Parallels to LDS Temples will be shown in Ancient Writings and Historical Christian Art. Many of these writings were not available at the time the Prophet Joseph Smith restored the knowledge of Temple Ordinances back upon the earth in their fullness.
The "Unpaired Ones"
Curiously enough, the historical writings of the Pistis Sophia have an account of the Lord's teachings which begins with a record of things the Lord has not taught the disciples prior to this visit. Especially interesting among these are references to "watchers" who guard the doors of "the Treasury of Light," and to a variety of angels which the author calls the "unpaired ones."(PS p. 2.) "Unpaired ones" seems an odd way to designate an angel, but compare the 132nd section of the Doctrine and Covenants in which we learn that to achieve the highest degree of glory in the Celestial Kingdom, we must enter into the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage. Those who do not abide the Lord's law of marriage "cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever."(D&C 132:17)
There was an ancient practice of keeping men and women separate in the church, just as they were kept separate in the temple at Jerusalem. This practice also speaks of the symbolism of men sitting on one side of the room and the women sitting on the other side of the room in LDS Temples during the endowment ceremony. It is only after passing through the veil into the Celestial room do the two come together; a foreshadowing of Exaltation through the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage where they are sealed as husband and wife for time and all eternity and inherit the top kingdom of the Celestial Kingdom.
Also see:
Celestial Kingdom
I can not remember where I read a statement by Brigham Young where he mentioned Treasury of Light. I thought that was an odd but interesting statement. So it has stuck in my mind.
ReplyDeleteThen I read the Pistis of Sophia. No coincidence.