The Scriptural Temple

President David O. MacKay said, at the time of the Los Angeles Temple dedication, "There are few, even temple workers, who comprehend the full meaning and power of he temple endowment. Seen for what it is, it is the step-by-step ascent into the Eternal presence. If our young people could but glimpse it, it would be the most powerful spiritual motivation of their lives!"

This book focuses on the concept of what man must do, and how he must do it, to ascend into the presence of God. It is a broad synthesis of scriptural relationships. It creates a temple paradigm in the image of a mountain and our ascent of this mountain. The term scriptural temple, as used by the author in this book, refers to "scriptural verses that directly or indirectly refer to the nature of true temple worship." Concerning the benefits we derive from reading this book, he says, "The temple is a marvelous template for scripture study because if we enhance what we learn inside the temple walls with the rich temple teachings of the scriptures, temple worship will have great and glorious meaning in our lives. The Scriptural Temple will help us understand important concepts of true temple worship, such as the mighty change of heart, anointing with the Spirit, growing up in the Lord, the bond of perfectness, the redemption of Zion, eternal life, and many other important temple concepts and principles."

The scriptural insights explained in The Scriptural Temple are life-changing in their scope and impact. They are presented herein with skill and loving care. Certainly, they in no way breach the sacred confidentiality of the temple service. They reach upward and provide a basis for continuing personal growth. When you read this book, you too will discover that "the scriptural temple keeps expanding as we are taught by the Hold Spirit." If you want temple attendance to continually be a personal growth experience, this book deserves a place at the top of your reading list!

In 1963, Mark H. Greene III was climbing mountains in Colorado for a better view—especially of himself. Little did he know that 33 years later he would be facing the most challenging mountain of his life. It is Mount Zion, the mountain of the Lord’s house. Now he knows that if he can reach the summit of this mountain, he truly will see the "great view."

Mark has been an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in hand and upper limb surgery, for the past 17 years in Salt Lake City. He has served in a variety of Church callings, including a full-time mission to Belgium and France. He was recently released from the Stake High Council of the Monument Park North Stake, and currently serves in a favorite calling as a Primary teacher in the Monument Park Twelfth Ward.

After his mission, Mark married the beautiful Jill Stephenson. They have six children: Brian, Lara Evans, Lys-An, Linsey, Leslee, and Stephen. All of these children are uniquely special and have brought Mark and Jill great joy.

Some of Doctor Greene’s patients call him "tripplesticks" because of the Roman numeral III ending his name, which represents three generations of Mark Greenes. He appreciates this sobriquet because it reminds him of the name he bears and the ancestry it represents. His father was also an orthopedic hand surgeon, and his grandfather was a professor of finance at the University of Utah. He still, on occasion, sees patients who remember these wonderful men.

Mount Zion requires climbing it with others, especially family and ancestors. Then, lasting relationships will develop.

A cherished portrait of Mark’s family, shown here, is in the image of a mountain. It represents the bonding relationship of love required to reach the summit of Mount Zion.