Why Mormons

Tag: Family Doctrine

  • Why Do Mormons Marry in Temples?

    Why Do Mormons Marry in Temples?

    For many people, marriage is one of life’s most meaningful milestones. It represents love, commitment, companionship, and shared purpose. In most cultures and religious traditions, marriage is understood as a lifelong bond—yet one that ultimately ends at death. Latter-day Saints, however, believe marriage can be far more than a temporary arrangement. They believe it can be eternal.

    This belief explains why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose to marry in temples. For them, a temple marriage is not simply a wedding location or a religious custom. It is a sacred covenant with God, entered with the belief that marriage can continue beyond death and into eternity.

    Understanding why Mormons marry in temples requires understanding how they view God, Jesus Christ, covenants, authority, family, salvation, and eternal life. Temple marriage reflects a deeply hopeful view of human relationships—one in which love, growth, and commitment are not meant to end at the grave.

    Marriage in Latter-day Saint Belief

    Latter-day Saints believe marriage is divinely ordained. From their perspective, marriage is not merely a social institution created by human society, but part of God’s plan for His children.

    Marriage is seen as a partnership designed to help individuals grow spiritually, emotionally, and morally. It provides a setting where love, sacrifice, patience, forgiveness, and service can be learned and practiced daily.

    Unlike some religious traditions that emphasize individual salvation apart from family relationships, Latter-day Saints believe family relationships are central to God’s plan. Marriage is not incidental—it is foundational.

    Difference Between Civil Marriage and Temple Marriage

    Civil marriage is legally recognized and meaningful. Latter-day Saints respect civil marriage and believe it plays an important role in society. However, they also believe civil marriages are temporary by nature, lasting only until death.

    Temple marriages, by contrast, are believed to be eternal. They are performed by priesthood authority in a temple and are often referred to as sealings. Through this ordinance, husband and wife are sealed together not only “until death,” but for eternity.

    This distinction is not meant to diminish civil marriage, but to explain why Latter-day Saints seek something more enduring—something they believe requires divine authority.

    Eternal Perspective on Marriage

    Temple marriage emphasizes an eternal perspective. Couples who marry in a temple are encouraged to view their relationship through the lens of eternity rather than convenience or temporary happiness.

    This perspective shapes how couples approach challenges. Difficulties are not seen as reasons to abandon the relationship, but as opportunities for growth, repentance, forgiveness, and Christlike love.

    Marriage is understood as a long-term spiritual partnership rather than a short-term contract.

    Covenants Rather Than Contracts

    A key difference between civil and temple marriage is the concept of covenant. A contract is an agreement between two parties, often based on mutual benefit and enforceable only under certain conditions.

    A covenant, in Latter-day Saint belief, is a sacred promise made with God. Temple marriage is not just a promise between two people—it is a covenant between husband, wife, and God.

    Latter-day Saints believe covenants invite God’s guidance, strength, and grace into the marriage. They also bring accountability, reminding couples that their relationship has eternal significance.

    Authority and Eternal Marriage

    Central to temple marriage is the belief in priesthood authority. Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ gave authority to His apostles to perform ordinances that would be binding both on earth and in heaven.

    Jesus taught that what is bound on earth can be bound in heaven. Latter-day Saints interpret this as evidence that God can authorize eternal ordinances performed by those holding His authority.

    They believe this authority was lost after the deaths of the apostles and later restored through modern revelation. Temple marriages are performed under this restored authority.

    Without this authority, Latter-day Saints believe marriage remains a beautiful and meaningful relationship—but one that does not extend beyond death.

    Biblical Foundations for Eternal Marriage

    Latter-day Saints believe the Bible supports the idea of eternal marriage, even if the doctrine is not fully explained in traditional Christian theology.

    The Bible emphasizes covenant relationships and God’s power over death. Jesus Christ’s resurrection demonstrates that death does not have ultimate authority.

    Marriage is presented in scripture as divinely instituted. God joined Adam and Eve and commanded them to become one. Latter-day Saints see this as evidence that marriage was intended to be more than a temporary arrangement.

    They also point to teachings about sealing authority and eternal covenants, which they believe lay the foundation for eternal marriage.

    The Role of the Temple

    Temples play a unique role in Latter-day Saint worship. Unlike chapels, which are used for weekly services, temples are reserved for sacred ordinances believed to have eternal effect.

    Temple marriages are performed in a reverent setting designed to focus attention on God rather than spectacle. There are no elaborate decorations, music, or social displays during the ceremony itself. The emphasis is on humility, commitment, and covenant.

    This setting reflects the belief that eternal marriage begins with God, not with performance or public recognition.

    Focus on Jesus Christ

    Temple marriage ceremonies are centered on Jesus Christ. The purpose is not to celebrate romance alone, but to begin a marriage grounded in faith, obedience, and reliance on Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe that only through Jesus Christ can marriage become eternal. His atonement makes forgiveness possible, His teachings guide family life, and His resurrection makes eternal relationships achievable.

    Preparation and Worthiness

    Before marrying in a temple, couples prepare spiritually. This preparation includes learning gospel principles, committing to live according to Christ’s teachings, and reflecting on the seriousness of the covenant they are about to make.

    This preparation is not about perfection. It is about sincerity, humility, and willingness to grow.

    Marriage, Family, and Eternal Growth

    Latter-day Saints believe temple marriage is foundational to eternal families. They believe children born to parents sealed in the temple are automatically part of that eternal family unit.

    This belief influences how parents approach family life. Parenting is seen not only as a responsibility for this life, but as part of an eternal stewardship.

    Families are viewed as central to spiritual growth. Home life becomes a place where faith is practiced daily, where children learn values, and where discipleship is lived in ordinary moments.

    Marriage as a School of Discipleship

    In Latter-day Saint belief, marriage is one of the primary settings in which individuals learn to follow Jesus Christ.

    Marriage requires patience, humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and service—qualities that are central to Christian discipleship. Temple marriage frames these challenges as spiritually meaningful rather than merely emotional or practical.

    Couples are encouraged to see their relationship as a joint effort to become more Christlike together.

    Eternal Marriage and Agency

    Although temple marriage is believed to be eternal, it is not automatic or unconditional. Latter-day Saints believe agency remains central.

    Eternal marriage depends on faithfulness to covenants. Individuals must choose to follow Jesus Christ, repent when they fall short, and continue striving to live according to God’s will.

    This emphasis on agency preserves moral responsibility and avoids the idea that eternal blessings are guaranteed regardless of personal choice.

    Temple Marriage and Grace

    Temple marriage does not eliminate the need for grace. Latter-day Saints believe no marriage is perfect and no individual is without weakness.

    They believe God’s grace makes growth, healing, and reconciliation possible. Eternal marriage is not based on flawless performance, but on repentance, forgiveness, and reliance on Jesus Christ.

    Grace does not remove accountability, but it makes enduring commitment possible despite human imperfection.

    Common Misunderstandings

    One common misunderstanding is that temple marriage diminishes romance or emotional connection. Latter-day Saints believe the opposite. They believe temple marriage deepens love by grounding it in shared faith, purpose, and eternal commitment.

    Another misunderstanding is that those who marry outside the temple are excluded or lesser. Latter-day Saints believe everyone has opportunities to receive temple blessings, either in this life or in the next.

    Some also assume temple marriage is about social pressure. In reality, Latter-day Saints view it as a personal choice rooted in belief and faith.

    Temple Marriage and Loss

    For Latter-day Saints, temple marriage provides profound comfort in times of loss. The belief that marriage can continue beyond death offers hope that separation is not final.

    This belief does not eliminate grief, but it provides a framework of hope, reunion, and trust in God’s plan.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple marriage matters because it offers a vision of marriage rooted in eternity rather than convenience. It encourages commitment, patience, and long-term devotion.

    For Latter-day Saints, marrying in a temple is an expression of hope—hope that love can endure, that families can remain united, and that God’s plan is bigger than mortality.

    It also provides motivation to work through challenges rather than abandon relationships when difficulties arise.

    A Broader View of Love and Commitment

    Temple marriage reflects a broader view of love. Love is not only a feeling, but a covenant-based commitment that grows through effort, sacrifice, and faith.

    This view challenges cultural ideas of marriage as disposable or temporary. It invites couples to think long-term and eternally.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about temple marriage, study the teachings of Jesus Christ, and seek understanding through prayer.

    They believe God’s plan for families is rooted in love, growth, and eternal connection—and that sincere seekers can come to understand His purposes.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Marriage
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Marriage and Family
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Do Temple Sealings?

    Why Do Mormons Do Temple Sealings?

    For many people, the idea that families can remain together forever is deeply comforting—but also unfamiliar. In most Christian traditions, marriage is understood as a relationship that lasts only during mortal life. Latter-day Saints, however, believe something different. They believe that through temple sealings, family relationships can continue beyond death and into eternity.

    Temple sealings are one of the most distinctive beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They reflect a hopeful and expansive view of God’s plan—one in which love, family, and relationships are not meant to end at the grave. For Latter-day Saints, sealings express God’s desire to unite His children eternally through Jesus Christ.

    This belief is not based on sentiment alone. It is rooted in scripture, modern revelation, and a specific understanding of Christ’s power over sin and death. To understand why Mormons do temple sealings, it is necessary to explore how they understand authority, covenants, salvation, family, agency, and the central role of Jesus Christ.

    What Is a Temple Sealing?

    A temple sealing is a sacred ordinance performed in a Latter-day Saint temple by priesthood authority. Through this ordinance, a husband and wife are sealed together as an eternal family unit. Children may also be sealed to their parents, creating an eternal family bond.

    Unlike civil marriages, which are valid only “until death,” temple sealings are believed to endure beyond mortal life. Latter-day Saints believe these relationships continue after resurrection, provided individuals remain faithful to the covenants they make with God.

    A sealing is not merely symbolic. It is understood as a covenant—an agreement between God and individuals—made possible through divine authority restored by Jesus Christ.

    Authority to Seal

    Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ granted sealing authority to His apostles during His mortal ministry. This authority allowed them to perform actions on earth that would be recognized in heaven.

    They believe this authority was lost after the deaths of the apostles and later restored through modern revelation. Without this authority, eternal sealings would not be possible.

    Binding on Earth and in Heaven

    This belief is based on Jesus’ statement that what is bound on earth can be bound in heaven. Latter-day Saints understand this to mean that God can authorize ordinances performed on earth to have eternal effect.

    Temple sealings are believed to operate under this principle. They are not human contracts but divine covenants recognized by God.

    The Importance of Covenants

    Covenants are central to Latter-day Saint belief. A covenant is a sacred promise between God and an individual, involving commitment, responsibility, and divine promises.

    Temple sealings are covenant-based. They are not automatic guarantees of eternal family life, but conditional relationships that depend on faithfulness, repentance, and reliance on Jesus Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe covenants help guide behavior, strengthen relationships, and align lives with God’s will. Sealings, in particular, emphasize commitment, sacrifice, forgiveness, and long-term devotion within families.

    Biblical Foundations for Temple Sealings

    Latter-day Saints believe temple sealings are consistent with biblical teachings, even if the full doctrine is not explicitly detailed in the Bible.

    Scripture teaches that God has power over death and that relationships can transcend mortal boundaries. Jesus Christ’s resurrection demonstrates that death does not have final authority.

    The Bible also emphasizes covenant relationships. God consistently works through covenants—agreements that bind His people to Him across generations.

    Elijah’s Role

    One of the strongest biblical foundations for temple sealings comes from prophecy concerning Elijah. The Bible foretells that Elijah would return before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” to turn the hearts of parents to their children and children to their parents.

    Latter-day Saints believe this prophecy refers to the restoration of sealing authority. They believe Elijah appeared in modern times to restore this authority, making eternal family relationships possible again.

    Turning of Hearts

    This “turning of hearts” is understood not merely as emotional reconciliation, but as covenant connection. Temple sealings bind families across generations, fulfilling this prophecy in a literal and eternal sense.

    Sealings and Jesus Christ

    Jesus Christ is the foundation of temple sealings. Latter-day Saints believe that without His atonement and resurrection, eternal relationships would be impossible.

    Death separates families. Christ overcomes death.

    Through His resurrection, Jesus Christ made it possible for relationships to continue beyond mortality. Sealings are effective because of His power—not because of human effort.

    Sealings do not replace Christ; they depend entirely on Him.

    Covenants and Faithfulness

    Temple sealings are conditional upon faithfulness. Latter-day Saints believe eternal family relationships are not automatic or guaranteed regardless of behavior.

    Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, obedience, and continued commitment to covenants matter deeply. Sealings invite individuals to live Christlike lives within family relationships.

    Grace and Mercy

    Latter-day Saints believe God’s grace makes allowance for human weakness. Eternal families are not built on perfection, but on repentance, forgiveness, and growth.

    God’s mercy works alongside justice, honoring agency while offering opportunity for healing and reconciliation.

    Sealings for the Living

    Temple sealings are often performed for living couples and families. When a man and woman are sealed in the temple, they commit not only to each other, but to God.

    This covenant encourages long-term commitment. Marriage is viewed not as a temporary arrangement, but as an eternal partnership designed to foster growth, service, and mutual support.

    Children born to sealed parents are believed to be born into the covenant, automatically connected to their parents eternally.

    Sealings for the Dead

    Temple sealings are also performed for deceased ancestors. Just as baptisms can be performed by proxy, sealings can extend eternal family relationships to those who lived and died without the opportunity to receive these ordinances in mortality.

    Latter-day Saints believe these ordinances do not force acceptance. Individuals who have died retain agency and may choose whether to accept or reject the sealing in the spirit world.

    This belief reflects a God who is fair, loving, and respectful of individual choice.

    The Role of Agency

    Agency is central to Latter-day Saint belief. Temple sealings do not override personal choice.

    Even sealed relationships depend on individual willingness to accept God’s plan. Eternal families are built through love, faith, and shared commitment—not compulsion.

    This emphasis on agency preserves moral responsibility and respects individual dignity.

    Sealings and Eternal Families

    The doctrine of eternal families shapes how Latter-day Saints view marriage, parenting, and relationships.

    Families are seen as central to God’s plan. Home life becomes a place of spiritual growth, service, and discipleship.

    This belief encourages patience, forgiveness, and long-term thinking. Challenges are viewed through an eternal lens rather than a temporary one.

    Comfort in Times of Loss

    One of the most meaningful aspects of temple sealings is the comfort they provide in times of death and separation.

    Latter-day Saints believe death does not permanently sever family relationships. Sealings offer hope that loved ones will be reunited and relationships restored.

    This belief provides emotional and spiritual comfort, especially during grief.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that sealings guarantee eternal family relationships regardless of behavior. Latter-day Saints believe faithfulness and agency matter deeply.

    Another misunderstanding is that sealings diminish individual salvation. In reality, Latter-day Saints believe personal faith in Jesus Christ is essential. Sealings do not replace individual accountability.

    Some assume sealings are exclusive or elitist. Latter-day Saints believe they are inclusive, extending opportunity to all people through proxy ordinances.

    Sealings and Christian Faith

    Temple sealings are sometimes misunderstood as being separate from Christianity. Latter-day Saints believe the opposite.

    They see sealings as an extension of Christ’s saving work. Jesus Christ is at the center of every covenant, ordinance, and eternal promise.

    Rather than competing with Christ, sealings testify of His power to save, unite, and redeem.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple sealings matter because they offer a vision of eternity grounded in love, responsibility, and hope.

    They encourage commitment within families, inspire reconciliation, and provide motivation to live Christlike lives.

    For Latter-day Saints, sealings reinforce the belief that relationships matter eternally and that God’s plan is deeply relational.

    A Broader View of Salvation

    This doctrine expands the understanding of salvation beyond individual reward. Salvation is not only about personal redemption, but about eternal relationships.

    God’s plan is communal, familial, and interconnected.

    Temple sealings reflect this expansive vision.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about eternal families, study the teachings of Jesus Christ, and seek understanding through prayer.

    They believe God reveals truth to sincere seekers and that His plan is one of hope, healing, and eternal connection.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Sealing
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Gospel Topics Essays – Marriage and Family
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org