“What difference does a temple marriage make in this life?”

Answer/Brother Dean Jarman

It has been said many times that the most important thing a person does in life is to worthily marry the right person, at the right time, and in the right place, which is, of course, in a temple of the Lord. One of the central purposes of life is to organize one’s own little kingdom on earth by the authority of the priesthood. Life’s purpose is not simply fulfilled by any kind of marriage. It must be the right kind of marriage. The scriptures teach the absolute necessity of temple marriage in order to reach the highest degree of the celestial kingdom.

We read in the Doctrine and Covenants:

“In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

“And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

“And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

“He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.” (D&C 131:1–4.)

We also read of the promises given to those who worthily marry and who honor their covenants in the temple:

“Ye … shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths … and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.” (D&C 132:9.)

Having thus stated the importance of temple marriage, many reasons can be noted as to the difference such a marriage makes in this life. Three major areas will be considered: preparation for marriage, the marriage ceremony, and marriage itself.

Preparation for Marriage

As individuals prepare for temple marriage, they are taught early in life the standards of worthiness that are prerequisite for entering a temple. Through the growing years, the dating years, and the courtship period, the determination to qualify for temple marriage serves as a motivation to protect virtue and to avoid any improper use of the sacred power of creation. With eyes fixed on the temple, it is easier to make decisions to live a higher standard than that accepted by the world. Young men and women accept full Church participation as a norm. Young men are taught that part of their preparation for temple marriage includes full-time missionary service. Young ladies are taught to develop their domestic skills and to select a marriage partner from those who honor their priesthood.

Because of the seriousness of selecting an eternal companion, inspiration should and usually does become a part of the decision-making process. A couple preparing for eternal marriage ponder more seriously if their love is the right quality to establish a celestial union. Prior to marriage the couple have several opportunities to receive counsel and guidance from their parents, bishops, and stake presidents. The couple not only receive direction as to worthiness, but they also receive counsel on the importance of commencing a family, of raising a righteous posterity, and of establishing a priesthood-directed home.

In short, the couple who are preparing for temple marriage have opportunities for a more thorough preparation. Their goal is not only marriage, but also to receive the blessings of the temple and to lay the foundation for eternal association.

The Marriage Ceremony

I cannot think of any better way to commence marriage than to have the assurance in your heart that your course of action has the approval of God. To be in the temple and to have that assurance provides a powerful foundation on which to establish the marriage relationship. Nothing surpasses the simple beauty of a sealing room. There a couple kneels, not as a bride and a groom, but as a son and a daughter of God who have made some solemn covenants of obedience and dedication. As the young lady is sealed to her husband, she has the assurance that he has pledged himself to walk in the ways of the Lord. The young man is impressed with the responsibility that is his to preside in righteousness. The couple appreciates that their union is not just with each other, but also with the Lord. Words cannot describe the feelings of joy and enlightenment that occur in the life of each properly-prepared couple that kneels at the altar. In this experience alone, temple marriage makes such a difference in this life.

Married Life

The hope of eternal life with loved ones continues to be a rich source of joy and encouragement through the years. Parents who have had spiritual temple experiences will try to teach and to motivate their children toward those same blessings.

As challenges arise in married life, what comfort to recall the experiences and feelings associated with your own marriage! We are also promised continued assurances of hope and peace as we live according to our sacred covenants.

The opportunities to return to the temple, to witness other marriages, and to participate in endowment sessions all serve as restraints against yielding to the enticements and temptations of the adversary. The perspective of the temple helps one to keep his eyes fixed on eternity while trying to resolve the problems of mortal living.

In summary, I would say to young people everywhere that every effort to know the Lord, every restraint against temptation, every worthy act, every decision to date properly, every choice to associate with young people with high ideals, and every prayer to make proper mate selection will someday be rewarded manyfold in the house of the Lord. You will live to know that every effort you have made has been worth it.

• Former member Young Men General Board