1843–1846

Eternal Marriage and Families

Sealed by the power of Jesus Christ

When Emma and Joseph got married, they believed their marriage would end when they died. This was how all marriages were. But then the Lord told Joseph that marriages and families could last forever.

Saints, 1:413

The Lord taught Joseph about eternal marriage. Through the power of the priesthood, a man and a woman can make a covenant with the Lord. If they keep their covenant, the Lord promises that their marriage will last forever. This is called being sealed. Soon, Joseph and Emma were sealed for eternity.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 19–24; Saints, 1:413, 432–33, 481–82, 492, 502–3

Joseph also learned that when a man and woman are sealed, their children would be sealed to them. Because of the power of Jesus Christ, their family could last forever. When Joseph told the Saints about this blessing, they were so happy! They could not wait to be sealed together.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:2; 132:6–7; Saints, 1:492–93, 580

The Lord later taught that sealings should be done in the temple. The Saints worked hard to finish the temple in Nauvoo so they could be sealed together. When the temple was ready, many families were sealed. They were even sealed to family members who had died. They were thankful for this blessing!

Saints, 1:579–80