The Culminating Sealing Ordinance of the [Mormon] Temple [Real, Real Mormonism]

Temple Study ^ | March 25, 2011 | Bryce Haymond

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No, it isn’t being sealed to your spouse on wedding day, although that is a prerequisite (preparatory and required) to receive this highest and most sacred sealing ordinance. The priesthood sealing powers of Elijah, as restored in this last dispensation (D&C 110:13-16) and vested in the presiding high priest of the Church (D&C 132:7), are truly infinite in their application, being enabled to promise eternal life and exaltation to the faithful saints while yet in this life, as Peter explained to the ancient saints (2 Pet. 1; Eph. 1:13-14). Those saints who so receive are they who are of the church of the Firstborn (D&C 76:54, 94), and who may then receive the Second Comforter (D&C 88:3-5).

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared:

After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted.

When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses.¹

I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it.²

Dr. Andrew C. Skinner, currently Executive Director of The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU, provides more insight into these sacred principles in his recently published book, Temple Worship:

Another aspect of the sealing power of the priesthood is the ability of the Lord’s authorized servant to seal men and women unto eternal life, to perform an ordinance granting them eternal life once they pass beyond mortality, “to place a seal on them so that no matter what happens in the world, no matter what desolation sweeps the earth, yet they shall be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (D&C 88:84-85; D&C 109:38, 46; D&C 124:124; D&C 131:5; D&C 132:19, 46, 49).”³ Elder Bruce R. McConkie added this significant insight: “Since these sealing blessings are conferred by the laying on of hands of those who hold the keys of this power, it follows that John’s description of placing a seal in the forehead is not just apocalyptic imagery but a literal description of what takes place. As with other sacred things, however, the devil has a substitute seal to place; he puts a mark in the ‘foreheads’ of his followers also. (Rev. 13:16-18)”^{4 5}

As Elder McConkie noted, this sealing is “conferred by the laying on of hands” and therefore is a different sealing than when one is first married and sealed in the temple. Being sealed to your spouse initially at the altar and its associated promised blessings (including those mentioned in D&C 132) are contingent upon enduring faithfulness and righteousness throughout one’s lifetime, whereupon one may then receive this final sealing and ordinance:

The sealing of men and women (couples) to eternal life is predicated upon continued faithfulness in mortality over time, after their temple marriage, and is not automatic or inherent in the marriage ceremony when a couple is first married in the temple, as temple instruction makes clear.

Said President Joseph Fielding Smith, “Blessings pronounced upon couples in connection with celestial marriage are conditioned upon the subsequent faithfulness of the participating parties.”⁶ In fact, exaltation comes as a result of proven loyalty to the Lord and his kingdom “at all hazards.”⁷ The Prophet Joseph Smith not only described the kind of complete devotion to righteousness that is required to receive this ultimate blessing but showed us the way.⁸ In 1843, after years of serving the Lord at all hazards, Joseph heard the Lord say: “For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father” (D&C 132:49).⁹

We might ask, “Must we receive this ordinance in mortality, or can it be administered vicariously after we have passed on?” Dr. Skinner helps us in understanding:

Regarding the rest of us, the Lord indicates in D&C 50:5 that whether such a guarantee comes before death or after mortality has concluded, it makes no difference. The result is the same--exaltation. That is why it is so important for all of us to endure faithfully, patiently, and cheerfully to the end of our mortal lives.

In a way, the temple endowment is preparation for the sealing ordinance of eternal marriage, which in turn is preparation for the promise of eternal life preparatory to the realization of exaltation.¹⁰

I would add that baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (a type of washing and anointing) are also preparation for the temple ordinances which include initiatories (washing and anointing – D&C 124:39), which are in turn preparation for these higher sealing blessings. Undoubtedly these ordinances have a relationship to the three degrees of glory found within the celestial kingdom (D&C 131:1-5).

Note that this sealing ordinance clearly does not make one like God while in this life, but is the promise, save committing the unpardonable sin (D&C 132:26-27), that one will eventually receive such an inheritance in the hereafter (Rom. 8:16-17; Gal. 4:7). Joseph Smith taught us:

When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel-you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.¹¹

More can be learned about this most solemn and sacred ordinance and it’s associated principles at the following links:

Roy W. Doxey, “Accepted of the Lord: The Doctrine of Making Your Calling and Election Sure,” Ensign, July 1976, 50.

Robert L. Marriot – good collection of quotes from various latter-day prophets and general authorities on the doctrine of making your calling and election sure.

1. TPJS, 149-151. [↩]
2. ibid., 299. [↩]
3. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 683. [↩]
4. ibid. [↩]
5. Skinner, Temple Worship, 2007, 74; emphasis added. [↩]
6. Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:46. [↩]
7. Smith, TPJS, 150. [↩]
8. ibid., 149-51. [↩]
9. Skinner, Temple Worship, 2007, 74-75; emphasis added. [↩]
10. Skinner, Temple Worship, 2007, 75; emphasis added. [↩]
11. TPJS, 348. [↩]

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Second Comforter-mormonwiki

Although the process of obtaining exaltation continues even into the spirit world, the knowledge that one will become exalted with the privileges of continuing on to eternal life can be certain in this life. This is what making one’s calling and election sure is all about.

 

Peter admonished the ancient saints to “make your calling and election sure,” and the apostle Paul also gave thanks to the Lord for providing such a sealing. (See 2 Peter 1:10–11, Ephesians 1:13–14.)

 

In addition, the Prophet Joseph Smith used this same expression in discoursing upon Peter’s exposition and Paul’s teachings. (See Teachings, pp. 305, 149.)

Peter made it clear that a testimony of Jesus Christ is not in itself evidence that one’s calling and election has been made sure. Mentioning the manifestation on the Mount of Transfiguration with the Savior and his fellow apostles James and John (see Matthew 17:1–8), he said that although they had heard the voice of the Father declaring that Jesus was his Son, this was not sufficient to obtain the blessing—there was “a more sure word of prophecy”—the calling and election made sure. (See 2 Pet. 1:16–19.)

[greyfoxx39]

Disclaimer: I am former LDS and "anti" mormonism. I post articles from official mormon sources among others, that often relate to current discussions taking place on the forum to provide a means for open discussion in the Religion forum.

 

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[stuartcr]

What is sealing?

[greyfoxx39]

What is sealing?

***************************************

"For Latter-day Saints, the ultimate sealing power is the priesthood power given to authorized servants of the Lord to perform certain acts on earth and have them recognized (sealed) or validated in heaven. They believe it is this authority the Lord Jesus Christ described when he said to Peter, "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" (Matt. 16:19)."

Sealing Power

Belief of mormonism is that a covenant such as marriage "for eternity", when "sealed" in the mormon temple "binds in Heaven what is bound on earth".

[stuartcr]

thanks

[ichabod1]

What is required to become a Mormon priesthood-holder?

[greyfoxx39]

What is required to become a Mormon priesthood-holder?

Explanation HERE

and HERE

"It was a testimony, and I know this to be"

[Paragon Defender]

Interested Lurker,

The title says “Real, Real Mormonism” but is presented by a well known anti-Mormon propagandist. Just keep that in mind when reading all commentary.

[ichabod1]

“The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based upon polygamy, according to the testimony of the philosophers who rose in that age. A belief in doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were Mormons (Jedediah Grant, Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 346).

[greyfoxx39]

is presented by a well known anti-Mormon

Which is noted in my reply #2, if one bothered to read it.

The "propaganda" is the ridiculous notion that elite mormons can have their salvation "guaranteed" by a ritual that is supposed to "bind" the mormon god to honor it....the God of Christianity laughs at this attempt.

[SZonian]

Uhm, they left a few things out...

Here’s what JS is purported to have originally rec’d as “revelation”; ["MARRIAGE. v. 4 "Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy; we declare that we believe that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again." 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, C1, p. 251 (1835)]

Yet in D&C 132, he receives different “revelation”. That plural marriage (polygamy) was “a new and everlasting covenant essential to exaltation to the highest glory in which men may become gods.”

So, is this “revelation” reinforced by others?

Brigham Young - "Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned." Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 266 (1855)

Heber C. Kimball - ”Opponents of polygamy will be "cut off" by God.”Journal of Discourses, vol. 4, p. 108 (1856)

”If you are someone who objects to plural marriage, then I would challenge you to search within yourselves. There is no doubt in my mind that your attitude towards plural marriage will determine your place in eternity.”

President Brigham Young also warned:

"Now, where a man in this Church says, "I don't want but one wife, I will live my religion with one," he will perhaps be saved in the celestial kingdom; but when he gets there he will not find himself in possession of any wife at all. He has had a talent that he has hid up. He will come forward and say, "Here is that which thou gavest me, I have not wasted it, and here is the one talent," and he will not enjoy it, but it will be taken and given to those who have improved the talents they received, and he will find himself without any wife, and he will remain single for ever and ever. But if the woman is determined not to enter into a plural marriage, that woman when she comes forth will have the privilege of living in single blessedness through all eternity." (Journal of Discourses, Vol.16, p.166 - p.167)

Joseph F. Smith - "Plural marriage is not some sort of superfluity or non-essential to the salvation or exaltation of mankind. Marriage to only one woman is only partial compliance to the law of exaltation." Journal of Discourses, vol. 20, p. 28 (1878)

Now this one is just flat out blasphemy---

Orson Pratt - Jesus a polygamist, God the Father had a plurality of wives. "We have also proved that both God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ inherit their wives in eternity as well as in time." The Seer, p. 172 (1853)

Yet, in the name of “continuing revelation”, a 20th century apostle thinks a bit differently.

"Plural marriage is not essential to salvation or exaltation." Bruce R. McConkie Doctrine of plural marriage

What? But all those other apostles and prophets have said just the opposite. How does this affect all those other poor souls who followed those doctrines and revelations prior to this “revelation”? Is the mormon god so feckless and incompetent that he can’t get it right the first time?

But before we dismiss the references to the JoD’s as just “opinion”, as has been claimed in the past, let’s remember the words of Brigham…

"The Journal of Discourses is a vehicle of doctrine, counsel, and instruction to ALL people, but especially to the Saints. It follows then, then, [sic] that each successive volume is more and more valuable as the Church increases in numbers and importance in the earth." Journal of Discourses, vol. 11, p. iii (1867) " — Brigham Young

Oh, did he say it’s a “vehicle of doctrine” and that “each successive volume is more valuable”?

[greyfoxx39]

I wonder what the "Joseph Smith Papers" will do with all this information?

[greyfoxx39]

Who would know more about real, real mormonism that real, ex-mormons?

[SZonian]

BEHOLD!!The amazing, and ready to install nuisance information destruction device that can be installed in any home or bldg.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you.....

The Incinerator toilet...

[Paragon Defender]

Who would know more about real, real mormonism that real, ex-mormons?

---

Not necessarily true at all. What a silly statement.

[colorcountry]

That’s the problem greyfoxx, we know too much.

They must try to silence us, hence the shout-out to “all” to ignore us.

[SZonian]

I think the question would be better phrased as:

Who would be more willing to discuss and expose the principle fallacies and hidden “meat” of mormonism than ex-mormons?

Mormons use the “milk before meat” mantra in order to hide the unbiblical aspects of mormonism from prospects.

They want to spoonfeed prospects the bitter fruit slowly, so that they slowly become accustomed to it.

SLC views our refusal to remain silent as insolent and dangerous, thus the continued and ramped up rhetoric towards ex-mormons by their minions on the internet.

[dragonblustar]

Mormons use the “milk before meat” mantra in order to hide the unbiblical aspects of mormonism from prospects. They want to spoonfeed prospects the bitter fruit slowly, so that they slowly become accustomed to it.

For people who haven't been raised Mormon, I wonder how many spoons does it take to become a mormon?

I tried a spoonful and didn't like it. But there are others that seem to gulp down the whole bottle. I just wonder how many alarm bells they've ignored to get to the bottom of the Mormon juice bottle?

Maybe Homeland security has a chart or something.....?

[SZonian]

Hi Blu,

If you’re ignorant of God’s Word and teachings, not many doses are needed.

It “sounded right” for a good number of years. Until I got a serving of “meat” in PH session one day.

Men can become gods,(intentional lower case) rule over their own planet, multiple wives, etc.

I started backing out after that.

[dragonblustar]

I remember when I watched Glenn Beck’s video on becoming a Mormon where he said he was willing to “drink” the kool aid. So it makes me wonder how many others are willing to suspend the truth to chase after happiness?