I believe Joseph Smith, and perhaps his associates, accessed the higher Christian "new covenant" long before the temple ordinances were ever introduced, even as early as the First Vision. The confusion, as I understand it, is that access to that higher covenant is not through carnal commandments and ordinances, not even those within the temple on Earth.
I perceive that when Jesus introduced the "communion" of the bread and wine, it wasn't so that we would remember only the person Jesus, per se, but the whole of God's creation, the Universe, that Jesus realized he was One with. It was all his "body."
I don't think there is any evidence in nature that bodily resurrection can happen. I think this is a misunderstanding of the resurrection.
Much has been written, and there has been much contention throughout history, about this scripture and others like it that seem to justify the exclusive truth claims and saving power of Christianity. Other religions have made similar claims for their own paths, but for this post I'll focus on Christianity. I believe these claims rely on an interpretation of scripture that is partially correct, but unfortunately misses a greater and far more glorious meaning.
There is a term that the scriptures use to refer to something in us that separates us from God. It is called the "natural man," or at times the "carnal mind." What is this? And how can a correct understanding of it help us commune with and become one with God?
There is a curious detail in Joseph Smith's earliest accounts of his First Vision that may teach us more about this encounter with Deity, and the differences between the accounts. It is when God greets Joseph.
The veil was lifted, and he saw the Lord's finger.
Today I feel I had my eyes opened to the meaning of scripture. It was like flipping the switch on a light. I suddenly understood and the meaning was laid open to my view. I'd like to share with you what I think is a key to understanding the scriptures having to do with the "natural man."