Marriage in Heaven: Understanding the LDS Perspective

The concept of marriage in heaven is an important topic within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church. However, it is essential to understand that different people and sources can present varying interpretations of these beliefs. What follows is an overview of how the church teaches about marriage in heaven, based on the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Introduction to LDS Beliefs

There is no singular Mormon belief as there is no Mormon Church in the traditional sense. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that it holds the true keys of the kingdom, i.e., the Priesthood, through Christ, Peter, James, and John. This Baptism of the Holy Spirit provides them with the power to bind on earth and have that binding recognized in heaven. Therefore, a marriage sealed under the proper authority in this life will last forever in the next life.

Biblical and Temporal Perspectives

The Bible does not explicitly mention marriages in heaven. The Book of John 3:33 emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. However, Latter-day Saints interpret this knowledge through the lens of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The belief is that marriages endure and exist in the next life for those who have entered into eternal covenants and remained faithful to them.

Eternal Marriage and Sealing Power

According to the restored gospel, an eternal marriage requires the proper sealing power. As recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 132:19, If a man marries a wife by … the new and everlasting covenant … by him who is anointed … and if [they] abide in [the Lord’s] covenant … it … shall be of full force when they are out of the world. This means that eternal marriages are performed by those who hold the sealing power and are done in one of the holy temples of God.

The Temple and Ordinance Work

The temple is the holy place where eternal marriages are performed. In the temple, couples make their covenants before God and receive blessings that can last for eternity. These blessings include the opportunity to continue as families after death. It is vital to understand that the Lord has stated that no marriages shall be performed in heaven but that they must be done in the flesh, hence the necessity of temples and ordinance work by proxy for those who have passed away without these blessings.

Benefits of Eternal Marriage

Marriage in heaven provides several benefits both in this life and the next. Marriage for eternity instills a sense of permanence in the hearts of couples, knowing that their marriage can last forever. It also emphasizes the importance of continued family relationships in the afterlife. Additionally, those who enter into eternal marriages in God’s ordained way are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on their marriage as long as they remain worthy.

Conclusion

Understanding the LDS perspective on marriage in heaven is essential for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this belief. While the concept may seem complex, it is rooted in the teachings of Christ and a deep respect for His doctrines and commandments.