Why Get Sealed?

[Melissa569]

I’m curious… Besides just an official family member “title”, what makes being sealed so special? If you can still visit with other souls in heaven, and you remember who they are-- then who cares what their title is?

A lady from church suggested, “You probably won’t remember anyone from earth if you’re not sealed”.

But… In order to not remember anyone who's not sealed to you, your entire memory of earthly life outside family encounters would have to be wiped clean. And if you have no memory of your life on earth-- how can you learn from it, or be judged on it? So I don’t think our memories will be lost.

But again, if we can remember and visit others, then what’s the difference if you’re sealed, besides a title?

[pam]

You can't receive the highest kingdom of glory.

[pam]

When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families. As my wife, Karen, and I have increased our temple service, our love for each other and for our children has increased. And it doesn’t stop there. It extends to parents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, forebears, and especially our grandchildren! This is the Spirit of Elijah, which is the spirit of family history work; and when inspired by the Holy Ghost, it prompts the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Because of the priesthood, husbands and wives are sealed together, children are sealed to their parents for eternity so the family is eternal and will not be separated at death.

Elder Richard H. Winkel

*bolded emphasis is mine*

Without the sealing power in the temple, family units are broken at death. It's much much more than just a title.

[Melissa569]

I see.

[NeuroTypical]

Yeah, 'visiting' my wife throughout eternity would sure stink.

[john doe]

Where did you get this idea that all memories of people you're not sealed to will be erased? That is false doctrine. In all my years, I have never heard anyone say that in church. Did you make that up?

[pam]

JD I think you've read a few too many of Snow' posts. :) But you do make a good point.

Edited June 27, 2010 by pam

[AndieJ]

I've wondered abou tthe sealing, too. Because in reality, we're not going to live with our families. Do I live with my parents, or my husbands. Do my children come with me, or their spouses, and their children. Really, I think it's all something we don't know. Sealing must be symbolic of the ties we will have in heaven. And surely, I have friends that I'm closer to than some members of my family. They have helped me, cared for me. They will be my friends in heaven.

[john doe]

Sealing is a temple ordinance, of covenants between a man and a woman, not just to each other, but to God. Sealing not only binds them to each other, but to God, and by extension, their children, thus the 'born in the covenant' status of children born to them, or sealed to them. It also binds us to anyone else who has been sealed, or bound, to God. Just as baptism and the priesthood gives us certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities, either as direct or adopted Children of God, sealing does too. The sealing power, the power to bind people who covenant with God, is one of the greatest powers and awesome gifts given to us on the earth. The bond of Man and Woman to God, being unbreakable if we live up to our covenants, is huge. It becomes the fabric of our universe, it is what does and will hold us all together in the eternities. Through the sealing power, we become sealed not only to our family, but to every one of God's children who is party to the Covenant either directly or indirectly.

I liken it to cloth that is being made into a quilt. Each separate sheet of material is weak and loose when it starts out, but every time we make a covenant, and live up to it, we tie another knot in the quilt, bonding it together. The completed portion of the quilt is stronger and warmer than the separate layers would be without being bound. Loose material floats and bunches, leaving gaps. But filling the gaps and tying it in place gives the whole of the quilt strength and stability, and allows it to work as a unit to provide usefulness and a purpose.

We can become joint heirs with Christ to all our Father has if we live up to our covenants. Why would someone turn that down? Why would you deny someone else that gift?

[Snow]

A lady from church suggested, “You probably won’t remember anyone from earth if you’re not sealed”.

I'm pretty sure that is correct, but since that particular doctrine and I have not been sealed, I can't recall the exact details.

[Maureen]

I’m curious… Besides just an official family member “title”, what makes being sealed so special? If you can still visit with other souls in heaven, and you remember who they are-- then who cares what their title is?

...But again, if we can remember and visit others, then what’s the difference if you’re sealed, besides a title?

What is this title you speak of?

M.

[Hemidakota]

I’m curious… Besides just an official family member “title”, what makes being sealed so special? If you can still visit with other souls in heaven, and you remember who they are-- then who cares what their title is?

A lady from church suggested, “You probably won’t remember anyone from earth if you’re not sealed”.

But… In order to not remember anyone who's not sealed to you, your entire memory of earthly life outside family encounters would have to be wiped clean. And if you have no memory of your life on earth-- how can you learn from it, or be judged on it? So I don’t think our memories will be lost.

But again, if we can remember and visit others, then what’s the difference if you’re sealed, besides a title?

The lady is not entirely accurate. Your knowledge and experiences will be with you. If repentance is done properly, this is the only thing you will not remember. Neither can you visit anything that is less than Terrestrial kingdom (if Christ can visit this realm, so can you).

(My opinion) Majority of the world will reside in the Telestial Kingdom. Some of the world will reside in the Terrestrial Kingdom. But only a few will reside in the Celestial Kingdom. Even within the Celestial Kingdom, using analogy of the birds of prey, there will be many Hawks, some Eagles, but only a few Condors when comparing it to the assigned states within this glory.

Now, why is the name so important, here are three simple little facts...

1] It guarantees you a seat in the highest seat in the kingdom to be with our beloved Heavenly Parents and HIS Son, Jesus the Christ if you endure to the end. Sealed as family in knowing, the day shall come where you have just has many offspring as our GOD. Kings and Queens, Priests and Priestesses for ever.

2] it is final preparatory step prior for one's calling and election. Receiving the final covenant, sealing of eternal marriage, when pass through trials of fire with a surety in maintaining your covenants, the Holy Ghost will make the presentation before the Godhead to make this happen. It opens to doctrine and mysteries that are not taught in the church at this current time. It will also open the veil doors, to meeting those across the veil. Last, you will be taught by the Second Comforter, Jesus Christ.

3] Endless progression. Those who do receive this state, the highest portion of the celestial kingdom will receive a 'white stone', a crown of glory, and the purity of robes. While others of lesser states, only this state can progress on to a higher state that this little gem will aid those in seeing above that glory.

Now, this is why, there is nothing in this world that even equal to which that will be given to them. Would you give up everything to be with your Savior and Redeemer?

Edited June 27, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Hemidakota]

What is this title you speak of?

M.

She is referring to the NEW NAME.

[Wingnut]

She is referring to the NEW NAME.

I'm also confused as to the reference to a "title," but it doesn't seem to me to point toward the new name. I see it more as a status thing within the Church: "Oh, you're not sealed? [whisper, whisper, point]"

[Melissa569]

Where did you get this idea that all memories of people you're not sealed to will be erased? That is false doctrine. In all my years, I have never heard anyone say that in church. Did you make that up?

No, I didn't make that up. In fact, those are not even my words, in the first post I noted that it was a suggestion made to me by someone else.

[Melissa569]

What is this title you speak of?

M.

Title as in being labeled a family member, like mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, etc. I was asking why the title is so important, if you are still going to know, love, and see them anyway?

Haha, as for people pointing and whispering because I'm not sealed... Yeah, I've had people in the church act kinda snooty with me when they learn that my husband and I are:

A-- Not sealed, or even of the same faith for that matter

B-- Would not get sealed together, even if you offered us the chance

C-- Have no children, and don't intend to have any (not with each other anyway)

D-- Care about each other, but aren't even sure if we wanna stay married for the rest of our earthly lives, let alone eternity. We're just too different.

And yes, if you're willing to give up enough, you can condition your mind to "tolerate" living with just about anyone.... Even Satan, if he's your only choice. But I'm not going to seal myself to someone for eternity just to get to a higher level. Wouldn't really be heaven anyway, if I wasn't happy with that person. If I'm gonna be sealed to a man, he has to be someone I actually WANT to spend eternity with. Eternity is a long time, you don't agree to anything for that length of time, unless you're 100% sure you want to do it.

Yes we were inactive, deprived, young, and pathetically lonely when we got together, and again, we care about each other as human beings and friends. But eternity is different. Others can continue to judge and look down there nose at me with their "Holier Than Thou Art" position if they want... But walking around thinking you are better than other people is called vanity. And and unfortunatly for them, vanity is yet another impure thing you must be cleansed of, in order to be TRULY worthy through and through. Plus, vanity is usually just the tip of the iceberg, and a sign of even darker things lying below the surface. Kinda shooting themselves in the foot with that, and they might be a little disappointed exactly where in heaven they end up, hehe :)

Edited June 28, 2010 by Melissa569

[pam]

I can't imagine calling my sister my sister for all my mortal life and not having that same "title" in the next life. That doesn't make sense to me.

Now brother in law I can understand. :) Having lost my dad last year the thought that he wouldn't be called dad is just...well..I can't even begin to think the heart break that would be.

[pam]

Melissa, what I'm sensing is a bit of jealousy here. You are being clear that you don't have a marriage that you would want for eternity.

What I'm also seeing is a judging of people who you feel are judging you based on your own lack of whatever you feel you are lacking and I'm not sure that's quite fair. Especially based on the fact that the decisions that are being made are YOUR decisions.

It always amazes me the judgements made by people that turn around and complain that they are being judged.

[john doe]

I find it odd how some people are so quick to judge others as being judgemental of them. It could be that some of those whom you think are 'looking down their noses' at you may actually be saddened by your lack of concern for your own eternal welfare and instead have deliberately chosen to settle for less than what they think you deserve. It's quite possible these people, who are likely older and wiser than you, can see the developing disaster coming down the road, and are distressed by your complete lack of concern about the dangers.

[Hemidakota]

Title as in being labeled a family member, like mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, etc. I was asking why the title is so important, if you are still going to know, love, and see them anyway?

Haha, as for people pointing and whispering because I'm not sealed... Yeah, I've had people in the church act kinda snooty with me when they learn that my husband and I are:

A-- Not sealed, or even of the same faith for that matter

B-- Would not get sealed together, even if you offered us the chance

C-- Have no children, and don't intend to have any (not with each other anyway)

D-- Care about each other, but aren't even sure if we wanna stay married for the rest of our earthly lives, let alone eternity. We're just too different.

And yes, if you're willing to give up enough, you can condition your mind to "tolerate" living with just about anyone.... Even Satan, if he's your only choice. But I'm not going to seal myself to someone for eternity just to get to a higher level. Wouldn't really be heaven anyway, if I wasn't happy with that person. If I'm gonna be sealed to a man, he has to be someone I actually WANT to spend eternity with. Eternity is a long time, you don't agree to anything for that length of time, unless you're 100% sure you want to do it.

Yes we were inactive, deprived, young, and pathetically lonely when we got together, and again, we care about each other as human beings and friends. But eternity is different. Others can continue to judge and look down there nose at me with their "Holier Than Thou Art" position if they want... But walking around thinking you are better than other people is called vanity. And and unfortunately for them, vanity is yet another impure thing you must be cleansed of, in order to be TRULY worthy through and through. Plus, vanity is usually just the tip of the iceberg, and a sign of even darker things lying below the surface. Kinda shooting themselves in the foot with that, and they might be a little disappointed exactly where in heaven they end up, hehe :)

Then what is your desire for this life Melissa?

But it is true in your last paragraph, unless the Lord made it clear to that member in person, as in the case of both Joseph and Clayton in the Kirtland Temple when both GOD and Jesus Christ made the statement to both of them, all a member can do is to have hope and continue on in the work until it happens. [My opinion here] The least kingdom they can receive is the second state in the Celestial Kingdom, which is rarely or never spoken about. This is still better than anything outside of the Celestial realm - meaning, being outside of GOD's presence.

[Maureen]

Title as in being labeled a family member, like mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, etc. I was asking why the title is so important, if you are still going to know, love, and see them anyway?....

Okay. I've never thought of these descriptions as titles and never thought they were exclusive to just the CK. I would think that a person would keep their family designation no matter where they ended up.

M.

[Moksha]

But again, if we can remember and visit others, then what’s the difference if you’re sealed, besides a title?

It might have to do with travel permits or coordinating vacation schedules.

There are so many family permutations that fall between the cracks nowadays, that the line for permits will be fairly long.

[Snow]

Yes we were inactive, deprived, young, and pathetically lonely when we got together, and again, we care about each other as human beings and friends. But eternity is different. Others can continue to judge and look down there nose at me with their "Holier Than Thou Art" position if they want... But walking around thinking you are better than other people is called vanity. And and unfortunatly for them, vanity is yet another impure thing you must be cleansed of, in order to be TRULY worthy through and through. Plus, vanity is usually just the tip of the iceberg, and a sign of even darker things lying below the surface. Kinda shooting themselves in the foot with that, and they might be a little disappointed exactly where in heaven they end up, hehe :)

But to be perfectly frank Melissa, some people actually are better than other people.

I, for example, rate a 8.3 on the Glaxo Scale of Goodness whereas you only rate a 7.8.

Nuff said.

[pam]

That must have been a scale you invented Snow for your own benefit. :)

Edited June 29, 2010 by pam

[Moksha]

I, for example, rate a 8.3 on the Glaxo Scale of Goodness whereas you only rate a 7.8.

Nuff said.

Where might your score be on the Creutzfeldt–Jakob Scale of Homeopathic Nutrition?