1. Jesus Is Greater Than the Temple

Christian Question: “If Jesus said He is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6) and that His body is the true temple (John 2:19–21), why would we still need man-made temples today?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” (Matthew 12:6)

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.” (John 2:19–21)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “Because the temple is where we make sacred covenants with God that help us return to Him.”
• Christian (gentle follow-up): “I understand you see the temple as sacred. But if Jesus Himself is the true temple, and He is God dwelling with us, doesn’t that mean He replaced the need for physical temples? If we already have Him, isn’t He enough?”

2. The Torn Veil

Christian Question: “When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), showing direct access to God. So why would anyone need priests and temple rituals as mediators now?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” (Matthew 27:51)

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” (Hebrews 4:14)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “The priesthood and the temple are God’s way of maintaining order and authority on the earth.”
• Christian (gentle follow-up): “That’s interesting, but Hebrews 4:14 shows that Jesus is our great High Priest, and 1 Timothy 2:5 says He is our only mediator. Since the veil was torn and He opened direct access to God, do we really need any other priests or temple rituals to stand between us and Him?”

3. No Biblical Basis for Mormon Temple Practices

Christian Question: “If the Bible doesn’t teach Mormon temple rituals like eternal marriage, baptism for the dead, or secret ceremonies, why should we practice them?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” (Matthew 22:29–30)

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

“Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:29)

“Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” (John 18:20)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “Temple ordinances are part of God’s eternal plan, even if the Bible doesn’t spell them out.”

• Christian (gentle follow-up): “That’s interesting, but Jesus said there is no marriage in the resurrection, Paul distanced himself from baptism for the dead, and Christ proclaimed the gospel openly. If these rituals have no biblical foundation—and in fact contradict Scripture—shouldn’t we trust what Jesus taught rather than practices not found in God’s Word?”

4. Believers as God’s Temple

Christian Question: “The Bible says believers are now God’s temple where the Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). If God lives in His people, why would we need a physical temple to find Him?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “Because the temple is a holy place set apart for God’s presence in a special way.”
• Christian (gentle follow-up): “But if God already promises to live in us through His Spirit, doesn’t that mean His presence is with us everywhere, not just in a building? Why limit His presence to a temple?”

5. Christ’s Once-for-All Sacrifice

Christian Question: “Hebrews says Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all and made us perfect forever (Hebrews 10:10–14). If His work is finished, what role can temple ordinances play in adding to salvation?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:10–14)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “The ordinances don’t replace Jesus’ sacrifice—they help us fully receive it.”
• Christian (gentle follow-up): “I hear what you’re saying, but Hebrews 10:14 says by one sacrifice He has already made us perfect forever. If His work is complete, doesn’t adding ordinances suggest His sacrifice wasn’t enough on its own?”

6. No Temple in Heaven

Christian Question: “Revelation 21:22 says there is no temple in heaven because the Lord God and the Lamb are its temple. If there’s no temple in eternity, why should one be needed now?”

Scripture Support (KJV):

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” (Revelation 21:22)

Dialogue:

• Mormon: “The temple on earth is to prepare us for God’s presence in heaven.”
• Christian (gentle follow-up): “That’s interesting, but if the Bible says there’s no temple in eternity—because God Himself is our temple—doesn’t that mean knowing Jesus now is what prepares us, not temple rituals?”