For the millions of people who lived before the Restoration of Christ's Church, temple ordinances were not available during their lifetime. Even today, millions live and die without ever hearing the name of Jesus Christ or without accepting the gospel he taught. Provision must be made, then, for those who have died without that opportunity.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all saving ordinances are to be performed on earth on behalf of the dead. Latter-day Saints stand as proxies for their own ancestors in these ceremonies, including baptisms and sealings for husbands and wives and for parents and children. All temple work is valid only if it is willingly accepted by each individual prior to the Resurrection. Performing temple ordinances receives strong emphasis in the Church. Members of the Church are taught that they have a religious obligation to trace their own genealogies and perform temple ordinances for their ancestors.