KIM - In another question, the writer talked about the JST Bible and I wasn't sure what that meant. Also, what are the endowments young women receive at the Temple?

JOEL - The JST Bible is an abreviation for the "Joseph Smith Translation" of the Bible. Between 1830 and 1833 Joseph Smith produced an inspired new translation of the Bible using the text of the King James version. There were at least 3,410 changes that he made, consisting of additions, deletions, rearrangements, and other alterations. Changes range from minor details to fully reconstituted chapters. As you might know one of the Articles of Faith(#8) of our church states:
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly;"
The JST is Joseph Smith's prophetic attempt at correcting some of the omissions and errors found in the King James version of the Bible, which occured throughout the centuries by various editors, copyists and revisionists. Many LDS members have a copy of this inspired version in their homes. Generally speaking, however, we still prefer to use the standard King James version in our daily study of the scriptures and only refer to the JST for clarification of some verses.

The endowment is a priesthood ordinance that is performed in our temples for all qualified adult male and female members of our Church. It is a priesthood rite in the same vein as the Sacrament or Baptism ordinances performed in our local churches. In the endowment we are taught about the creation of the world and man, our relationship to God, and other points of doctrine. We make covenants or promises to God that we will observe the law of strict virtue and chastity; that we will be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure. We agree to devote both talent and material means to the spreading of the gospel and to contribute to the preparation of the earth so it may be made ready to receive Jesus Christ. One who is "endowed" is obligated to live all the teachings and doctrines of the Gospel at all times of their life.

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