What happens in a Latter-day Saint temple sealing?
This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
Eternal Promises
To the Latter-day Saints, a temple sealing is one of the most meaningful promises that is made.
Unlike many other religions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that marriage is eternal. This differs dramatically from the common wedding vow, “until death do us part.”
In the Latter-day Saint temples, promises are made between the marrying couple and God. Through restored priesthood power, in this ceremony the couple is “sealed” and promise that they will continue to be a family unit forever, thus binding the husband and wife, and children with their parents, for all eternity. It is known as a “sealing” because it “seals” families together for this life, and forever.
Did you know?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prefer not to be called “Mormons” anymore. The term “Mormon” is a nickname comes from a book of scripture called “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Learn more.
The word Mormon is fine to use in proper names, like the Book of Mormon, or in historical expressions like the Mormon Trail. But we ask that you refer to us as “Latter-day Saints” or “members of the Church of Jesus Christ.”
Who can Participate?
Only recommended members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are able to participate in these weddings, while it is a common practice for these couples to also participate in a civil marriage for their family that cannot attend the temple sealing.
Only Latter-day Saints are allowed to enter due to the sacredness of the ceremony.
Baptisms for Our Ancestors
This sealing ceremony is also performed for ancestors that have already passed. Volunteers in the temple act as a proxy, and seals their family together, giving them the opportunity to accept or decline these promises.
There are thousands of temple sealings that take place in the Mesa Temple every year.
Temple sealings are beautiful ceremonies that unite families for all of the eternities. It allows members of the Church to celebrate an endless life with those that they love. This ceremony is one of the most sacred that takes place within the temple and is cherished among Latter-day Saints.
