Eternal marriage

3 min read

During the last general conference, Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared an inspiring message. He reminded us how wonderful it is to keep our marriage vows and how this brings us eternal blessings .

Fulfilling the marriage covenant brings blessings

Elder Carpenter, a General Authority Seventy, teaches that those who make and keep covenants with God will see those blessings extend beyond this life and be sealed upon them forever.

To be exalted to the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, we must enter into marriage with the proper authority and then be faithful to the covenants made in that marriage.

This eternal marriage covenant includes a lateral bond between husband and wife, and a vertical bond with God.

To get closer to your spouse

“In order to maintain the lateral bond with our spouse, God has counseled us: 'Thou shalt love thy wife [or husband] with all thy heart, and thou shalt cleave unto her [or him] and no other [or him],” Elder Carpenter quotes.

But what does it really mean to draw closer to your spouse? Elder Carpenter explains:

“For those who are married, getting close to her or him and no one else means that they deliberate in council with love, that they love and care for each other, that they prioritize time with their spouse over other interests, and that they turn to God to help them overcome their weaknesses.”

And Elder Carpenter makes a clarification: 

"It also means no emotional intimacy or sexual relations of any kind outside of your marriage, including flirting or dating, and no pornography, which breeds lust."

Is there hope if they have not kept their temple covenants?

As Elder Carpenter responds:

“Yes! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a Gospel of hope. That hope comes through Jesus Christ with sincere repentance and obediently following His teachings.

I have seen people make serious mistakes, breaking sacred covenants. I regularly see that those who sincerely repent are forgiven and return to the covenant path.

If you have broken your temple covenants, I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ, consult with your bishop, repent, and open your soul to the immense healing power available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

To read Elder Carpenter's full message, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/34carpenter?lang=eng visit

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