Recently the Mormon Church debuted a video discussing their “sacred” garments and other clothing worn in the temple endowment ceremony.
During the video it’s said that their white undergarments and temple clothing represent “purity”. As I think about this a few questions come to mind such as:
What makes those garments white and pure?
Is it the blood of Jesus Christ, or is it obedience the laws of the Mormon gospel?
What do they really represent?

For the members of the Mormon Church the ability to purchase and wear the white undergarments signifies that you’ve reached the next level in church membership. You’re no longer seen as a new member, or a convert but as a full-fledged member of the Church.

One thing they fail to mention in this warm and fuzzy video is the Masonic symbolism on the garments. The square and compass markings found on the top portion of their undergarments are Masonic in nature. I’ve found there’s very little official doctrine which would give us insight into the meaning behind the symbols; most Mormon references only say the markings have a “sacred” significance.

However, the temple ceremony does give us some clues as to the meanings behind markings. After the temple film is finished the patrons are then instructed to proceed to the veil. The veil is a white curtain that goes from floor to ceiling; cut into the veil are the same markings found on the undergarments. According to the transcript from the endowment ceremony, the meaning behind the symbols are as follows:

The mark on the right is the square and it suggests to the mind exactness and honor in keeping the covenants.
The mark on the left is the compass and it suggests to the mind an undeviating course leading to eternal life.
The naval mark suggests to the mind the need of constant nourishment to the body and spirit.
The knee mark suggests every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.

In the video you see a green apron that looks something like this:

Mormons wear this over the top of all their temple clothing while inside the temple, and according to the temple endowment ceremony it represents what Satan told Adam and Eve to cover themselves with after they disobeyed God.
If the white garments represent “purity” as they say, why would they wear something that represents sin, and Satan’s power over top of them?

Even as a Mormon this didn’t make sense. As a Christian I understand that when we’ve repented and put our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation we put off the “old man” (our sinful self) and put on the new man.
Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Why Mormons would want to hang onto something that, in a way represents their old self?
Why would the green apron that represents sin still be a part of their completed temple wardrobe once they’ve finished the ceremony and are in covenant with God?
While the white temple clothing and undergarments may signify purity, for the Mormon they also represent their obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Mormon gospel. Wearing the white undergarments daily is a representation of what they have done to make themselves holy, it’s in stark contrast to what God sees when He looks at those who have repented, and put their trust in Him.

He doesn’t look for a white garment that proves the righteousness of the wearer. He looks to see someone who now has had their sins forgiven, someone who has been cleansed of their sins through the blood of His son, and not through anything they have done.

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

For more insight on temple clothing and the endowment ceremony click on the link below.

Temple Ceremonies and Clothing

In Christ,
Melissa Grimes (melissa@lifeafter.org)

Reference:
Mormon Newsroom