Families are Forever

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San Diego LDS Temple Wedding by Amber Katrina - http://www.amberkatrina.com/index2.php


"We frequently speak about and highlight marriage as a fundamental unit of society, as the foundation of a strong nation, and as a vital sociological and cultural institution. But the restored gospel helps us to understand that it is so much more!" 
(Bednar 2006)




In 1995 the Prophet of God on earth, President Gordon B. Hinkley, announced "THE FAMILY: A Proclamation to the Word" 

"We...solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." (Hinckley 1995)




"The great Plan of Happiness enables the spirit sons and daughters of Heavenly Father to obtain physical bodies, to gain earthly experience, and to progress toward perfection.  
"Righteous marriage is a commandment and an essential step in the process of creating a loving family relationship that can be perpetuated beyond the grave" 
(Bednar 2006)


 This is an important teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that families can be together forever.  
This belief brings comfort to our hearts when we lose our loved ones. We know we will be with them again.


What makes a Marriage Eternal?

 In order for a marriage performed on earth to be valid in the eternities, it needs to be performed by the proper authority given from God.  A civil marriage is "till death do you part", performed by someone given the lawful authority to do so.  


An Eternal Marriage, or sealing, is forever.  It can only be conducted by those of proper authority to act in God's name.  This is the key for Families to stay together after this life. 

Ogden Temple Sealing Room

 How Does One Get Proper Authority to Seal Families forever?


Mormons believe the "divine keys" of God have been restored from the ancient prophets who held them.  These "keys" are called the Order of the Holy Priesthood.
Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 


On April 3, 1836, at the Kirkland Ohio Temple, "the prophet Elijah returned and bestowed upon them the sealing power, the power to use the priesthood to bind on earth and seal in heaven." (Smith 1970)
 This "sealing power" can only be performed in Temples, known as "The House of the Lord". 
You will find this written on every LDS Temple.  There are 155 operating Temples throughout the world to date.   
Gilbert Arizona Temple - Mormon Newsroom


This is why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints strive so hard to be married in the Temple.  They want to be sealed together for all time and eternity with their family. 
Provo Temple - LDS.org



"Ultimate happiness, which is the very object of the Father’s plan, is received through the making and honoring of eternal marriage covenants." (Bednar 2006)
Standard.net


 And for single gals like myself?  I believe that if I live worthy to go to the Temple, I will have the opportunity to marry there someday...in this life or the next. I will have the opportunity for children and all of it.  The key is to keep trying to do the best I can.
Christopher Leigh Studios



Work Cited:


Benson, Ezra, Taft.  What I hope you would teach your children about the temple. LDS Liahona. First Presidency message. April 1986.

Hinckley, Gordon B. The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sept. 23, 1995. 

Smith, Joseph Fielding. The fullness of the Priesthood. LDS Conference Report. April 1970. pp. 58-60

Christoper Leigh Studios photo - 5 Mormon siblings share wedding day 
http://news.asiantown.net/r/25655/five-mormon-siblings-share-their-wedding-day-including-separate-ceremonies-multiple-tiered-cakes-and-enough-food-to-feed-guests

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