I certainly understand your feelings of why you would interpret our beliefs to be arrogant. If I didn't know what I know, I too would think the LDS philosophy on marriage would be arrogant. Your observation that eternal marriage is not a true principle because certain individuals may or may not be partakers of it, seems reasonable on the surface, but if you attempt to see the entire picture and understand the Plan of Salvation of our Father in Heaven, you may come to a different conclusion.

I believe that the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage, which is only performed in Temples is by far the greatest opportunity in this life. This blessing is or will be available to every single person who has ever lived or who will ever live on this earth.

The scriptural references to the eternal binding of families in temples are not clearly understood in and of themselves, but because of the restoration of the gospel and the great blessing of the revelations that accompanied that restoration, they now make sense. One such scripture is in Matthew 16:19 where Jesus said to Peter "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." In Ephesians 1:10 Paul writes, "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The Lord spoke to a "latter-day" prophet, Joseph Smith and others as they restored the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In one passage, he refers to the subjects of both of the two New Testament scriptures above. Of this revelation, Joseph wrote, "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fullness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 27:12 - 13)

In other instructions from the Lord, it has been made known that these "Keys of the Kingdom" which have been referred to in the scriptures and "binding on earth that which will be bound in Heaven" have reference to this "Temple Marriage" an opportunity that is a part of the fullness of times promised in the scriptures.

The mere fact that someone isn't aware of things that have taken place regarding the restoration, or if they are aware and they reject it, doesn't mean that it hasn't happened. You see, everyone is invited to seek, ask and knock and the Lord promised they will receive the knowledge they need in order to partake of all of the opportunities that the Lord offers in his gospel. As I have the conviction that these things are of Christ and attribute them to him, I would never agree that any part of it is arrogant or wrong.

Again, thanks for being so direct and I hope its okay with you that I was a little direct in my answer.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


See related multimedia presentations