Can you marry in the celestial kingdom?

[Thrushcross]

Hey everyone, I am still quite new to the Church so I do apologise if I am lacking in knowledge.

I have read that the celestial kingdom has three levels. The first level is for couples sealed in the temple, the second for endowed members and the third for baptised members.

Suppose, that you do end up in the second or third level, do you have a chance to get marriied in the celestial kingdom and then reach exaltation into the first level?

Also, for people who end up in the terrestial kingdom, can they also progress into the celestial kingdom if they get baptised and/or endowed in the terrestial kingdom?

Thanks :)

[Traveler]

Hey everyone, I am still quite new to the Church so I do apologise if I am lacking in knowledge.

I have read that the celestial kingdom has three levels. The first level is for couples sealed in the temple, the second for endowed members and the third for baptised members.

Suppose, that you do end up in the second or third level, do you have a chance to get marriied in the celestial kingdom and then reach exaltation into the first level?

Also, for people who end up in the terrestial kingdom, can they also progress into the celestial kingdom if they get baptised and/or endowed in the terrestial kingdom?

Thanks :)

The Celestial Kingdom (the level to which you refer) is not so much one "kingdom" as it is a it is a union of many kingdoms. A Celestial marriage is in essence the establishment or a beginning of a Celestial Kingdom. Thus the "king" of that union of Celestial Kingdoms - is by definition (as referred to in holy scripture) the King of Kings.

The process by which a Celestial Kingdom is established (Celestial Marriage) is well defined and is an ordinance that must take place in mortality - even if by proxy. The grand plan of happiness or "Plan of Salvation" is all inclusive and is so designed that every soul that desires to unite with another soul by eternal Celestial covenant will have that opportunity. This is why LDS build temples and the reason that the temples are so critically important.

The Traveler

[Just_A_Guy]

Hey everyone, I am still quite new to the Church so I do apologise if I am lacking in knowledge.

I have read that the celestial kingdom has three levels. The first level is for couples sealed in the temple, the second for endowed members and the third for baptised members.

This is conjecture. Based on how you read D&C 131:1-4, it is probable that the Celestial Kingdom is subdivided into three "levels", for lack of a better word. We have no idea how it is decided who winds up where.

Suppose, that you do end up in the second or third level, do you have a chance to get marriied in the celestial kingdom and then reach exaltation into the first level?

I stand by Matthew 22, as interpreted by Elder James E. Talmage: If you aren't married by the time of the resurrection, it ain't gonna happen.

Also, for people who end up in the terrestial kingdom, can they also progress into the celestial kingdom if they get baptised and/or endowed in the terrestial kingdom?

Thanks :)

Some pretty smart folks in the LDS leadership over the years have come down on both sides of the question. So the best answer is probably "maybe . . . but don't bet on it".

[ElectofGod]

There is no marriage, or anyone given in marriage after the final judgment. But prior to that point, millenium (1000 years) for example there are opportunities to receive that which we have not yet, if we are willing to receive them.

[mordorbund]

And here's a recent thread discussing the same issue:

http://www.lds.net/forums/general-discussion/55626-there-3-degrees-within-celestial-kingdom.html

[Thrushcross]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Really appreciate it :)

Suppose, an LDS person does not have the opportunity to get sealed in the temple or engage in the endowment ceremony in this life - will they get the opportunity to perform these ordinances to reach the highest leve of the celestial kindom during the Millenium?

[ElectofGod]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Really appreciate it :)

Suppose, an LDS person does not have the opportunity to get sealed in the temple or engage in the endowment ceremony in this life - will they get the opportunity to perform these ordinances to reach the highest leve of the celestial kindom during the Millenium?

The book of mormon is nephi's endowment, and many other prophets endowments. We can learn of them and know what the path is just by reading the book of mormon. You can live a life and covenants even before getting your endowment in the temple. Just by learning and obeying the covenants in the book of mormon (also found in the bible but harder to put the bigger picture together).

Here is an answer to Joseph smith about what happened to his brother Alvin who died before the truth was restored.

D&C 137

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.

2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;

3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.

7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.

The requirements are teh same for all. Ability to give all to god, sacrifice of all things.

Edited October 5, 2013 by ElectofGod

[Sojourn]

Thrushcross – Suppose your parents who are good and righteous people died as Muslims. Then you took their names to the temple and were baptized for them and eventually had your parents sealed together for eternity. Then they would be eligible for the highest gifts (Celestial kingdom) if they would accept it and if the Lord found them worthy of it.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:7 says this

7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, ... are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.

As has been mentioned marriage must take place before the resurrection. After the resurrection everything is fixed; that is no more marriages is what I understand.

Edited October 6, 2013 by Sojourn

[tcage]

The Celestial Kingdom (the level to which you refer) is not so much one "kingdom" as it is a it is a union of many kingdoms. A Celestial marriage is in essence the establishment or a beginning of a Celestial Kingdom. Thus the "king" of that union of Celestial Kingdoms - is by definition (as referred to in holy scripture) the King of Kings.

The process by which a Celestial Kingdom is established (Celestial Marriage) is well defined and is an ordinance that must take place in mortality - even if by proxy. The grand plan of happiness or "Plan of Salvation" is all inclusive and is so designed that every soul that desires to unite with another soul by eternal Celestial covenant will have that opportunity. This is why LDS build temples and the reason that the temples are so critically important.

The Traveler

How?

Lots of people say that (usually married people), or quote feel-good quotations about it....but nobody can explain it.

As someone who will likely never have the opportunity to get married as long as I continue to hold out for a Temple marriage (and who doesn't see the odds the fleeting hearts of lds women will miraculously change in the next life allowing opportunities to guys that don't exist in this life as very strong), It's always bothered me this notion that I could be denied in the next life because of a choice someone else makes. It doesn't jive at all with the rest of the Doctrine (that God will judge man according to their works and the desires of their hearts.....).

Just "desiring it" is not enough.....at least not according to DC 132

Sorry Thrushcross for the semi-threadjack, but reading this thread triggered the only dark feelings i have for in an otherwise-lightfilled Gospel...

[Guest]

If you desire it, seek it out, do what you can to get it . . . what more do you think is expected of you? Think of all those who died before having a chance to marry (died in infancy, or childhood, or war, or. . .). Do you think they will be left to die alone? Or all of those with good intent who would have married if they'd had the opportunity will have a chance to find companionship among themselves?

[ElectofGod]

How?

Lots of people say that (usually married people), or quote feel-good quotations about it....but nobody can explain it.

As someone who will likely never have the opportunity to get married as long as I continue to hold out for a Temple marriage (and who doesn't see the odds the fleeting hearts of lds women will miraculously change in the next life allowing opportunities to guys that don't exist in this life as very strong), It's always bothered me this notion that I could be denied in the next life because of a choice someone else makes. It doesn't jive at all with the rest of the Doctrine (that God will judge man according to their works and the desires of their hearts.....).

Just "desiring it" is not enough.....at least not according to DC 132

Sorry Thrushcross for the semi-threadjack, but reading this thread triggered the only dark feelings i have for in an otherwise-lightfilled Gospel...

There are some things we can desire all we want in this life and never get. This life is but a small moment. Jacob "wept many nights in his pillow" because of this world. Its an awful world. But "all these things will give thee experience", there are some who will not ge tmarried no matter how hard they try even if they have the righteous desires.

I don't want to sound pessismistic but this life is not about our personal pleasures, god cares more about our salvation than our comfort. Were not here for us, were here to learn to be like him. There are certain lessons each of us needed to learn before we came here. Loneliness, abandonment, more faith, tested that we will keep our faith....

There is a quote "god will not give you greater trials than you can have".. This is not saying we won't receive thee worst things of life, its saying, WHATEVER is given to us, WE can keep the FAITH during that obstacle. As the endowment says Eve, "it is better that we pass THROUGH sorrow that we may know the good from the evil".

Is it a gospel of glad tiding, certainly not in this life... Its "a hope for a better world" as explained I think its in mormon. Its to teach us to point to Christ and NO ONE else. Pain, suffering, and all the other horrible things of life... as JS said "death tastes as sweet as honey". But he endured the things he did because he KNEW what was on the other side of the veil, he had seen it, he was willing to subject his own pride, will, and agency to the will of the Father.

Pray to the father, he will upbraideth not. If you lack wisdom, ASK and you shall receive wisdom. Seek what the Lord is trying to teach you. What the answer to your question is.

How can we be married? The same way we are here. People will not look upon "the appearance" beyond the grave but whats in the heart. We don't keep this telestial body. God is omnipotent, all knowing, he knows who is right for you even if part of life is not to meet them in this lifetime.

Edited October 7, 2013 by ElectofGod

[Lakumi]

If you desire it, seek it out, do what you can to get it . . . what more do you think is expected of you? Think of all those who died before having a chance to marry (died in infancy, or childhood, or war, or. . .). Do you think they will be left to die alone? Or all of those with good intent who would have married if they'd had the opportunity will have a chance to find companionship among themselves?

or those who feels humans are alien to him and wouldn't get married because it would never work and doesn't want to loose half his stuff:lol:

who knows what that falls under

[mordorbund]

How?

Lots of people say that (usually married people), or quote feel-good quotations about it....but nobody can explain it.

As someone who will likely never have the opportunity to get married as long as I continue to hold out for a Temple marriage (and who doesn't see the odds the fleeting hearts of lds women will miraculously change in the next life allowing opportunities to guys that don't exist in this life as very strong), It's always bothered me this notion that I could be denied in the next life because of a choice someone else makes. It doesn't jive at all with the rest of the Doctrine (that God will judge man according to their works and the desires of their hearts.....).

Just "desiring it" is not enough.....at least not according to DC 132

Sorry Thrushcross for the semi-threadjack, but reading this thread triggered the only dark feelings i have for in an otherwise-lightfilled Gospel...

The inability to explain something does not make it any less true - it just makes it harder to convince another rationally. Fortunately, we deal with truths witnessed by God and His servants. If understanding were required, I don't think I should ever obtain a remission of sins, heal another through the priesthood, or even receive a testimony. I can't tell you the mechanics of any of these things. I can tell you that they are based on true principles and are efficacious.

While you are seeking out a spiritual confirmation that no blessing is denied those that desire righteousness, feel free to look at the discussion in the other thread I referenced earlier. My post includes some speculative quotes from Joseph Fielding Smith that the Millennium will largely be for this work of setting things right for those who remained single but worthy throughout life. Elder Oaks has recently reaffirmed this teaching.

[ChronoTrigger]

All I know is I hope I go to the Celestial Kingdom and the highest degree to be with my family forever.