Lessons on the Plan of Salvation
Lesson No. Forty-Seven

The Blessings of Celestial Marriage

President Thomas S. Monson, who has been President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the past ten years, passed away on January 2, 2018.  Those who commented on President Monson’s passing often observed how joyous his reunion would be with his wife, Frances, who passed on five years before. 

In his first conference address after Sister Monson’s passing President Monson said:  “Of utmost comfort to me during this tender time of parting have been my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have that my dear Frances lives still.  I know that our separation is temporary.  We were sealed in the house of God by one having authority to bind on earth and in heaven.  I know that we will be reunited one day and will never again be separated.  This is the knowledge that sustains me” (Ensign, November 2013).

Participating in sealing ordinances is the best marriage therapy – President Monson, in the April 2011 General Conference, told of when he was a young bishop and a couple in his ward was having marital difficulties.  He went with them to witness a temple marriage.  There they were reminded of the covenants and blessings of celestial marriage.  This experience gave them motivation to make their marriage successful.  (See Priesthood Power, Ensign, May 2011) 

When I perform a temple marriage I often remind the couple, and the others in attendance, that “in the ordinances [of the priesthood], the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20).  This is true with all ordinances of the priesthood, but it is especially true with the marriage ordinance.  There is power in the words of this ordinance which we repeatedly hear when participate in temple sealings.  Even if a couple has been married fifty years, as Sue and I have, and have a wonderful marriage, as Sue and I have, we need to participate in the sealing ordinances of the temple to be reminded of the great promises we have received.  

Celestial marriage is the ordinance of exaltation – It is the crowning blessing of the temple and the culminating ordinance of the gospel.  All other ordinances prepare us for this ordinance. 

"In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.  He may enter not the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase" (D&C 131:1-4).   One of the marvelous aspects of the gospel is that all ordinances and blessings of the gospel will be given to all worthy and desirous people whether in this life or the next.

The ordinance of celestial marriage was restored by Elias and is made eternal by the sealing power restored by Elijah.  (See D&C 110:12-16)  If we are true and faithful, this ordinance creates an eternal family, a new kingdom of God, which will endure throughout eternity.  This new kingdom will be presided over by a husband and father and nurtured by a wife and mother.  These responsibilities will continue in the celestial kingdom.

The patriarchal order of the priesthood is the organizing power of celestial family life – Our Father, himself, has organized his family and lives according to this principle.  The highest blessings of the priesthood, found in the patriarchal order, can only be received by a husband and wife together where each partner enjoys the same blessings, privileges, and opportunities.

The patriarchal order was first established on this earth when our Heavenly Father sealed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden in this order of the priesthood.  The account reads:  “And I, God, blessed them (sealed them according to the Patriarchal order of the priesthood), and said unto them:  Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Moses 2:28, see also Abraham 4:28).  Adam and Eve set the example for all of their mortal posterity by being sealed in the patriarchal order of the priesthood and by raising children, thereby starting an eternal family.

The promise of exaltation and eternal increase are given to faithful couples in the ordinance of celestial marriage – The promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3; 26:3-4; 28:13-14), and to Joseph Smith (D&C 110:12) are known as the Abrahamic Covenant.  As the seed of Abraham we have the right to the same blessings.  (See Abraham 2:11) 

“Abraham entered into celestial marriage (which is the covenant of exaltation), gaining assurance thereby that he would have eternal increase.  Finally he received a promise that all of these blessings would be offered to all of his mortal posterity....

“The portions of the covenant that pertain to personal salvation and eternal increase are renewed with each individual who receives the ordinance of celestial marriage (D&C 132:29-33)" (Bible Dictionary, Abraham, Covenant of, p 602).