Lessons on the Plan of Salvation
Lesson No. Eighteen

The Earth was Created that Families Might Be

Marriage and the eternal family is central to creation and the entire plan of salvation – President Russell M. Nelson said it so well:  “Grand as the creation is it is only part of something even grander – Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be.  Scriptures explain that a husband and wife ‘shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation’ (D&C 49: 16)” Hope in Our Hearts, p 54).

Eternal families are created, organized, and sealed in the temple – In the temple we are taught about the creation, the fall, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.  We are given all that is necessary for us to be successful in our mortal journey on the earth so we can return to our Heavenly Parents and become like Them.

Larry and Susan Lunt Family - Laie Hawaii Temple 1988

The ordinance that creates, organizes, and seals eternal families is performed only in the temple.  This is the most important ordinance that we receive while we live on this earth.  Everything we do in the Church and everything we do in the temple is in preparation for and in anticipation of this ordinance.

The creation of eternal families protects the earth – This doctrine was taught to Joseph Smith when he was first told of the Book of Mormon.  At that time Moroni also spoke of the restoration of the priesthood keys that seal families for time and all eternity:  “Behold, I will reveal unto you the priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.  If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming” (D&C 2:1-3).

If it were not for the sealing power that creates eternal families “the whole earth would be utterly wasted” and its creation would be for naught.  If eternal families were not being organized in temples throughout the earth the reason and purpose of the entire plan of salvation would be frustrated.  The culmination of our Heavenly Father’s work is celestial marriage and eternal families.  Eternal families will continue to be organized in temples throughout the earth, and nothing will frustrate or stop it.

At a time when marriage and family are less important to many people, I testify that great blessings are given to those true to their families and to the covenant of eternal marriage –    

  • Our heart turns to our spouse and to our family in every righteous way
  • Our capacity to deeply love our spouse and our family is ever increasing
  • Our heart also turns to our ancestors and we understand the importance of family history
  • We are endowed with power from on high as the Lord has promised.  (See D&C 38:32)
  • We receive the key of the knowledge of God.  (See D&C 84:19)  We learn how we can be like Him.  Even the power of godliness will be manifested in our lives.  (See D&C 84:20)

(See Ezra Taft Benson, What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple, Ensign, August 1985)