So That No One Is Left Out

Nauvoo Illinois Temple - Photo from LDS Media Library

“The great work of providing the saving ordinances for our kindred dead is a vital part of the threefold mission of the Church. We do this work for a purpose, which is to redeem our dead ancestors. Temple work is essential for both us and our kindred dead who are waiting for these saving ordinances to be done for them. It is essential because “we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect.”(D&C 128:18) They need the saving ordinances, and we need to be sealed to them. For this reason it is important that we trace our family lines so that no one is left out.” 

- President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003

A Fundamental Responsibility

“Searching for our kindred dead isn’t just a hobby. It is a fundamental responsibility for all members of the Church. We believe that life continues after death and that all will be resurrected. (See Acts 24:15; Alma 11:41–45.) We believe that families may continue in the next life if they have kept the special covenants made in one of the sacred temples under the authority of God. We believe that our deceased ancestors can also be eternally united with their families when we make covenants in their behalf in the temples. Our deceased forebears may accept these covenants, if they choose to do so, in the spirit world.” 

- President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003

We Do For Them What They Cannot Do For Themselves

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple - Photo From LDS Media Library

“The great vicarious work for our kindred dead in our temples demonstrates both the justice and the fairness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained the terrible dilemma which would face God’s children without temple work for our dead. Said he: 

‘One dies and is buried, having never heard the Gospel of reconciliation; to the other the message of salvation is sent, he hears and embraces it, and is made the heir of eternal life. Shall the one become the partaker of glory and the other be consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape?’ (History of the Church, 4:425–26.) 

"Fortunately our ancestors will have the opportunity to receive and accept the saving ordinances as we identify them and complete these sacred ordinances for them by proxy. We do for them what they cannot do for themselves. It is a very satisfying experience.” 

- President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003

Unlock The Knowledge Of Who You Really Are

“… I encourage you … to begin to unlock the knowledge of who you really are by learning more about your forebears. Alex Haley, the author of the book Roots, said: 

‘In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness.’ (“What Roots Means to Me,” Reader’s Digest, May 1977, 73–74.)

"We can have exciting experiences as we learn about our vibrant, dynamic ancestors. They were very real, living people with problems, hopes, and dreams like we have today.” 

- President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003.

We Can Expect Help From The Other Side Of The Veil

“The process of finding our ancestors one by one can be challenging but also exciting and rewarding. We often feel spiritual guidance as we go to the sources which identify them. Because this is a very spiritual work, we can expect help from the other side of the veil. We feel a pull from our relatives who are waiting for us to find them so their ordinance work can be done. This is a Christlike service because we are doing something for them that they cannot do for themselves.” 

– President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003.