What does it mean to be sealed in the temple? For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being sealed in the temple is one of the most sacred ordinances of the gospel. During a temple sealing, God joins families together through priesthood authority for this life and eternity.
To understand what it means to be sealed in the temple, it helps to first understand the sealing power. God gives this divine authority to His authorized servants so they can bind sacred covenants on earth that remain valid in heaven.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Sealed in the Temple?
The doctrine of temple sealing comes directly from scripture.
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Peter priesthood keys and said:
“Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Later, God gave the same sealing authority to the prophet Nephi. In Helaman 10:7, the Lord promised that He would honor everything Nephi sealed on earth.
Therefore, Latter-day Saints believe this priesthood authority allows God’s servants to create eternal covenants that continue beyond mortality.
What Happens During a Temple Sealing?
During a temple sealing, a husband and wife kneel across an altar in a temple sealing room. A temple sealer uses priesthood authority to unite the couple for time and all eternity.
Unlike a civil marriage that ends at death, a temple sealing promises an eternal family relationship when the couple faithfully keeps their covenants.
- Marriage for this life
- Marriage for eternity
Children born after their parents receive a temple sealing enter the covenant family at birth. Likewise, parents can later bring children born before the sealing to the temple so a sealer can unite the family eternally.
Why Is Being Sealed in the Temple Important?
According to Latter-day Saint doctrine, Heavenly Father’s plan centers on eternal families. Because of this, temple sealings allow husbands, wives, and children to remain together forever.
President Henry B. Eyring taught that every priesthood ordinance helps God’s children become eternal families through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
For this reason, members consider temple sealing one of the greatest blessings available in the restored gospel.
What Happens After You Are Sealed in the Temple?
Receiving a temple sealing marks the beginning of an eternal covenant instead of the end of the journey.
Afterward, faithful couples strive to:
- Keep their sacred covenants.
- Follow Jesus Christ every day.
- Strengthen their marriage and family.
- Prepare for eternal life together.
As a result, the promise of eternal families gives many members peace during life’s greatest challenges, including the loss of loved ones.
Can Families Seal Deceased Ancestors Together?
Yes. Temple sealing work also blesses deceased family members.
Church members perform proxy sealing ordinances for ancestors who never received these blessings during mortality. Consequently, family history work allows generations to connect through eternal covenants.
This doctrine reflects the belief that God lovingly provides every person an opportunity to receive essential ordinances.
Why Are Temple Sealings Sacred?
Temple sealings remain sacred because they include eternal promises made through God’s priesthood authority.
Inside the temple, family members gather in a peaceful setting to witness a covenant that can last forever. Furthermore, many members describe these ordinances as deeply spiritual experiences that strengthen their testimony of eternal families.
The Blessing of Being Sealed in the Temple
What does it mean to be sealed in the temple? It means entering an eternal covenant through the restored priesthood of Jesus Christ. Through temple sealings, God unites husbands and wives, connects children to parents, and links generations together forever.
Ultimately, the doctrine of temple sealing teaches that faithful families can live together eternally through Jesus Christ and His restored priesthood authority.
