Gospel Principles
Unit 8: Family Salvation
Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage
Concept 3: Eternal Marriage Must Be Performed by Proper Authority in the Temple
"An eternal marriage must be performed by one who holds the sealing power. The Lord promised, "If a man marry a wife by ... the new and everlasting ... by him who is anointed, ... it ... shall be of full force when they are out of the world" (D&C 132:19).
Not only must an eternal marriage be performed by the proper priesthood authority, but it must also be done in one of the holy temples of our Lord. The temple is the only place this holy ordinance can be performed.
In the temple, Latter-day Saint couples kneel at one of the sacred altars in the presence of their family and friends and two special witnesses. They make their marriage covenants before God. They are pronounced husband and wife for time and all eternity. This is done by one who holds the holy priesthood of God and has been given the authority to perform this sacred ordinance. He acts under the direction of the Lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive these blessings. He reminds them that all blessings depend on obedience to the laws of God.
If we are married by any authority other than by the priesthood in a temple, the marriage is for this life only. After death, the marriage partners have no claim on each other or on their children. An eternal marriage gives us the opportunity to continue as families after this life.
Discussion
Who has the authority to perform an eternal marriage? Why must it be performed in the temple?"