The endowment ceremony takes about an hour and a half. Most of it is presented through a video. The video centers on the plan of salvation, including:

The video starts by introducing the ordinance. Then it tells about the council in heaven before we were born. After that, it shows the creation of the world—first plants, then animals, and finally Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Next, the video shows what happened to Adam and Eve in the Garden. You know the story—Satan tempts Adam and Eve, and they partake of the forbidden fruit and try to cover their nakedness by covering themselves with fig leaves. Fig leaves can be seen as a symbol of our weak attempts to hide our sins and mistakes.

We often feel insecure—about how we look, how successful we are, our talents, our money, or so many other things. To cope, we cover up those insecurities with our own “fig leaves.” But it doesn’t really work, and it just leaves us feeling like we’ll never be enough.

But the good news of the gospel is that we don’t have to cover ourselves—Jesus Christ covers us. In place of the fig leaves, the Lord made coats of skins for Adam and Eve (see Genesis 3:21). Just as these coats of skins (represented by the temple garment) covered Adam and Eve’s nakedness, they can also symbolize how Christ’s Atonement covers our sins. You don’t need fig leaves when you have a coat of skins.

The more we understand the Fall, the more we realize our need for a Savior. Eve’s choice made it possible for us to experience mortality, and Christ will make it possible for us to get back home.

Next, the video shows how Adam and Eve, after leaving the Garden of Eden, begin their journey back to God’s presence. Adam and Eve represent each of us—we’ve been created, we’ve experienced the effects of the Fall, and now we’re working to return to God.

God’s plan is not only for us to come back home, but to return as heirs of His glory. The scriptures describe this as becoming kings and priests, queens and priestesses to God (see Revelation 1:6; 5:10; Alma 13:9–10; Doctrine and Covenants 76:56).

All throughout the endowment, Jesus Christ is at the center. Just as He redeems Adam and Eve, He redeems us.

One of the best ways to get ready for the temple is to read Moses 2:1–Moses 5:11. A lot of what happens in the temple endowment connects to these chapters. If you read them ahead of time, you’ll already know the main stories and teachings. That way, when you go through the endowment, it will sound more familiar.

Confidently prepare for the temple

In Your Guide to the Temple Endowment, you will find what you need to know before you enter the temple. This short booklet features a step-by-step look at the process—from checking in at the recommend desk to being in the celestial room—scriptures to study, and questions to ponder to help you feel more at ease as you prepare to receive your temple endowment. The guide is available for pre-order now.

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▶ 3 simple questions to ask yourself each time you participate in the endowment