Understanding Your Endowment is a great tool to look at the application of what is being taught in the temple and making it personal for oneself. In both books, Jensen relied heavily on the scriptures and scripture insights as well as his own personal experience to teach about the truth of the temple. He done not mince words, and his presentation is deliberate and meek, making it easy to process and understand the temple on a deeper level without complication.
This third book takes the reader by the hand and paces to a deeper understanding of how the temple came to be, by working through the history of the temple development. Yet this book remains true to the cause of having the reader experience a personal and individual understanding of the covenants and vigour of the temple experience.
Jensen’s writing style is humble and clear, making the book easy to read. The topic is by no means easy, but the way in which Jensen has paced the information allowed the reader to pause, reflect, absorb and develop a personal understanding a testimony of what is being taught. It deals with a complicated subject in a way that reflects serenity. In this Jensen has deliberately omitted any dichotomies in interpretation, and focuses on pristine doctrine that cannot be minced or manipulated into confusing, often misguided or incorrect interpretations.
In truth, I think this book is the apex of Jensen’s work. There is simple no other book out there that is as forthright, plainspoken and devout as this book. When read prayerfully, one will become closer to God and understand the depth and meaning of the ordinances in a more personal way. Thus, like his other books, I highly recommend this for even the most seasoned temple-attender to further develop your relationship with God by attending and living your life in relationship to the temple. It is a must-read for all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This third book takes the reader by the hand and paces to a deeper understanding of how the temple came to be, by working through the history of the temple development. Yet this book remains true to the cause of having the reader experience a personal and individual understanding of the covenants and vigour of the temple experience.
Jensen’s writing style is humble and clear, making the book easy to read. The topic is by no means easy, but the way in which Jensen has paced the information allowed the reader to pause, reflect, absorb and develop a personal understanding a testimony of what is being taught. It deals with a complicated subject in a way that reflects serenity. In this Jensen has deliberately omitted any dichotomies in interpretation, and focuses on pristine doctrine that cannot be minced or manipulated into confusing, often misguided or incorrect interpretations.
In truth, I think this book is the apex of Jensen’s work. There is simple no other book out there that is as forthright, plainspoken and devout as this book. When read prayerfully, one will become closer to God and understand the depth and meaning of the ordinances in a more personal way. Thus, like his other books, I highly recommend this for even the most seasoned temple-attender to further develop your relationship with God by attending and living your life in relationship to the temple. It is a must-read for all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
December 28, 2017
Completing Your Endowment is the third and concluding volume in a series on the LDS temple ordinances. Beginning with Preparing For Your Endowment and continuing in Understanding Your Endowment, the series is aimed at helping members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) better understand their temple ceremonies.
The contents of this final book are as follows:
Preface
Chapter 1: Kirtland
Chapter 2: Nauvoo
Chapter 3: Your Calling and Election Made Sure
Chapter 4: The Fulness of the Priesthood
Chapter 5: Priesthood and Temple Keys
Chapter 6: The Endowment’s Testimony of Christ
Chapter 7: Lessons From the Endowment
Chapter 8: Historical Context
Chapter 9: Living Your Endowment
Chapter 10: Conclusion
Epilogue
Endnotes
The contents of this final book are as follows:
Preface
Chapter 1: Kirtland
Chapter 2: Nauvoo
Chapter 3: Your Calling and Election Made Sure
Chapter 4: The Fulness of the Priesthood
Chapter 5: Priesthood and Temple Keys
Chapter 6: The Endowment’s Testimony of Christ
Chapter 7: Lessons From the Endowment
Chapter 8: Historical Context
Chapter 9: Living Your Endowment
Chapter 10: Conclusion
Epilogue
Endnotes
December 20, 2022
I cannot say enough good things about this book. I had checked all the boxes and was craving more spiritual nourishment without much direction when I felt inspired to read this book. It is well grounded in scripture, history, and doctrine, and it completely blew me away. I read it twice that first month and the ideas there have sent me on an insatiable quest for more in the scriptures and in my personal relationship with Christ. Now I crave going to the temple and my relationship with God has never been stronger. I have recommended it many times and can never thank you enough, Brother Jensen, for sharing this with the rest of us. Thank you, thank you!
January 10, 2019
Uplifting read. Builds ones desire to have all Endowment blessing in this life.
Uplifting read. Builds ones desire to have all Endowments blessings in this life. Prepare to come into the Lord and have him present the Father to you.
Uplifting read. Builds ones desire to have all Endowments blessings in this life. Prepare to come into the Lord and have him present the Father to you.
November 27, 2019
A must read for all LDS!! I am glad I bought it.. I believe in all the author says 100%!
December 12, 2025
Looking beyond the mark
I feel that a lot of this book is of no, or little value. I am thinking that the point is to learn, by revelation, in our current temple attendance and study. I don't feel the value of how things used to be, or trying to make comparisons between past and present. We are given what we currently need to learn from and progress toward a close relationship with our Savior. I do know that the temple is a big part of that as we try to receive the revelation for ourselves.
I feel that a lot of this book is of no, or little value. I am thinking that the point is to learn, by revelation, in our current temple attendance and study. I don't feel the value of how things used to be, or trying to make comparisons between past and present. We are given what we currently need to learn from and progress toward a close relationship with our Savior. I do know that the temple is a big part of that as we try to receive the revelation for ourselves.
January 31, 2022
A wonderful look at such an important step in making our way back to our Heavenly Father. ❤️
August 3, 2022
Excellent!!
December 26, 2022
Just incredible
July 20, 2024
There are two main reasons I want to buy a million copies of this book and hand them out like candy. First, this book is a questioner's answer to practically everything. Want to know what was removed from the temple but also understand the symbolism behind those parts? Or how much did Brigham modify the changes to Joseph's original endowment? What were the changes, and what does that mean? How ought we interpret the more recent changes? What is actually required in this whole "endure to the end" thing? What do the tokens really represent? It's all in there. Second, the answers are given calmly and with great balance in interpretation, despite the topic often being somewhat divisive to members. Early church leaders cared deeply about the gift of receiving Christ into our lives in a way that was tangible. Today such discussion is quietly discouraged by means of awkward silence. So saints end up either aligning themselves with contemporary culture or Joseph and other early contemporaries. Like everything these days, it can feel like we've divided ourselves into camps. Cory serenely but stoically traverses the that awkward silence deftly, gently, and with an invitation to receive that which Christ desires to give us and tells us is within our grasp.
The footnotes are thorough, thoughtful, and expose a great breadth of reading and depth of understanding. Plus, he's read the "hard stuff" that has some truth but might not be coming from sources most people want to immerse themselves into -- the Toscanos, Compton, maybe Van Wagoner or Quinn, plus a reference or two to things found in Snuffer's writings. But Cory sifted through it, providing us the gems without much grit.
The last chapter or two, however, does get into some Nauvoo temple timeline history that is more problematic. Cory's tone continues to be even handed, focusing on Christ as the center for the temple rituals, and as our reunion with him being the purpose for which all the symbolism exists. Still, that was hard. I was expecting a simple little conclusion, but some of those footnotes had a lot to digest, and some of it left me feeling raw. Some of this history inherently brings up questions, which, in the past, I avoided letting myself consider. But even with this sensitive material, Cory still did a very impressive job maintaining a balanced tone. It left me capable of digesting historical realities without engaging in a fight-or-flight response.
I consider this the best book I've ever read on the endowment, and the most necessary book I have read in years. It challenged me; it challenged some of my erroneous beliefs. I felt the spirit using this book to correct my mistakes of belief and unbelief.
PS This book is available in PDF form for free on his website, https://www.templeendowment.com.
The footnotes are thorough, thoughtful, and expose a great breadth of reading and depth of understanding. Plus, he's read the "hard stuff" that has some truth but might not be coming from sources most people want to immerse themselves into -- the Toscanos, Compton, maybe Van Wagoner or Quinn, plus a reference or two to things found in Snuffer's writings. But Cory sifted through it, providing us the gems without much grit.
The last chapter or two, however, does get into some Nauvoo temple timeline history that is more problematic. Cory's tone continues to be even handed, focusing on Christ as the center for the temple rituals, and as our reunion with him being the purpose for which all the symbolism exists. Still, that was hard. I was expecting a simple little conclusion, but some of those footnotes had a lot to digest, and some of it left me feeling raw. Some of this history inherently brings up questions, which, in the past, I avoided letting myself consider. But even with this sensitive material, Cory still did a very impressive job maintaining a balanced tone. It left me capable of digesting historical realities without engaging in a fight-or-flight response.
I consider this the best book I've ever read on the endowment, and the most necessary book I have read in years. It challenged me; it challenged some of my erroneous beliefs. I felt the spirit using this book to correct my mistakes of belief and unbelief.
PS This book is available in PDF form for free on his website, https://www.templeendowment.com.
April 27, 2024
In the first half of the book I was hopeful of learning more, deeper, significantly. A few things the author mentioned, and how he mentioned them caused me to get a spirit of warning. But I was hopeful and I wanted to finish the book.
In the second half of the book the spirit of warning was much stronger. Several things he mentions are either wrong or give pause for wonder: what exactly is he intimating here?
I wanted to not finish the book. But you know me. Once I start, I must finish. Plus, I want to be familiar with the contents in case anyone brings it up in the future, so I know what I’m taking an about.
I will only say this: I do not recommend this book to anyone who is not already well versed in Church history (the honest & good kind, not the “modern revised Mormon history” making the rounds today, 2024), and who does not already have a solid and anchored testimony of Christ, His Church & Gospel, and Joseph Smith & other prophets of the restoration, especially Brigham Young. Beware: woke stuff ahead (in the book) that will cause some to question their faith & lead them out of the Church.
As in most narratives today (and that is what I will refer to this book as, in general) the “unspoken undercurrent” is more damaging than the spoken/written words.
The words say many things that are true, and many things that sound as if they are good, but the undercurrent message is a false one. If you are very familiar with how the Spirit talks to you, then you will know what I’m talking about should you read this book. Many things in the book are good and true. But many are false and even possibly dangerous.
To be clear, I don’t think the author is intending to lead anyone astray. I think he’s honest in his opinions, and states throughout the book that this is all his own opinion. But I’ve had many experiences with endowed members who have the woke paradigm. With that paradigm this book can easily serve to lead them further away from truth, unintentional though it may be.
In the second half of the book the spirit of warning was much stronger. Several things he mentions are either wrong or give pause for wonder: what exactly is he intimating here?
I wanted to not finish the book. But you know me. Once I start, I must finish. Plus, I want to be familiar with the contents in case anyone brings it up in the future, so I know what I’m taking an about.
I will only say this: I do not recommend this book to anyone who is not already well versed in Church history (the honest & good kind, not the “modern revised Mormon history” making the rounds today, 2024), and who does not already have a solid and anchored testimony of Christ, His Church & Gospel, and Joseph Smith & other prophets of the restoration, especially Brigham Young. Beware: woke stuff ahead (in the book) that will cause some to question their faith & lead them out of the Church.
As in most narratives today (and that is what I will refer to this book as, in general) the “unspoken undercurrent” is more damaging than the spoken/written words.
The words say many things that are true, and many things that sound as if they are good, but the undercurrent message is a false one. If you are very familiar with how the Spirit talks to you, then you will know what I’m talking about should you read this book. Many things in the book are good and true. But many are false and even possibly dangerous.
To be clear, I don’t think the author is intending to lead anyone astray. I think he’s honest in his opinions, and states throughout the book that this is all his own opinion. But I’ve had many experiences with endowed members who have the woke paradigm. With that paradigm this book can easily serve to lead them further away from truth, unintentional though it may be.
February 2, 2019
I liked the other books he has written better.
October 7, 2020
Amazing! Wonderful series!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews