Posted by:
spanner
(
)
Date: February 29, 2012 07:11PM
(not only blacks, but anyone who didn't marry in the temple during life - the point is that faithful TBM Blacks didn't have the opportunity at all pre-1978)
This is what I was taught:
Temple marriage is needed for exaltation in the CK:
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,11-1-13-59,00.htmlhttp://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/131?lang=engNot only that, for exaltation (godhood), the marriage had to be done while alive:
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132?lang=enge.g. D&C 132
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.
22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
Those who received posthumous ordinances get to the CK, but not exaltation, godhood and "increase":
e.g.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.
17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.
There are other references that enlarge on this that are not technically scripture. As I understand it, JS was "explaining" the New Testament verses which state that there is no marriage after death. He clarified it to state that there can be no contracting of a marriage after death.
So the sealing etc confers the unification of the family in the celestial kingdom for spirits who accept the ordinances after death, but, bearing in mind that there are 3 degrees within the CK, only those who married in the temple while alive get exalted.
That is why there is so much pressure - otherwise, may as well life large, and rely on post-mortem ordinances.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2012 07:32PM by spanner.