Celestial Marriage

"The importance of choice may be illustrated by a homespun concept that came to mind one day when I was shopping in a large retail store. I call it “patterns of the shopper.” As shopping is part of our daily life, these patterns may be familiar.

Wise shoppers study their options thoroughly before they make a selection. They focus primarily on the quality and durability of a desired product. They want the very best. In contrast, some shoppers look for bargains, and others may splurge, only to learn later—much to their dismay—that their choice did not endure well. And sadly, there are those rare individuals who cast aside their personal integrity and steal what they want. We call them shoplifters.

The patterns of the shopper may be applied to the topic of marriage. A couple in love can choose a marriage of the highest quality or a lesser type that will not endure. Or they can choose neither and brazenly steal what they want as “marital shoplifters.”"

"...marriage between a man and a woman is sacred—it is ordained of God. ^{(D&C 49:15–17)} I also assert the virtue of a temple marriage. It is the highest and most enduring type of marriage that our Creator can offer to His children."

"...salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. ^{(Russell M. Nelson)} Only those who are married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise will continue as spouses after death ^{(D&C 76:53; 132:7)} and receive the highest degree of celestial glory, or exaltation."

"...our Heavenly Father has restored priesthood keys in this dispensation so that essential ordinances in His plan can be performed by proper authority."

"...[Heavenly Father’s great] plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.” ^{(Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)"}

^"...proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship. (“Nurturing Marriage,”) ^"

^"...“it is lawful that [a man] should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh..."

"...“the man [is not] without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” ^{(1 Corinthians 11:11)} Thus, marriage is not only an exalting principle of the gospel; it is a divine commandment."

"...To qualify for eternal life, we must make an eternal and everlasting covenant with our Heavenly Father. ^{(D&C 132:19)} This means that a temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God. ^{(Matthew 19:6)"}

^"...“husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other.” ^{(Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)} Children born of that union are “an heritage of the Lord.” ^{(Psalm 127:3)} When a family is sealed in the temple, that family may become as eternal as the kingdom of God itself. ^{(D&C 132:19–20) "}

 "...mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage. In fact, each marriage starts with two built-in handicaps. It involves two imperfect people. Happiness can come to them only through their earnest effort. Just as harmony comes from an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in marriage also requires a concerted effort. That effort will succeed if each partner will minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness."

“To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty—the fulfillment of which brings true joy.” ^{(President Monson)"} 

"Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities. When that really happens, a celestial marriage becomes a reality, bringing great joy in this life and in the life to come."

"The best choice is a celestial marriage. Thankfully, if a lesser choice has previously been made, a choice can now be made to upgrade it to the best choice. That requires a mighty change of heart ^{(Alma 5:12–14, Moroni 10:32)} and a permanent personal upgrade."

"The full realization of the blessings of a temple marriage is almost beyond our mortal comprehension. Such a marriage will continue to grow in the celestial realm. There we can become perfected."

"Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully. ^{(Bruce R. McConkie)} Then one may be assured of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Celestial Marriage 

Elder Russell M. Nelson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles