The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not . . . this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Genesis 28:16 17

From the premortal world, where the plan of salvation was laid out and the need for temples was established, to the Restoration, in which the fullness of the gospel was reintroduced to the world in the temple ceremony, author Matthew B. Brown explores the rich heritage of symbolism that has characterized temples and temple worship through the ages, reverently examining the sacred doctrines associated with the gate of heaven. Among many other topics, he discusses:

Rituals and symbols from the tabernacle of Moses, the temple of Solomon, and the holy places of the earliest Christians

The remarkable parallels between ancient temple worship and the doctrines and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith

Personages from the spirit world who returned to earth to request temple work, to assist with this work, or to witness their own work being done

The restored doctrine of making one's calling and election Sure

Long-standing myths about LDS temple worship and the origin, symbols, and rituals of Freemasonry Representing more than a decade of intense research and documentation, The Gate of Heaven is destined to become a classic among Latter-day Saint works dealing with the sacred and vital subject of temples and temple worship.