Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Seventy

The Temple and The Family, A Proclamation to the World

Importance of The Family: A Proclamation to the World (hereafter Family Proclamation) – Recently President Dallin H. Oaks gave great emphasis to the Family Proclamation as an essential part of the plan of salvation.  He said:  “Our goal in our mortal lives and the path we should follow to prevail are given in the plan of salvation and, more recently, in The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (Stand for Truth, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, May 21, 2023, emphasis added).  The Family Proclamation begins: “The First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles acting unitedly in their role as prophets, seers, and revelators solemnly proclaim [the teachings of the Family Proclamation].”  This opening statement reminds us that the Family Proclamation is the will of the Lord and is like unto scripture.
 

The Family: A Proclamation to the World (hereafter Family Proclamation) was announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley, almost 28 years ago, on September 23, 1995.  At that time many of the issues the Family Proclamation addressed were not so front and center as they are today.  The Family Proclamation is a wonderful example of how the Lord takes steps to prepare the world, well in advance, for the challenges that we will face.

The Temple – Those familiar with the temple will recognize that the temple reaffirms and amplifies the truths found in The Family Proclamation.  These truths include, but are not limited to, the following:

-        “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”  The essential doctrines of marriage and family are later repeated to reemphasize them: “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”

-        “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.”

-        “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”

-        “The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

-        “The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.”

-        “We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.”

-        “We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.”

-        “Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.”

Conclusion and Testimony – It is readily apparent that the truths taught in the Family Proclamation and reaffirmed in the temple are contrary to the ways of the world.  Furthermore, the opposition of the world to the traditional family, comprised of a husband/father and a wife/mother who focus on their children, is getting stronger.  It is also clear that as the traditional family disintegrates the calamities prophesied in the Family Proclamation are taking place worldwide at an accelerating rate.

The only real hope and best course forward is for individuals and families to embrace the teachings of the Family Proclamation and the Temple.  If we do this we will receive the Lord’s blessings, protection, and guidance that is promised to those who keep the commandments of God.