Why Mormons

Tag: Sacred Covenants

  • 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

  • Why Do Mormons Wear Temple Garments?

    Why Do Mormons Wear Temple Garments?

    For many people who encounter members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the first time, one of the most misunderstood aspects of their faith is the practice of wearing temple garments. Questions often arise: Why do Mormons wear temple garments? What do they represent? Are they required? And what meaning do they hold in everyday life?

    For Latter-day Saints, temple garments are not about superstition, secrecy, or outward display. They are sacred religious clothing worn privately as a reminder of covenants made with God. The garment does not replace faith in Jesus Christ, nor does it possess magical or supernatural power. Instead, it serves as a constant, personal reminder of a commitment to follow Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings.

    In a world where religious belief is often confined to specific times or places, Latter-day Saints believe discipleship should shape daily life. The temple garment reflects this belief by helping individuals carry their faith with them in ordinary moments—at work, at home, and in private decisions that define character and devotion.

    Understanding why Mormons wear temple garments requires understanding how they view covenants, discipleship, personal holiness, and the role of Jesus Christ in everyday life.

    What Are Temple Garments?

    Temple garments are simple, modest underclothing worn by adult members of the Church who have participated in specific temple ordinances. They are worn beneath regular clothing and are not intended to be seen or discussed casually. Their purpose is deeply personal rather than public.

    The garment is received in the temple and is associated with sacred covenants made with God. While the garment itself is physical clothing, its meaning is spiritual. Latter-day Saints do not believe holiness comes from fabric, but from a heart committed to God and a life aligned with Jesus Christ.

    The garment is not worn as a uniform or badge of identity. Many people who interact daily with Latter-day Saints may never know whether someone wears the garment, because it is intentionally private.

    A Symbol of Covenants

    At its core, the temple garment symbolizes covenants—solemn promises between God and an individual. These covenants include commitments to live moral lives, practice honesty, show compassion, and follow Jesus Christ.

    For Latter-day Saints, covenants are not casual promises. They represent a sacred relationship with God, entered willingly and thoughtfully. The garment serves as a physical reminder of these promises, reinforcing spiritual accountability.

    Personal and Private

    Because of its sacred nature, the garment is treated with reverence. Discussion of it is generally respectful and limited. Latter-day Saints view it as a personal expression of faith rather than something to be debated or displayed publicly.

    This privacy reflects the belief that some aspects of religious life are meant to be lived quietly and sincerely, without performance or external validation.

    Covenants and the Latter-day Saint View of Discipleship

    To understand temple garments, it is essential to understand the role of covenants in Latter-day Saint belief.

    A covenant is more than a religious obligation. It is a mutual promise between God and an individual, involving commitment, trust, and divine grace. Latter-day Saints believe covenants help structure a life of discipleship by providing spiritual direction and purpose.

    Wearing the garment does not make someone righteous. Rather, it reminds the wearer of the path they have chosen—a path centered on Jesus Christ.

    Latter-day Saints believe discipleship is lived daily, not only during worship services. The garment supports this belief by encouraging consistency between belief and behavior.

    Biblical and Historical Precedents

    Latter-day Saints see the temple garment as part of a broader biblical tradition of sacred clothing associated with worship and devotion to God.

    In the Old Testament, priests were commanded to wear holy garments when serving in sacred roles. These garments symbolized purity, dedication, and divine calling. They were not believed to possess power on their own, but served as reminders of sacred responsibility.

    Scripture frequently uses clothing as a metaphor for spiritual condition. Phrases such as “putting on righteousness” or being “clothed in salvation” reflect the symbolic role clothing plays in religious language.

    Latter-day Saints believe the temple garment fits within this symbolic tradition, pointing not to outward appearance, but to inward commitment.

    Clothing as a Symbol of Holiness

    Throughout scripture, clothing represents identity, belonging, and transformation. Latter-day Saints believe that wearing the garment reinforces awareness of one’s spiritual identity as a follower of Jesus Christ.

    Just as wedding rings symbolize marital commitment, the garment symbolizes a covenant relationship with God—personal, sacred, and enduring.

    Purpose of Wearing the Garment

    The primary purpose of wearing the temple garment is spiritual remembrance. It serves as a daily reminder of faith, commitment, and identity.

    Latter-day Saints believe that spiritual growth happens not only in dramatic moments, but in everyday choices. The garment quietly reinforces values such as modesty, self-discipline, humility, and devotion to Christ.

    The garment does not dictate behavior, but it encourages mindfulness. It invites the wearer to pause and consider how their actions align with their covenants.

    A Reminder, Not a Guarantee

    A critical point in understanding temple garments is recognizing what they are not. Latter-day Saints do not believe the garment protects from physical harm, guarantees blessings, or replaces moral responsibility.

    Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, obedience, and grace are central. The garment supports faith; it does not replace it.

    Spiritual Awareness

    Many Latter-day Saints describe the garment as helping them remain spiritually aware throughout the day. In moments of temptation, stress, or decision-making, the garment can serve as a quiet reminder of higher priorities and eternal perspective.

    This awareness is personal and varies from individual to individual, but the underlying purpose remains the same: to encourage faithful living.

    The Garment and Modesty

    Modesty is an important value in Latter-day Saint belief, though it is often misunderstood. Modesty is not simply about clothing length or style, but about respect for oneself, others, and God.

    The garment supports modesty by encouraging thoughtful choices in dress and behavior. It promotes the idea that the body is sacred and deserving of respect.

    For Latter-day Saints, modesty is not about judgment or control, but about discipleship and self-respect rooted in faith.

    The Garment and Grace

    Another common misunderstanding is that wearing the garment replaces grace or earns salvation. Latter-day Saints firmly believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.

    The garment does not save. Jesus Christ saves.

    The garment is a reminder of covenants made possible by Christ’s atonement. It reflects gratitude, not self-righteousness. Wearing it is an expression of faith in Christ, not a substitute for Him.

    Common Misunderstandings

    One widespread misconception is that Latter-day Saints believe the garment has magical or supernatural power. In reality, it holds meaning only insofar as the wearer honors the covenants it represents.

    Another misunderstanding is that the garment is worn to display religious superiority. Because it is worn privately, it is not intended as a public signal of belief.

    Some also assume the garment is worn at all times without exception. In reality, Latter-day Saints approach its use with reverence and practical wisdom, recognizing health, safety, and situational considerations.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Temple garments help Latter-day Saints integrate faith into daily life. Rather than separating religion from ordinary activities, the garment symbolizes consistency between belief and behavior.

    For believers, it represents devotion, humility, and a desire to follow Jesus Christ not only in words, but in daily actions.

    In a world where faith can easily become compartmentalized, the garment encourages wholeness—living the gospel in private moments as well as public ones.

    Personal Agency and Choice

    Importantly, wearing the temple garment is a personal choice. It is connected to temple participation and covenant making, both of which are entered voluntarily.

    Latter-day Saints believe agency is central to God’s plan. The garment is meaningful only when worn with understanding and sincere intent.

    The Garment and Modern Life

    In modern society, where values often shift rapidly, the garment serves as a stabilizing influence for many believers. It reminds them of enduring principles amid changing cultural norms.

    This does not mean Latter-day Saints reject the modern world. Rather, they seek to live in it with purpose, guided by eternal values.

    Why Temple Garments Are Often Misunderstood

    Because temple garments are private and sacred, misinformation can easily arise. Popular culture, stereotypes, and incomplete explanations often distort their meaning.

    Latter-day Saints emphasize that understanding comes best through respectful dialogue and learning, rather than assumptions.

    Why This Belief Matters Spiritually

    Ultimately, temple garments matter because they reflect a desire to follow Jesus Christ more fully. They symbolize commitment, covenant, and discipleship.

    For Latter-day Saints, wearing the garment is not about obligation, but about devotion. It is a quiet expression of faith lived day by day.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about their beliefs with openness and curiosity. They believe sincere questions lead to greater understanding and respect.

    They also believe that following Jesus Christ is a personal journey, guided by faith, prayer, and love.

    Sources

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

    Gospel Topics Essays – Temple Worship
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org