The Sacred Union: Understanding Temple Marriages
For many Americans, the concept of a "temple marriage" might conjure images of exclusivity or perhaps even mystery. However, these sacred ceremonies, primarily associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon Church), are deeply rooted in a theology of eternal commitment and familial bonds. This article aims to demystify the process, explain the significance, and answer common questions about how temple marriages work for those who choose this path.
What is a Temple Marriage?
A temple marriage, officially called a "sealing" within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is more than just a wedding ceremony; it's a religious ordinance performed in sacred temples. Unlike a civil marriage or a traditional wedding in a chapel, a sealing is believed to bind a couple together not only for this life but for eternity. This eternal perspective is a cornerstone of the faith's beliefs about family and the afterlife.
The core belief is that through the authority of God, a sealing ceremony makes a marriage covenant eternal. This means that the relationship is considered to continue beyond death, allowing families to be together in the presence of God forever. This concept of eternal families is a primary motivation for members of the Church to seek this sacred ordinance.
The Prerequisites: What You Need Before a Temple Marriage
Not just anyone can walk into a temple and be married. There are specific requirements that individuals must meet before they are eligible for a sealing ceremony:
- Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Both individuals must be active, believing members in good standing with the Church. This generally means living according to the principles and commandments taught by the Church.
- Recommendation from Church Leaders: Each individual must receive a temple recommend from their local ecclesiastical leaders, typically their bishop and stake president. This interview process assesses their worthiness and commitment to the principles of the gospel.
- Specific Age Requirements: Generally, individuals must be at least 19 years old to be sealed, though there are exceptions for younger individuals if they have reached the age of majority (18) and have not been previously married.
- Previous Marriages: If either party has been previously married, their civil divorce must be finalized, and if they were previously sealed in the temple, they must have received an ecclesiastical annulment of that sealing.
These requirements are in place to ensure that those entering into this sacred, eternal covenant are prepared and committed to its solemn promises.
The Temple Ceremony: The Sealing Ordinance
The sealing ceremony itself is a solemn and sacred ordinance performed in one of the Church's dedicated temples. These temples are considered holy places, set apart for sacred ordinances and worship.
Here's a breakdown of what typically happens:
- Location: The ceremony takes place in a sealing room within a temple. These rooms are often adorned with comfortable seating, elegant décor, and sometimes mirrors that are positioned to reflect infinitely, symbolizing eternity.
- The Officiant: The sealing is performed by a qualified priesthood holder, usually an ordained patriarch or an endowed male member of the Church who holds significant priesthood authority.
- The Vows: The couple kneels at an altar, often facing each other with their hands clasped. They make sacred covenants and promises to each other and to God. These vows are profound, emphasizing love, fidelity, eternal commitment, and raising children in righteousness.
- The Prayer of Sealing: Following the exchange of vows, the officiant offers a prayer of sealing, invoking the authority of God to bind the couple together eternally. The words spoken are intended to invoke the power of God to seal their union for time and all eternity.
- Clothing: While the rest of the temple is entered in temple clothing, the couple may wear white clothing for the sealing ceremony itself. This white clothing symbolizes purity and unity.
- Witnesses: While the ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience, there are typically a few witnesses present, often close family members or friends who are also endowed and in good standing.
- Duration: The sealing ordinance itself is relatively brief, often lasting around 15-20 minutes. However, the entire experience within the temple can be much longer, including preparation and personal reflection.
It's important to note that only Latter-day Saints who have received their own "endowment" (another sacred temple ordinance) and are in possession of a valid temple recommend can enter a temple and participate in or witness a sealing ceremony.
The Significance: Why is it Eternal?
The "eternal" aspect of a temple marriage is its most distinguishing feature. This is rooted in several core beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- The Nature of God: Members believe that God is an eternal being and that His plan for humanity includes eternal families.
- The Role of Priesthood Authority: They believe that God has restored priesthood authority to the earth in modern times, which gives authorized individuals the power to perform sacred ordinances, including eternal sealings.
- Covenants and Promises: Temple marriages are understood as covenants, which are sacred agreements between individuals and God. When these covenants are made with faith and obedience, God's promises are realized, including the promise of eternal companionship.
- The Resurrection: The belief in a literal resurrection of Jesus Christ and all humanity underpins the idea that life continues after death. Temple marriages are seen as a way to continue relationships and family units into the next life.
This belief provides immense comfort and purpose to Latter-day Saints, framing marriage and family as central to God's eternal plan.
After the Sealing: Life as an Eternally Sealed Couple
The sealing ceremony is not the end of a couple's spiritual journey; it's a foundational step. They are encouraged to continue strengthening their relationship and their faith throughout their lives.
This includes:
- Living the Covenants: Actively striving to live the principles and promises made during the sealing ordinance.
- Family Worship: Regularly engaging in family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening.
- Service: Contributing to their ward (congregation) and community.
- Temple Attendance: Many couples continue to attend the temple together throughout their lives, participating in other sacred ordinances and strengthening their eternal bond.
The ongoing commitment to these principles is seen as essential to realizing the eternal blessings of their temple marriage.
Distinguishing from Civil Marriage
It's crucial to understand that a temple marriage does not negate the need for a civil marriage. In most countries, including the United States, a legal marriage certificate is required by law. Therefore, couples typically have two ceremonies:
- Civil Ceremony: A legal marriage performed by a civil officiant (judge, justice of the peace, etc.) that fulfills the legal requirements of the state.
- Temple Sealing: The sacred religious ordinance performed in the temple that binds the couple eternally in the eyes of God.
Some couples may choose to have a civil ceremony first, followed by a temple sealing later, or they may have both on the same day if logistics allow. The temple sealing is a religious act and does not, by itself, constitute a legal marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you get married in a temple if you're not a member?
To be married in a temple (sealed), both individuals must be active, believing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and hold a valid temple recommend. If you are not a member, you cannot be married in the temple.
Why are temple marriages considered eternal?
Temple marriages are considered eternal because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that through divine authority, a marriage covenant made in the temple can bind a couple together for all eternity, including beyond death. This is seen as part of God's eternal plan for families.
How do you prepare for a temple sealing?
Preparation involves living according to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including abstaining from things considered sinful. It also involves interviews with local Church leaders to receive a temple recommend, which signifies worthiness to enter the temple and participate in sacred ordinances.
What happens if a temple-married couple divorces?
If a couple sealed in the temple divorces civilly, their eternal sealing is also reviewed and potentially annulled by Church authorities. This means they are no longer bound to each other for eternity in the eyes of the Church. If they later remarry, they can be sealed to their new spouse.
The practice of temple marriages, or eternal sealings, is a profound expression of faith and commitment for Latter-day Saints. It underscores the belief in the eternal nature of families and the power of sacred covenants made in holy places.
