The marriage covenant, however, specifies: "Until death you part" and I believe that the marital bond will not continue beyond this life unless it is performed by one who has the authority given to Peter by Christ. 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." (Matthew 16:19) I believe that by revelation through modern day prophets, we now understand that this statement had reference to binding couples in an eternal marriage. I believe that these "keys of the kingdom of heaven" have been restored as part of the restoration of the gospel promised prior to the Second Coming of Christ (see Acts 3:19-21). Holy Temples such as were part of ancient worship are included in that "restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:21) These temples have been and are being built around the world (currently 119 operating) so those who accept the restored gospel may enter into this eternal covenant of marriage.

I would count as the greatest blessing of my life, the opportunity I have had to be bound or sealed to my beloved wife, Debbie, for time and all eternity. The promises of our "temple marriage" include having our children bound to us as an eternal family unit along with the blessings of Eternal Life (meaning life with our Heavenly Father) and Exaltation (which means becoming a true "...heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). I realize this sounds to many like an exclusive opportunity, but I would emphasize that all of the human race will have had or will yet have the opportunity to make the choices that would lead them into this sacred covenant, whether in this life, or in the hereafter. I believe that it is part of what Christ was referring to when in The Sermon on the Mount he said, "...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14) "Life", as it is used in this passage has a more specific meaning than what the Christian world believes to be Heaven. It has to do with the blessings offered by the keys given to Peter, and the reason so few will find it is because they are satisfied with the traditional Christian interpretations and are not open to it. It is not different than ancient times. The populous has always had a hard time accepting the living prophets.

Let me emphasize again, that I am not talking about being with loved ones in the life beyond, but of "life" that our Father in Heaven offers to those who truly accept and follow the Lord, Jesus Christ even though it may not conform to the Christian traditions and interpretations that have evolved over the last two millenniums since Christ and the ancient Apostles and Prophets were all killed.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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