Snowbear said:
Anyhow, as someone agreed earlier in this thread - Forgiveness from God is between God and the person asking for forgiveness. I guess I'm trying to understand why this is not good enough in the eyes of the church? If a person is forgiven (washed clean) of their sin by God, the person is most certainly deemed worthy by God.... even though He knows that no matter how hard the person tries, s/he will screw up again (though it may be a different sin next time). From your original statements and subsequent explanations, I'm gathering that a person's worthiness to enter the temple is determined more by men than by God??
No, I'm not trying to be difficult... I'm just trying to learn.
This article from a leader in the LDS church explains worthiness better than I ever could. It also explains the role of the church leadership in this process.
On Being Worthy
By Marvin J. Ashton
Over the past number of weeks I have had some conversations that have made me ponder the meaning of the word
worthy. As I recently talked to a young twenty-year-old man, I discussed his attitude about going on a mission. He said, I wanted to go, but I am not worthy.
Who made that judgment? I asked.
I did, was his answer.
On another occasion I asked a young lady who was contemplating marriage if she was going to the temple. She said, I would like to, but I am not worthy. In response to the same question of who determined her unworthiness, she too said, I did.
A member mother who had known for many weeks that her daughter had planned a temple marriage was asked if she was going to attend the temple ceremony. No. I am not worthy to get a temple recommend, she answered.
Each of these people seemed to have made his own determination about worthiness. We do not have to be hindered by self-judgment. All of us have the benefit and added wisdom of a bishop and a stake president to help us determine our worthiness and, if necessary, to assist us to begin the process of becoming worthy to accomplish whatever goal we wish to achieve. When we take it upon ourselves to pass self-judgment and simply declare, I am not worthy, we build a barrier to progress and erect blockades that prevent our moving forward. We are not being fair when we judge ourselves. A second and third opinion will always be helpful and proper.
It occurs to me that there are probably hundreds or even thousands who do not understand what worthiness is. Worthiness is a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being perfect.
Continued...