Vanhin

It is interesting that the family proclamation uses the same wording "heavenly parents" (see my post above). I guess it's not completely beyond reason that he would be the Father of the spirits of all mankind, like Adam is the father of the mortal human race on this earth. However, based on the scriptures, we should reverence God the Father, as the literal father of our spirits. He is Heavenly Father after all, and if there is more to it, then we must wait until we receive further light and knowledge from him on the matter. Rest assured, however, that we have a heavenly mother. Though that is the extent of our knowledge, it is certainly a principle of this Church. Sincerely, Vanhin

Here's a quote from the proclamation on the family: All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. (LDS.org - Liahona Article - The Family: A Proclamation to the World) And here's from the scriptures. The new and everlasting covenant of marriage is given to: "...multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified." (D&C 132:63) Both of those quotes from official sources. So, not such a wacky idea after all. Anyway, something to think about. Regards, Vanhin

For those of you who have not yet, I would recommend that you read the 1st Epistle of Clement. It is believed by most scholars that it's author is in fact the same Clement mentioned by Paul as his associate (see Philippians 4). It was written "in the name of Church" some time between AD 68-97. I know the Catholic Church holds Clement to be the 4th Bishop or Pope of Rome. To me, the doctrine he teaches in this Epistle seems to be in harmony with the doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and has maintained a plain and precious tone about it. It covers many topics near and dear to the hearts of Latter-day Saints and is akin to the clarity of the Book of Mormon in it's message. An interesting aspect of the epistle is the author's use of the Old Testament to teach principles of the New Covenant and of Christ, much like Latter-day Saints do. This totally makes sense, since the New Testament, as we know it, was not yet standardized into the Bible at that point. It is a great testament to the authenticity of the Old Testament as witness of Christ, or the Messiah. Another interesting aspect is the evidence it provides of the looming apostasy that the Church was facing, and the need for the Church to continue to combat pride and envy, and to call the members to repentance. Here is LDS doctrine of what grace the Atonement of Christ affords us, as taught by Clement to the Corinthians: These things, beloved, we write unto you, not merely to admonish you of your duty, but also to remind ourselves. For we are struggling on the same arena, and the same conflict is assigned to both of us. Wherefore let us give up vain and fruitless cares, and approach to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us attend to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the sight of Him who formed us. Let us look stedfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him. Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the Ninevites; but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they were aliens [to the covenant] of God. (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: Chapter VII) The ministers of the grace of God have, by the Holy Spirit, spoken of repentance; and the Lord of all things has himself declared with an oath regarding it, “As I live, saith the Lord, I desire not the death of the sinner, but rather his repentance;” adding, moreover, this gracious declaration, “Repent, O house of Israel, of your iniquity.” Say to the children of my people, Though your sins reach from earth to heaven, and though they be redder than scarlet, and blacker than sack-cloth, yet if ye turn to me with your whole heart, and say, Father! I will listen to you, as to a holy people. And in another place He speaks thus: “Wash you and become clean; put away the wickedness of your souls from before mine eyes; cease from your evil ways, and learn to do well; seek out judgment, deliver the oppressed, judge the fatherless, and see that justice is done to the widow; and come, and let us reason together. He declares, Though your sins be like crimson, I will make them white as snow; though they be like scarlet, I will whiten them like wool. And if ye be willing and obey me, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse, and will not hearken unto me, the sword shall devour you, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken these things.” Desiring, therefore, that all His beloved should be partakers of repentance, He has, by His almighty will, established [these declarations]. (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: Chapter VIII) I find absolutely nothing out of harmony with our theology here. Indeed, Clement teaches that the atonement makes it possible for us to repent, and that God requires us to rely upon the merits of Christ, by repenting, in order for us to partakers of salvation. I love this quote: Let us look stedfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. It reminds me of the clarity that Nephi gives to this topic in the Book of Mormon: And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31) Anyway, I find it extremely interesting. Feel free to check it out and share any insigth you may have on 1st Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Here's the link to the full text. Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Regards, Vanhin

DigitalShadow, No I got it, and I agree with you about the Old Testament. We clearly don't offer animal sacrifices to God any more either. I guess I was just taking the opportunity to reinforce the concept of living prophets and continuing revelation. It is clear that some principles are unchangeable. Murder, for instance, has been, and ever will be abominable to God. Living the Law of Chastity has been reinforced in every time and dispensation as an unchangeable principle of righteousness, and true disciples of Christ receive it by way of covenant. I guess it just highlights the need for living prophets to keep us in the know, or we might abandon truths that are vital to our salvation. That would pretty much describe a major characteristic of general apostasy. Regards, Vanhin

God Hates Shrimp is ineffective against Latter-day Saints. We believe in living prophets, and continuing revelation. We also believe that certain instructions pertain to certain periods of time or dispensations. The Law of Chastity, is an example of eternal truth and homosexual association and activity will never be acceptable to God. (Guide to the Scriptures: Homosexuality) I do intend to keep the word of God. Thank goodness we have a living prophet so that we can have God's word concerning the things we should consume and not consume in our day. We also eat pork and all kinds of food previously prohibited. Through a modern prophet, for instance, we have been warned against consuming certain substances because of the "...evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days...". We call this the Word of Wisdom (See D&C 89:4). However, God, through his prophet, continues to warn us about violating the Law of Chastity, which violation includes all acts of sexual immorality. Not only acts, but dwelling upon immoral thoughts and desires is also sin (Matt. 5:27-28). The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife... ...The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.... ...We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) Sincerely, Vanhin

NormalMormon, And for the record I'm not angry at you either... What's there to be angry about anyway? I'll admit it. I have been conditioned to believe what I believe. Whenever I was younger, I left the Church for a while, and got into somethings that were difficult for me to get out of. I finally hit rock bottom, and decided to change my life. However, it was easier said than done. Try as I might, I could not save myself from my situation. I began reading the scriptures again, especially the Book of Mormon, and praying. My prayers we pleadings, and I would beg God for help. Over time, and after many failures, I realized that as I was obedient to even the least of the commandments, God would bless me with strength and understanding. My mind was enlightened, and I felt the Spirit back in my life more fully. On one eventful evening, I made a promise to God, that if he would spare me, and take away my addictions and forgive me of my sins, I would forsake them. I went to bed that night, and woke up the next morning delivered from bondage. I have kept my end of the bargain, and have never returned to those old ways, and those sins were remitted. It is the greatest miracle in my life! Forgiveness that is... I learned that we should have faith in Christ, turn to God for answers, and be willing to be obedient. Then God would answer our prayers with deliverance, forgiveness, and wisdom. We receive no witness until after the trial of our faith. And that has been the pattern of my progression; to feel the Spirit and act on those feelings. That's how we progress, and we are conditioned by God to be the men and women He wants us to be. I am definetly a conditioned person, because of Christ and his Atonement, and my willingness to be obedient. When I say I know this or that, I really mean it. Truth is truth, and it's no wonder that others who also have received a witness of the Spirit, because of their faith and obedience, have come to the same answers and conclusions that others have come to. NormalMormon, God has done everything for you and me to help us return to his presence, without taking away our agency. There is nothing you have that belongs to you, that you can give to him in return... except your agency. Your willingness to let go of your wants and harmonize your will with his is the only thing you and I have to offer. That's what the Savior did. It is paramount that we seek his will and adopt it as our own if we are to return to his presence. We must be one with Father, as the Savior is. That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Sincerely, Vanhin

I don't know of any official stance that we should not wear a cross. And as others have said, I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I would gladly wear a cross or a Star of David, and would not lose any sleep over it, if I was so inclined. Jesus Christ explained what the symbol of true discipleship is: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35) Why are you close to leaving the Church? Regards, Vanhin

Were you aware that the priesthood was not withheld from all black people or people of color, only those of African decent? The following three men, for example, could have held the priesthood during the ban as long as they were worthy of it. If it was about racism, then why didn't the Church withold the priesthood from other blacks and people of color? I don't know why you keep bringing up the priesthood ban in conjunction with this topic. It really has nothing to do with women and the priesthood. Regards, Vanhin

Well, he clearly means it is not an authorized practice at this time, and therefore not doctrinal. However, as long as it is a part of our canon of scripture, it is hard to claim it's not doctrine. It is in fact, official doctrine in principle only, not practice. Jacob, in the Book of Mormon, affirms that it is sometimes authorized by God to "raise up seed" unto himself (Jacob 2:30). And modern revelation describes it as an eternal principle of the priesthood, and the new and everlasting covenant. This from our current edition of the Doctrine and Covenants: And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood—if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else. And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified. (132:61-62) Joseph Smith was righteous in keeping this law, and so were all the others who were commanded and authorized to engage in plural marriage. However, it is not authorized for anyone at this time, and those who persist in justifying it's practice are doing so in defiance of the word of God as given to us through God's mouthpiece here on earth, and are therefore without doctrinal basis. Sincerely, Vanhin

A living woman can only be sealed to one man, and must receive a cancellation of her sealing from the Frist Presidency to be sealed to another. A deceased woman may be sealed to all the men that she was legally married to during her life, unless she had already been sealed to one of them during her life time. In that case, all the men must also be dead before they can also be sealed to her. It will all be sorted out at some later time, and I believe in those cases the woman herself will have a big say in which one of them she will be with throughout the eternities. :) In the case of living men, it is different. If a living man and woman are sealed to each other and the woman dies, the man may be sealed to another woman who is not already sealed to another man. A deceased man can be sealed to each of the women he was legally married to in life, whether they are still alive or not, as long as they are not already sealed to another. Regards, Vanhin

First of all, the Sadducees had no clue about eternal marriage. Marriage to them under the law of Moses meant till death only. So, their scenario cannot be taken to mean that the marriages were sealings. So, the Savior's answer was spot on. Since they were not sealed by the power of God before the resurrection, "...they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven..." (See also D&C 132:16). Sealings must be done before the resurrection, either while living in mortality or by proxy during our stay in the spirit world. That's why Jesus said to the Sadducees, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.". Now, as to the sealing power. It is true that a man can be sealed for eternity to more than one wife if his wife dies and he marries another. Plural marriage, as found in D&C 132, is a true principle of the new and everlasting covenant. We are simply not authorized to practice it in mortality at this time. In other words, we are not authorized to have more than one living wife. A woman cannot be sealed for eternity to more than one husband. She can have a temple marriage for time only if she marries another after the death of their husband. So, if the Sadducees had meant that that the woman was sealed to her first husband, and the others were just plain jane marriages, then the answer would have been that she would be with the first in the resurrection. But clearly the Saducees had not idea about temple marriages. So, that's not what they meant. :) They wanted Jesus to make a guess at who would still be married in the resurrection, so that they can accuse him of going against the law of Moses. They had no understanding of the higher law that we now have. Sincerely, Vanhin

Mormons do not practice polygamy any more, although we once did. It is a true principle of our religion. We just are not authorized by God to practice it at this time. Mormons believe that the spirits of mankind are the offspring of God, and as the children of God, we have the potential to be like him. This mortal life is part of our Heavenly Fathers plan for us, and our progression is made possible because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Mormons claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Jesus Christ, and that it was restored after a long period of apostasy, through the prophet Jospeh Smith. We worship Jesus Christ, as we do his Father, in "spirit and truth", and we try to model our lives after his life. He is our Lord and our Savior, and we are his disciples. I certainly considern myself a Christian. Sincerely, Vanhin

I use the Study Helps included with the current edition of the LDS scriptures. From them my favorite aid is the Guide to the Scriptures, which can be found in the new editions of the foreign language Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Of course it is also included in the Internet Edition of The Scriptures. It is the latest addition to our standard works study aids and is very useful. It gives a brief definition of a topic, and then the scripture references. Here's an example of the entry for Adam. GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES Adam See also Adam-ondi-Ahman; Archangel; Eden; Eve; Fall of Adam and Eve; Michael The first man created on earth. Adam is the father and patriarch of the human race on the earth. His transgression in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3; D&C 29: 40-42; Moses 4) caused him to “fall” and become mortal, a step necessary in order for mankind to progress on this earth (2 Ne. 2: 14-29; Alma 12: 21-26). Adam and Eve should therefore be honored for their role in making our eternal growth possible. Adam is the Ancient of Days and is also known as Michael (Dan. 7; D&C 27: 11; 107: 53-54; 116; 138: 38). He is the archangel and will come again to the earth as the patriarch of the human family, preparatory to the second coming of Jesus Christ (D&C 29: 26). God created man in his own image, Gen. 1: 26-28 (Moses 2: 26-28; Abr. 4: 26-28). God gave man dominion over all things and commanded him to multiply and fill the earth, Gen. 1: 28-31 (Moses 2: 28-31; Abr. 4: 28-31). God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and forbade them to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2: 7-9, 15-17 (Moses 3: 7-9, 15-17; Abr. 5: 7-13). Adam named every living creature, Gen. 2: 19-20 (Moses 3: 19-20; Abr. 5: 20-21). Adam and Eve were married by God, Gen. 2: 18-25 (Moses 3: 18-25; Abr. 5: 14-21). Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, partook of the forbidden fruit, and were cast out of the Garden of Eden, Gen. 3 (Moses 4). Adam was 930 years old at his death, Gen. 5: 5 (Moses 6: 12). Adam was the first man, D&C 84: 16. Before his death Adam called his righteous posterity together at Adam-ondi-Ahman and blessed them, D&C 107: 53-57. Adam offered sacrifice, Moses 5: 4-8. Adam was baptized, received the Holy Ghost, and was ordained to the priesthood, Moses 6: 51-68. Regards, Vanhin P.s. Oh, and I use Preach My Gospel a lot as well. I love that book!

You can know the truth of all things through sincere prayer, by the power of the Holy Ghost. It's a matter of faith. The answers themselves come in different ways. I think you might be missing the point a little. I got an answer once to a question like that. I had been praying for weeks, and one Sunday morning while listening to a talk by one of my priesthood leaders, I heard my answer. It seemed like it was custom made for me, though, I'm sure he didn't know it. He was teaching by the power of the Holy Ghost, and I felt the witness of the Spirit right then that made it clear to me that it was in answer to my prayer. It wasn't the answer I had hoped for, but after that I was at ease and I knew the will of the Lord concerning that thing. Besides, prayer is not some magical genie that grants all of our wishes! Not getting the answer you want, like all your loved ones being healed of their illnesses, does not mean the prayer was not answered. If you truly have faith, and you trust God, he will make the answers known to you by the power of the Holy Ghost. I say it without any reservations, God has answered my prayers, and the ones he hasn't answered yet, I am confident that He will in his own due time. Regards, Vanhin

I think Articles of Faith 7-8 answers your questions nicely. 7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (aoF 1:7-9) What is meant by "open canon of scripture", is that the scriptures are not closed and can and will be added to as we are prepared for it, and as the Lord wills it. When God reveals more to us through his prophet, and it goes through the proper procedure, it will become official doctrine, and added to our canon of scripture. That said, not everything people feel strongly about, or passionate about, is inspired by the Holy Ghost. If something you read, hear, or feel is from God, it will be in harmony with the scriptures, and it will 1) inspire you to do good and 2) lead you closer to Christ. Mormon teaches that in this way you can know with a perfect knowledge that it is from God (Moroni 7:13-19). Regards, Vanhin

prisonchaplain, Thinking about this topic reminded me about one of my favorite publications of the Church. It's a full length movie called "The Mountain of the Lord". I just now finished watching it again. :) The narrative is about the building of the Salt Lake Temple, but it's really about what temples mean to us, and why we build them. The movie covers a good bit of Church history as well. I think you will really enjoy it. Here are the links to the movie on youtube. It's split into 8 parts. I would really like to hear what you think about it. That goes for anyone else that wants to check it out. YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 1 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 2 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 3 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 4 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 5 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 6 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 7 YouTube - Mountain of the Lord: Mormon Temple Movie - 8 Regards, Vanhin

And welcome back prisonchaplain. :) Vanhin

The connection with Malachi, is the nature of temple work for both the living and the dead in general in the latter-days. ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6) It's obviously not specific enough to prove anything, but is an example of how our temple work is in fulfillment of prophecy. Through the sealing power the living are blessed and their posterity is blessed because of children born "in the covenant". Thus, "the hearts of the fathers have turned to the children." And through our genealogy efforts, and the performance of temple ordinances on behalf of our kindred dead, "the hearts of the children have turned to their fathers." On April 3, 1836 Elijah appeared at the Kirtland temple and restored the keys of temple worship and the sealing power to Joseph Smith. He was the last one to hold them before the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, when they were bestowed upon Peter, James, and John. (See Guide to the Scriptures: Elijah) Regards, Vanhin

That's what this whole thread has been about. I suggest you start at post one, and read all the way up to this post, and you will find your answer. I promise. It's only 2 pages at this point, so it shouldn't take you long. Regards, Vanhin

Ocean, whatever you do, do not allow someone to convince you that you cannot receive answers to your questions through prayer, as Aphrodite has suggested. That is absolutely the wrong answer. There really is a God, and he is our Father, and he will answer your hearfelt and sincere prayers. The answers come in different ways, so don't cease to seek for them through your own efforts while you pray. When the right answers come, they will be confirmed to you by the power of the Holy Ghost; just as the scriptures teach. That is the way real answers to these questions are obtained. And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. (2 Ne. 32:7-9) Sincerely, Vanhin

Yes, it is true. Joseph Smith was sealed to many women, and some were already legally and lawfully married to others. It's just like many things that were restored through Joseph Smith; he did not always fully understand them at first. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is an example of that. It wasn't until later that they assumed their proper place as the second highest governing body in the Church after First Presidency. God teaches us line upon line, and precept upon precept. That said, there is no credible evidence that Joseph Smith consummated any of the marriages except for his marriage with Emma, and it is a matter of historical fact that he certainly had no children with anyone else. That's not to say that he didn't, and I know allegations have been made, and some are a part of Church History, but it is left very unclear. It appears that at first these sealings were simply a way to bind families and others together, and that Joseph held them to be in force in the eternities only. Along with plural marriage, celestial marriage was revealed at the same time (See D&C 132). So, there was a lot of new information and a lot of learning going on. Joseph denied practicing polygamy publicly during this time, and I believe he was telling the truth. If he was not consummating the marriages, and only believed them to be in force in the eternities, then it's not really polygamy as his accusers understood it. As it turns out, the true understanding of this law was achieved, and plural marriage and temple sealings began to be practiced the way they were intended. This meant the following: And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood—if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else. (D&C 132:61) So, to sum things up. It appears that plural marriage and sealings were not completely understood by Joseph when he first received the revelations, and it is unclear whether he actually consummated any other marriage besides the one with Emma. Further, the evidence suggests more that he did not, than he did. I know I didn't provide a lot of stuff to back any of this up. So much has been written about this topic that it all wouldn't fit on here. But this represents the is the understanding I have come to. Regardless, I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and a righteous man. I do not understand all things, but I am confident that in the end, when we know these things, we will agree that he acted righteously. Regards, Vanhin

For my part, you are welcome. And thanks for approaching our doctrine with respect. We so appreciate that. :) Well, you are correct, marriage is both ordained of God, and an earthly ordinance. That's exactly why Jesus said all seven brothers and the wife would be angels and separate. Unless they are bound by the sealing power of the priesthood, they would remain single and ministering angles. Celestial marriage, is beyond romantic! :) It's both wonderful, and necessary, if we are to reach our highest potential. As Paul taught to the Corinthians, " Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor. 11:11). So we too, as disciples of Jesus Christ, teach to the world. This wonderful truth was restored to Joseph Smith, and represents the order of the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom. We really, really (I mean really), do believe that the spirits of mankind are the literal offspring of Heavenly Parents (LDS.org - Family Chapter Detail - The Family: A Proclamation to the World). It is eternal life for the spirit sons and daughters of God, to truly know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (John 17:3), that's what this docrine is all about. Well, not exactly. :) Only marriages performed without the sealing power. The OT is not represented by the law of Moses alone. Through modern revelation we know that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was had among the prophets, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses (and all the holy prophets). The covenants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made with the Lord included the new and everlasting covenant of marriage (See D&C 132). The sealing power was restored by Jesus Christ to Peter and the apostles. You are correct. It's not marriage-specific. And you are also correct about "loosing"! You are surely an attentive stundent of these things Heavenguard. :) In the Church today, only the First Presidency (equivelant to Peter, James and John of old), can authorize the "loosing" of things bound by this priesthood authority, including marriage sealings. Well, we do not have any record of Christ's celestial marriage, but we can certainly be sure that if the pesky Mormons are right about eternal marriage being a requirement for exaltation, that Christ is married also. :) It's just a logical conclusion and not official doctrine, as Hemi pointed out. Also, we do know that sealing to one's spouse, is the last saving ordinance of mortality, and must be performed in mortality. So, that would narrow down the window of opportunity for any marriage of the Savior to either during his mortal ministry or during the time between his death and resurrection, when it would have been done by proxy in a Temple. It is more likely, in my opinion, that it happened in mortality. Sincerely, Vanhin

Well, my understanding is that the veil will still not have been lifted at that point, and we will simply pass on from this life to the spirit world and retain the understanding that we have now. There will be others there, and it will be a lot like now. I imagine those who were familiar with our theology will recognize that what we teach about the life after is reality. :) But I wouldn't doubt if there were preachers of other faiths in prison still going on with their own teachings. We do know that Christ established a missionary effort in the spirit world and missionary work continues up there, trying to bring souls unto Christ through faith, repentance, and proxy baptism. :) Regards, Vanhin

Yep, that is right. Even if I knew I was destined to the lowest kingdom of glory, I would repent and try with all my might to have a change of heart in the spirit world. I certainly wouldn't give up. I would cry unto God for mercy. Vanhin

Based on the scriptures that we have, now is the time to prepare to meet God. The saving ordinances that we know about, at this time, are all necessary to be performed in mortality; baptism through sealing. We must repent before the resurrection, at which time we are brought before the judgement bar of Christ, and will receive the glory that we can abide. If he has faith in Jesus Christ and in his atonement, fully repents of his sins, receives baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by proper authority, his sins will be remitted and he will be as clean as when my 8 year old daughter was baptized. If he then received all the saving ordinances, and remains true and faithful to his covenants till the end, he will be exalted with his faithful family members. However, only God can truly judge in both justice and mercy, and knows our thoughts and our hearts. But in principle, this is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is about. God cannot look upon sin with any degree of allowance, and we have all fallen short of the glory of God, and we all need Jesus Christ and the atonement in order to become cliean in preparation to return back into the presence of God. God knows his circumstances, and ultimately will judge him righteously. But yes repentance is available until the resurrection. But I don't recommend that course of action. It is a much more difficult thing to fully forsake our sins without our bodies. As a general rule, now is the day of our repentance. :) Those are some of my thoughts on the matter. Regards, Vanhin