Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeWaters
Is the temple ceremony to be understood as a literal key to reaching Heaven, or is it merely symbolic?
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A more complete answer would be.
Part 1, detailed explanation on Christian Heaven/Hell concept and how it correlates to LDS spirit paradise/Hell. Further explanation on the three glories. So it's hard to go apples to apples heaven with LDS doctrine. It probably most correlates with paradise (in which case the answer is no, since temple is for entry to celestial kingdom), but it might be a copout answer since the question was a temple reference and the word heaven was misphrased.
Part 2, explanation of temple ceremony in as much detail as church is willing to give to help answer. Comparisons to other religious rites such as Catholic baptism and prayers, what not. Explanation that we have similar rites that symbolize entry to Celestial Kingdom, however calling them passwords or codes would be incorrect. blah, blah, blah. We can't say for sure if they are symbolic to help teach us or if they are actual role playing of actual ceremonies that will take place in the hereafter. blah blah blah.
Probably the best answer is: No.