Conference, Continued: Day 1/37 | Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Post contributed by

Eastin Hartzell

Welcome to Conference, Continued, where we dive into each October 2026 general conference talk and share Scripture Central resources to enhance your study.

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Temples are becoming more accessible to Latter-day Saints around the world. But as temples become closer to our homes, Elder Gerrit W. Gong invites members to consider whether they are also becoming more central to our hearts and lives.

In his October 2026 general conference message, Elder Gong outlined three doctrinal foundations of temple worship and five elements of a personal “temple culture.”

Read the Full Message

Doctrinal foundations:

"Heavenly Father’s work and glory is for us to return to Him, united as families, happy and forever." (See Moses 1:39.)
"Moral agency."
"When the Holy Spirit of Promise witnesses and confirms the efficacy of ordinances and covenants, they become binding in time and eternity." ( See Acts 2:33; Doctrine and Covenants 76:53; 132:7, 18–19, 26.)

Five elements of personal temple culture:

A temple dedication is only the beginning.
"Over the years, when temples were distant, faithful members sacrificed to be sealed in the temple. ... Today, as temples come closer in many places, we can manifest the precious spirit of temple sacrifice in new ways."
"While each temple uniquely fits its place, culture, and circumstance, everything in each temple testifies of Jesus Christ."
"Temple sacrifice and temple service include a spirit of gratitude."
"Where possible, please consider saving for and buying your own ceremonial temple clothes—cap or veil, robe, sash, and apron."

Elder Gong shared what happens inside a temple: covenants are made, families are connected, hearts can be softened, and the blessings of Jesus Christ’s Atonement become more fully accessible.

One of his central invitations was also the title of his talk: "Come to the Lord in His holy house."And, as Elder Gong explains, that invitation is ultimately about much more than attending a temple. It is about building a life shaped by covenant, sacrifice, gratitude and service.

As we begin Conference, Continued, here are some resources to explore some of the scriptural concepts Elder Gong shared. We hope they will help you be able to deeper understand his message.

Go Deeper

Some of the scriptures cited, with resources from the Scripture Central archive:

Moses 1:39 — Book of Moses Evidence: Man Is God’s Work — Chiasmus in Moses 1
Job 38:7 — Old Testament Minute: Job 38-40 — Worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ through Music and Song
Doctrine and Covenants 76:39–43; 53 — Hard Questions in Church History: Supplementary Handouts: Doctrine and Covenants 76 — Why Is Joseph’s Vision of the Three Kingdoms so Important? — D&C 76—The Vision & The Holy Spirit of Promise
Doctrine and Covenants 128:9 — KnoWhy #345 Why Is It Important to Keep Records?

Additional Scripture Central resources

Three questions to consider:

Where in my life could I show greater gratitude for the temple and the eternal blessings it offers?
How do I currently honor the covenants I have made, and where could I be more intentional in living them?
What could I change in my daily life to create a stronger “personal temple culture” in my home and heart?

Watch the full talk: