Eternal Marriage

All my young life my greatest desire was to marry and have a family. Growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was taught about temples and temple marriage. Marriage was always an important goal I had, and I wanted to have a temple marriage.

In Webster’s 1828 dictionary marriage is defined as: “The act of uniting a man and woman for life; the legal union of a man and woman for life. marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children.”

This is a great definition of a civil or contractual marriage. Two people contract with each other to be married until death. 

What is different about a temple marriage?                  

A temple marriage is performed in sacred temples, houses of God, by a priesthood authority. These sacred buildings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are found all over the world. A temple marriage is sealed by priesthood power for time (mortal life) and all eternity. This marriage does not end with death. As both partners are obedient to God’s laws and the covenants made to each other, their marriage will continue forever. Children born under this marriage are also sealed to their parents for eternity.

Ezra Taft Benson, a past president of the Church stated, “The temple is an ever-present reminder that God intends the family to be eternal.” –  Eternal marriage and families are part of God’s Plan of Happiness for His children. He wants us, His children to have joy, to progress, and to return to His presence after we die. Eternal marriage, in holy temples, and obedience to the commandments are the only way we can return to His presence.

Salt Lake City Utah Temple

In an address given in 2006, David A. Bednar stated, “Eternal marriage is not merely a temporary legal contract that can be terminated at any time for almost any reason. Rather, it is a sacred covenant with God that can be binding in time and throughout all eternity. Faithfulness and fidelity in marriage must not simply be attractive words spoken in sermons; rather, they should be principles evident in our own covenant marriage relationships.”

Oakland California Temple

                Marriage is not always easy. When two people from different backgrounds come together and form a family, there will be disagreements, arguments, and misunderstandings. It is easy to say, “this is too hard” and seek to end the marriage. Two people who have made covenants with each other and with God, when faced with these difficulties, can find power in the sealing placed on their marriage. The knowledge that their marriage is sealed by God’s power can help them overcome challenges. Knowing that marriage is eternal can give a broader view of life and the things that are important. Couples are more willing to work and sacrifice when they know eternal consequences are at stake.

Rome Italy Temple

I am grateful for my temple marriage, for my testimony that families are eternal, and that I am sealed to my husband, parents, siblings, and children. This knowledge helps me to strive harder to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ and to obey His commandments.

Sacramento California Temple

                               

Benson, E.T., First Presidency Message: ‘What I Hope You Would Teach Your Children About the Temple,’ Liahona, 1986.   
Bednar, D.A., Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan, 2006, lds.org, pg. 9.