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This is a very important question, because everyone wants to believe that they
will be with their loved ones after this life. From what I have heard
and read concerning the accounts of thousands who have had near death
experiences, we know that when the spirit departs the body, it is goes to
a place of love and joy (except for the wicked who seem to be drawn into a
place of fear and sorrow). Many times, these accounts include being warmly
greeted by family and loved ones. I have no doubt that these
relationships will continue into the next life regardless of one's religion.
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 sealed to my wife, Debbie, for time and all
eternity. The promises of our "temple marriage" include having our children sealed 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 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's used in this passage, has a more specific meaning than what the 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 traditional Christian interpretations. It is not different than ancient times. People have 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 traditions and interpretations that have evolved
over the last two millenniums since Christ and the ancient Apostles and Prophets were all killed.
Thanks for such an interesting question.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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