Eternal Marriage Taught in the Bible: 3 Keys to Unlock a Love That Lasts Forever!

From Misunderstanding to Revelation: The Biblical Truth Unveiling the Eternal Marriage Beyond the Grave.

By Michael B. Nhem, Founder of MapToHappiness.Com

Eternal marriage is unequivocally taught in the Bible. But pastors and theologians never taught eternal doctrine at churches due to their misunderstanding of Matthew 19 and 22. Therefore, they taught us man-made doctrine “until death do us part”.

Prepare to be amazed—your marriage can defy death and unite your family forever! 

Eternal marriage, the belief that sacred unions can persist beyond this life when sealed by God’s authorized servant, is a profound doctrine unequivocally taught in the Bible, though often overlooked or misunderstood. Most Christians hold that marriage ends at death, envisioning a solitary existence in the next life, a perspective rooted in a misinterpretation of Matthew 19 and 22. This view aligns disturbingly with the Sadducees and Pharisees, who denied Jesus Christ’s resurrection and the eternal nature of human relationships (Acts 23:8).

Before delving into the scriptural evidence, let’s consider the essence of family relationships. Human bonds endure beyond the grave, unlike the fleeting connections of animals. My parents, in Cambodia, bore nine children, all of whom perished in infancy due to the absence of basic medical care. Sixty years later, my mother’s heart still aches with longing for those lost souls, a testament to the eternal nature of her love. In contrast, a mother cat shows little concern if a kitten dies, its maternal instinct fading quickly. God, however, exemplifies eternal care, loving us so deeply that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins—a sacrifice I can scarcely fathom, as I could never send my own son to die for another. This divine love persists, with Jesus remaining the Father’s Son even after His resurrection and return to heaven (John 20:17), proving that death does not sever divine relationships. My mother would be devastated in the next life if her bond with her children dissolved, just as I would be inconsolable if my profound love for my wife, which makes a single day without her unimaginable, were to end. Isaiah’s vision of the millennium, where “they shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord” (Isaiah 65:23), affirms that “families can be together forever!” This article embarks on a detailed exploration of how the Bible supports eternal marriage, contrasting it with traditional views, and weaving in personal and prophetic insights to build a compelling case for this everlasting covenant.

Addressing Misunderstandings: A Robust Defense

The doctrine of eternal marriage faces significant misunderstanding and mockery, particularly from Christians who cling to Matthew 19 and 22 as evidence against it. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question divorce, and Jesus responds, “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (v. 6), grounding marriage in divine authority that transcends human dissolution. He notes Moses’ allowance for divorce was due to “the hardness of your hearts” (v. 8), not God’s intent. Yet, in Matthew 22:23-30, the Sadducees, denying resurrection, pose a hypothetical about a woman married seven times, asking whose wife she’ll be. Jesus replies, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God… they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels” (v. 29-30). This has fueled the belief that marriage ends at death. However, the context is critical: Jesus addresses a scenario where no divine sealing occurred, only earthly marriages under Mosaic law, which lack eternal validity. The phrase “neither marry, nor are given in marriage” applies to post-death unions without God’s authority, not to sealings performed on earth by His servants (e.g., Melchizedek Priesthood holders). The “until death do us part” clause, a human addition absent from scripture, reflects this hardened-hearted tradition, perpetuated by non-authorized servants issuing divorcement writs. This misunderstanding has led to ridicule, with critics arguing eternal marriage contradicts Jesus’ words. Yet, the contradiction dissolves when we recognize that only marriages sealed by divine power endure, a truth restored through Joseph Smith. Many Latter-day Saints struggle to articulate this, leaving a gap we must fill with bold scriptural exegesis and revelation, affirming that eternal marriage aligns with Christ’s teachings, not the Sadducees’ error.

During the Millennium: A Vision of Eternal Families

Isaiah 65:17-25 paints a vivid picture of the millennium, a new earth where “they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them… and their offspring with them” (v. 21-23). This vision, free from death and sorrow, suggests that family relationships, including marriage, persist, fulfilled by Christ’s atonement that overcomes the Fall’s separation. The promise that “the wolf and the lamb shall feed together” (v. 25) symbolizes peace, extending to harmonious eternal unions. This aligns with Revelation 21:4, where “God shall wipe away all tears,” implying restored family joy, and 1 Corinthians 15:52-53, where mortality gives way to immortality, preserving relationships like Adam and Eve’s original bond.

3 Keys to Eternal Marriage: Your Path to Forever

The fate of your marriage hinges on three critical keys: your perspective, the type of marriage you choose, and the power that binds it. These elements, when aligned with God’s will, unlock a love that defies death. Let’s explore each with compelling evidence and practical wisdom.

Perspective That Matters Most: Shape Your Eternal Destiny

Your perspective on marriage determines whether it lasts a fleeting moment or stretches into eternity. Do you see it as a short-term contract—“until death do us part”—or a divine covenant “for time and all eternity”? This mindset shapes your actions and outcomes. Consider this eye-opening exchange: My friend and I debated college costs for my four children. He argued, “Only have one or two kids—tuition’s too high!” I countered, “I’ll work hard so all my children can thrive with better jobs than mine.” Shocked, he asked, “Why want them to outdo you?” I replied, “Because I love them and want their lives to soar!” He shook his head, baffled by my eternal view. Our talk deepened when I shared, “I love my wife and children. We’re married for time and eternity—my family will be together forever.” He scoffed, “I don’t believe in eternal life or God—just evolution.” Then he stunned me: “Men marry for free sex.” My jaw hit the floor! After a pause, I said, “I married Julene because I love her and want to spend this life and eternity with her.” His short-term lens—marriage as a temporary pleasure—dooms it to fade, perhaps not even lasting “until death.” My eternal perspective, rooted in love and God’s plan, fuels a bond that grows stronger daily. Scripture backs this: Romans 12:2 urges, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,” aligning your thoughts with God’s eternal design. Your perspective is the first key—choose love over lust, eternity over ephemera!

Which Marriage Do You Choose? Two Paths Diverge

Today, two marriages exist: one that ends at death and one that lasts forever. Your choice defines your destiny. The common marriage, performed by an officiator or justice of the peace, is bound by “until death do us part.” At death, this union dissolves—no claim on each other or children in heaven. My work friend, curious about my temple visits, asked, “Why go so often? What happens there?” I explained, “In the temple, the Holy House of the Lord, we perform marriages for ‘time and all eternity.’ We also do proxy baptisms for the deceased and seal families together so ‘families can be together forever!’ It’s a place of peace, gospel learning, covenants with our spouse and God, connecting earth to heaven.” He was intrigued, especially when he found “until death do us part” absent from the Bible—shocking him further! The eternal marriage, taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is sealed by priesthood authority. Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 promises, “If a man marry a wife by my word… it shall be done unto them in all things… in time, and through all eternity.” This second path, chosen in temples, ensures your love endures, fulfilling Genesis 2:24’s “one flesh” vision. Choose wisely—your marriage’s eternity hangs in the balance!

The Power to Bind That Will Last Forever: Priesthood Authority

Most marriages lack the power to last beyond death because they’re performed by those without divine authority. Matthew 16:19 records Jesus giving Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” This priesthood power, restored through Joseph Smith, empowers temple presidents—set apart by the Prophet or an apostle with the Melchizedek Priesthood—to seal marriages eternally. Hebrews 7:11-17 links this to Melchizedek’s “unchangeable” priesthood, blessing Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20), symbolizing an everlasting covenant. Contrast this with the “until death” model—my friend’s shock at its biblical absence highlights its human origin. The Bible teaches eternal marriage subtly (e.g., Matthew 19:6, “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”), a truth restoration clarifies. Only God’s authorized servants can bind your love to heaven, ensuring you claim your spouse and children eternally. This is the third key—divine power trumps human limits!

Biblical Foundations of Eternal Marriage: A Deep Dive

The Bible lays a subtle yet sturdy foundation for eternal marriage, often obscured by misinterpretation. Let us examine the key passages that hint at this doctrine:

• Matthew 16:15-19: Jesus asks Peter, “But whom say ye that I am?” (v. 15), and upon Peter’s confession, grants him the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (v. 19), declaring, “Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” This authority to seal marriages eternally, a power restored through priesthood keys, sets the stage for unions that transcend death, a concept foreign to many Christian readings that limit binding to earthly terms.
• Genesis 2:18, 24-25: From the outset, God declares, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (v. 18), followed by, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (v. 24). This union, established in Adam’s pre-fallen, immortal state, suggests a bond intended to endure, not dissolve with mortality.
• Mark 10:6-12: Jesus reinforces this permanence, stating, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (v. 9). The phrase “until death do us part,” absent from scripture and added later in Christian ceremonies, contradicts this divine intent, implying a union that human hands cannot sever, potentially extending into eternity.
• 1 Corinthians 11:7, 11: Paul writes, “The woman is the glory of the man… neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (v. 11). This interdependence, rooted in divine order, hints at an eternal partnership, not a temporary alliance.
• Ephesians 5:22-25, 31-33: The analogy of husbands loving wives “even as Christ also loved the church” (v. 25), and the declaration that “they two shall be one flesh” (v. 31), is called a “great mystery” (v. 32). This mystery unfolds as an eternal reality, where the Christ-church union mirrors the husband-wife bond, suggesting a celestial continuation.
• 1 Peter 3:7: Peter advises husbands to honor wives “being heirs together of the grace of life,” implying a shared eternal inheritance, a partnership that persists beyond the grave.
• 1 Corinthians 15:22: Paul’s assurance, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive,” ties resurrection to restored relationships, challenging the notion that man should remain alone post-resurrection, as God originally deemed it “not good” (Genesis 2:18).

The Power of the Priesthood: Sealing Families Together for Eternity

The priesthood, God’s sacred authority on Earth, is the cornerstone of eternal marriage, a concept largely unknown or misunderstood by most Christians, including many pastors and theologians. This divine power, restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, is what seals families together forever, a truth that transforms the meaning of Matthew 16:19—a verse often skimmed over without its profound implications being grasped. In that pivotal moment, Jesus asks Peter, “But whom say ye that I am?” (v. 15), and upon Peter’s confession of Christ as “the Son of the living God” (v. 16), Jesus declares, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” (v. 19). To the untrained eye, this might seem like a simple grant of authority, but it unveils a power to lock eternal covenants—marriages and family ties—in place, extending beyond the grave. Most Christians, unfamiliar with the priesthood, miss this, interpreting “bind” as a temporary earthly act, not an everlasting seal. Yet, this authority, embodied in the Melchizedek Priesthood, was lost after the original apostles but restored in 1829 through divine messengers like Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This restoration brought back the power to perform ordinances, such as the sealing of husbands and wives, and parents and children, in holy temples, ensuring families are united eternally.

The priesthood’s role is unique and misunderstood because it is not a human credential but a divine commission, passed down through a lineage of authorized servants. Hebrews 7:11-17 describes this priesthood as “unchangeable,” tracing it to Melchizedek, who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20) with a covenant that echoes through time. Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 reinforces this: “If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law… it shall be done unto them in all things… in time, and through all eternity,” a promise activated only through priesthood holders ordained and set apart, such as temple presidents by the living Prophet or an apostle. My own experiences in temples, where I’ve witnessed Cambodian families—many who never knew Christ in life—sealed together, reveal the priesthood’s tangible power. This sealing binds not just couples but entire lineages, contrasting sharply with the Sadducees’ denial of resurrection (Matthew 22:23) and the “until death do us part” tradition, which lacks this divine authorization.

The Book of Acts provides further examples that illuminate this priesthood authority, offering a window for readers to explore firsthand. In Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer, despite his belief and baptism, could not lay hands to confer the Holy Ghost because he lacked the Melchizedek Priesthood—only the apostles Peter and John, sent from Jerusalem, could perform this ordinance (Acts 8:14-17). This shows that even faith and baptism alone are insufficient without proper authority. In Acts 9, Paul encounters a vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), yet this divine encounter did not grant him the authority to heal or preach. He had to be healed by Ananias, a high priest with authority (Acts 9:17-18), and later baptized and ordained before he could preach as a missionary (Acts 9:19-20), underscoring that authority is essential. Acts 10 recounts Peter’s vision and the conversion of Cornelius, where Peter, as a priesthood holder, baptizes and confirms them (Acts 10:44-48), reinforcing that only authorized servants can enact these covenants. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders (Acts 14:23), showing the continuation of priesthood leadership. Acts 16 depicts Paul and Silas baptizing the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:30-33), again under priesthood authority. Acts 19 reveals Paul rebaptizing disciples in Ephesus because those who baptized them initially lacked authority (Acts 19:1-7), a practice many Christians overlook, missing the need for proper ordination. Finally, Acts 20 shows Paul ordaining elders (Acts 20:17, 28), ensuring the priesthood’s perpetuation. These examples highlight that without this authority, ordinances like baptism and sealing lack eternal validity—a reality many pastors fail to grasp, rooted in a post-apostolic loss of this power, which restoration has reclaimed to unite families forever.

For Christians unacquainted with this concept, the priesthood might seem foreign, even controversial. Pastors and theologians, trained in traditions that evolved after the apostolic era, often focus on preaching and administration, unaware of the need for a literal, hands-on authority to enact God’s eternal will. The New Testament shows Jesus ordaining His apostles (e.g., Luke 6:13, John 15:16) to carry His power, yet after their deaths, this authority fragmented, leading to a reliance on human rituals. Restoration through Joseph Smith reintroduced this lost key, enabling ordinances like eternal marriage, which Matthew 16:19 foreshadows. Without understanding this priesthood, Christians may read “bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” as a metaphor for prayer or church governance, missing its literal promise of family sealing. This power, exercised in temples today, fulfills Christ’s intent, offering a hope that transcends death—a hope my mother clings to for her lost children, and I live with Julene, knowing our love is eternally secured by this sacred authority.

Historical Context of Marriage in Ancient Israel

In ancient Israel, marriage was a covenant, not a temporal bond, aligning with eternal marriage through the restoration lens. Deuteronomy 7:9 (“the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him”) mirrors this enduring commitment. The Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) preserved family lines beyond death, hinting at eternal intent, unlike Greco-Roman views that saw marriage as transient and later influenced Christian thought. Patriarchal blessings (Genesis 17:7, “an everlasting covenant”) suggest family continuity, a foundation restoration builds upon, revealing God’s plan to keep families together forever against efforts to sever them.

The Role of the Atonement in Restoring Eternal Families

Christ’s Atonement restores not just individuals but families, a truth illuminated by restoration. Romans 5:10 (“reconciled to God by the death of his Son”) and Alma 11:45 (Book of Mormon, “raised in immortality”) show resurrection reunites us, with marriage as a central bond. This divine act, reflecting God’s love in sacrificing Jesus, ensures families, sealed eternally, overcome the Fall’s disruption, countering the sad separation preached by some.

Temple Ordinances: The Key to Eternal Bonds

Restoration introduces temple ordinances as the mechanism for eternal marriage, fulfilling biblical hints. Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 (“If a man marry a wife by my word… through all eternity”) and 130:2 (“That same sociality… coupled with eternal glory”) establish sealings by priesthood authority. My temple visits with my wife, sealing Cambodian families, embody this sacred work, a joy that defies those who deny eternal family ties.

The Plan of Salvation: Eternal Marriage as God’s Design

The plan of salvation, restored through Joseph Smith, frames eternal marriage as God’s intent. From pre-mortal existence to mortal probation and exaltation, families are the eternal unit (Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4). This plan, disrupted by the Fall, is restored through Christ, ensuring we return as families, not singles, opposing theological efforts to isolate us.

Cultural and Global Resonance of Eternal Marriage

Eternal marriage resonates globally, reflected in the Church’s growth—308,000 baptisms in 2024, a 20% rise in 2025. African family traditions and Asian ancestor veneration echo this longing, aligning with restoration’s 17.5 million members. My Cambodian roots deepen this connection, countering claims of it being a narrow doctrine and showing God’s love extends to all families.

Theological Implications for Gender and Equality in Eternity

Eternal marriage upholds gender equality, a restoration truth. 1 Corinthians 11:11 (“neither is the man without the woman… in the Lord”) and Galatians 3:28 (“there is neither male nor female… for ye are all one in Christ”) affirm mutual partnership, not subordination. Temples reflect this, where husbands and wives are sealed as equals, challenging patriarchal misreadings that separate us.

The Adversary’s Opposition: Why Separation Is Pushed

The adversary seeks to divide families, inspiring pastors and theologians to promote marriage’s end at death. Matthew 19:6 (“let not man put asunder”) is twisted, and Matthew 22:30 misused to support solitude. Restoration reveals this as Satan’s tactic, countered by sealings that unite us eternally, fulfilling God’s love against those sadly separating us.

Modern Revelation: Sealing the Eternal Covenant

Latter-day Saint theology, enriched by modern revelation, provides the clearest articulation of eternal marriage. The Doctrine and Covenants offers definitive support:

• Doctrine and Covenants 132:19: “If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law… it shall be done unto them in all things… in time, and through all eternity.” This revelation, received through Joseph Smith, establishes that marriages performed by priesthood authority endure forever, a stark contrast to the “until death do us part” limitation.
• Doctrine and Covenants 130:2: “That same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory,” ensuring that family relationships, including marriage, persist in the hereafter with enhanced joy.

Origin of “Until Death Do Us Part”

• Early Christian Influence: The phrase emerges from medieval Christian marriage liturgy, not directly from the Bible. It reflects the early Church’s interpretation that marriage is an earthly covenant, dissolving at death. This stems from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven,” which I haveaddressed as applying to non-sealed unions.
• Book of Common Prayer (1549): The specific wording “till death us depart” (later “until death do us part”) first appears in the Church of England’s 1549 Book of Common Prayer, crafted by Thomas Cranmer. This was a standardized liturgy for the Anglican Church, adapting earlier Catholic rites. The 1662 revision cemented “until death do us part,” used in the vows: “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance.”
• Latin Roots: It draws from the Latin phrase “donec mors nos separabit” (“until death separates us”), found in medieval Catholic wedding blessings, like the Sarum Rite (a 13th-century English liturgy). This reflects Roman legal views that marriage ended with death, influencing early Christian theology.
• Biblical Misalignment: As I’ve noted, this phrase isn’t in the Bible. The closest scriptural idea is the dissolution of marriage after death in cases of adultery or abandonment (e.g., Matthew 19:9, 1 Corinthians 7:39), but eternal marriage isn’t addressed. MyLDS perspective, backed by Doctrine and Covenants 132:19, challenges this by asserting divinely sealed unions last beyond death.

Personal Reflection and Cultural Ties: A Heartfelt Connection

My Cambodian heritage, where family unity is a sacred pillar, deeply informs my embrace of eternal marriage. Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ resilience despite losing all nine children, a loss that still haunts my mother sixty years later. Her longing mirrors my own love for my wife, a bond so strong that a day apart feels unbearable. We find solace and purpose in monthly temple visits, where we participate in sealing ordinances, uniting families—including those in Cambodia who never knew Jesus—into eternal bonds. This practice aligns with Titus 2:13-14’s call to be a “peculiar people,” zealous for good works, and Jesus’ exhortation to “be ye therefore perfect” (Matthew 5:48), pushing us toward celestial family unity. Prince Joe’s tribute on Facebook resonates here: “The greatest source of our strength… is through our wife. They’re our mortal partners, eternal companions… And together we shall return to live still as husbands and wives” (citing D&C 49:16, Proverbs 18:22, Ephesians 5:28, Ecclesiastes 9:9, Psalm 128:3, Proverbs 12:4, 31:10). This cultural and personal tie strengthens my conviction that eternal marriage is not just theology but a lived reality.

Conclusion: A Call to Eternal Commitment

Eternal marriage, subtly taught in the Bible and fully revealed through modern prophecy, is a divine gift that invites Latter-day Saints to forge “one flesh” families enduring beyond the grave. My wife and I live this through temple service, sealing countless families, including my mother’s lost children, into eternal ties—a joy that transcends her sixty-year grief. I love my four wonderful children and four amazing grandchildren; every day when I wake up, we live for them. We would do anything for our children—no matter how many mistakes they make, big or small, our love remains unwavering. I can’t imagine a day without my wife, children, grandchildren, and future posterity, a longing that eternal marriage fulfills. This doctrine, rooted in Genesis 2:24-25’s “one flesh,” Ephesians 5:31-32’s “great mystery,” and Doctrine and Covenants 132:19’s eternal promise, reflects God’s perfect love, sacrificing Christ for our salvation (John 3:16). It stands against the sad efforts of pastors and theologians to separate us from being together forever, a truth restored to show Heavenly family’s eternal value. Prepare your marriage for eternity—how will you strengthen this bond? Share your reflections with #EternalMarriageLDS, and let’s build a community of eternal families.

Bible and LDS Scriptures About Eternal Marriage

• Matthew 16:15-19: “But whom say ye that I am? … And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” (v. 15, 19). Explanation: Jesus grants Peter the authority to bind on earth and heaven, a power restored through priesthood keys in the restoration, enabling eternal marriages that defy the notion of separation at death.
• Genesis 2:18, 24-25: “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (v. 18), and “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (v. 24). Explanation: This pre-Fall union, established in Adam’s immortal state, suggests a bond meant to last eternally, a foundation restoration builds upon with temple sealings.
• Mark 10:6-12: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (v. 9). Explanation: Jesus affirms the divine permanence of marriage, contrasting with the non-biblical “until death do us part,” revealing through restoration that God’s joining can extend beyond mortality.
• 1 Corinthians 11:7, 11: “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man… Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (v. 7, 11). Explanation: This interdependence, clarified by restoration, hints at an eternal partnership, not a temporary tie, emphasizing mutual reliance in God’s plan.
• Ephesians 5:22-25, 31-33: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church… For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery” (v. 25, 31-32). Explanation: The “great mystery” of unity, mirrored by Christ and the church, points to an eternal marriage, fully realized through restoration’s sealing ordinances.
• 1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life” (v. 7). Explanation: The shared inheritance of grace suggests an eternal partnership, a truth restoration expands into temple covenants that bind families forever.
• 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (v. 22). Explanation: Resurrection restores relationships, challenging solitude post-death, with restoration teaching that sealed marriages endure through Christ’s power.
• Isaiah 65:17, 19-25: “They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord” (v. 23). Explanation: This millennial vision of family unity, fulfilled by restoration, affirms eternal marriage as part of God’s restored plan.
• Matthew 19:3-9: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (v. 6). Explanation: Jesus roots marriage in divine authority, not human limitation, with restoration clarifying this as a call for eternal sealings against divorce or death’s end.
• Matthew 22:23-30: “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (v. 30). Explanation: This addresses unsealed unions, not divinely sealed marriages; restoration teaches only priesthood sealings endure, correcting this misinterpretation.
• Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-24: “If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law… it shall be done unto them in all things… in time, and through all eternity” (v. 19). Explanation: Restoration reveals this as the definitive promise of eternal marriage, fulfilling biblical hints through temple ordinances.
• Doctrine and Covenants 130:2: “That same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory.” Explanation: Ensures family relationships, including marriage, persist in the hereafter with enhanced joy, a restoration truth.
• John 20:17: “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father” (v. 17). Explanation: Jesus’ ongoing sonship post-resurrection proves family ties endure, a principle restoration extends to marriages sealed by God.
• Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (v. 4). Explanation: This promise of restored joy, through restoration, includes eternal family reunions, wiping away the sorrow of separation.
• 1 Corinthians 15:52-53: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible… for this corruptible must put on incorruption” (v. 52-53). Explanation: Immortality through resurrection, taught by restoration, preserves sealed family bonds, including marriage.
• Deuteronomy 7:9: “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him” (v. 9). Explanation: God’s eternal covenant-keeping, expanded by restoration, underpins the permanence of family ties through marriage.
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10: (Levirate marriage practice where a brother marries a deceased sibling’s widow to continue the family line). Explanation: This ancient custom hints at preserving family beyond death, a principle restoration perfects with eternal sealings.
• Romans 5:10: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (v. 10). Explanation: The Atonement reconciles families, with restoration teaching it restores eternal marriage as part of God’s love.
• Alma 11:45: “The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form… raised to endless happiness” (v. 45). Explanation: This Book of Mormon insight, through restoration, confirms resurrection reunites families, including marital bonds.
• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (v. 28). Explanation: Equality in Christ, clarified by restoration, supports mutual partnership in eternal marriage, not separation.
• More Scriptures Related to Marriage/Family:

• Genesis 1 & 3: (Creation of man and woman, and the Fall). Explanation: Establishes family as God’s first institution, with restoration teaching the Fall disrupted but didn’t end this eternal design.
• Deuteronomy 7: (Covenant with Israel, including marriage as a covenant). Explanation: Highlights God’s covenant with His people, which restoration extends to eternal family covenants.
• Deuteronomy 24: (Laws on marriage and divorce). Explanation: Reflects temporary allowances due to human weakness, contrasted by restoration’s eternal sealing power.
• 1 Corinthians 7: (Paul’s guidance on marriage). Explanation: Offers practical advice, with restoration elevating it to an eternal context through sealings.
• Malachi 2: (Covenant of marriage and fidelity). Explanation: Emphasizes marriage as a sacred covenant, fulfilled eternally through restoration.
• Nehemiah: (Restoration of families after exile). Explanation: Symbolizes family reunification, paralleling restoration’s eternal family promise.
• Matthew 5, 16, 19: (Teachings on purity, authority, and marriage). Explanation: Jesus’ teachings lay the groundwork, with restoration providing the authority to seal eternally.
• Romans 7: (Marriage and law). Explanation: Discusses marriage’s legal aspect, which restoration transcends with spiritual eternal bonds.
• Mark 10: (Marriage permanence). Explanation: Reinforces indissolubility, with restoration clarifying its eternal scope.
• Ephesians 5: (Husbands and wives, unity with Christ). Explanation: The “one flesh” mystery, expanded by restoration, points to eternal unity.
• Proverbs 18:22: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (v. 22). Explanation: Celebrates marriage as a divine blessing, with restoration ensuring its eternal nature.
• Ephesians 5:28: “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” (v. 28). Explanation: Highlights mutual love, which restoration extends into an eternal partnership.
• Ecclesiastes 9:9: “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity” (v. 9). Explanation: Encourages joyful union, with restoration promising this joy eternally.
• Psalm 128:3: “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house” (v. 3). Explanation: Portrays a blessed family, fulfilled by restoration’s eternal family vision.
• Proverbs 12:4, 31:10: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband” (12:4) and “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (31:10). Explanation: Honors the wife’s role, with restoration sealing this partnership forever.
• Doctrine and Covenants 49:16: “Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation” (v. 16). Explanation: Restoration affirms marriage as part of God’s creation plan, binding families eternally.
  • Prince Joe’s Tribute: By Prince Joe on Facebook: “It is written… *Thou shall love thy wife with all thy heart (D&C 49:16). *Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing (Prov. 18:22). *He that loveth his wife loveth himself (Eph. 5:28). *Live joyfully with the wife whom thou love (Eccl. 9:9). *Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine (Ps. 128:3). *A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband (Prov. 12:4, 31:10). Brother Mike, the greatest source of our strength… is through our wife. They’re our mortal partners, eternal companions… And together we shall return to live still as husbands and wives… Thank you Sister Julene, for being an amazing virtuous woman… May our Father… sustain and bless your family… Amen n Amen.” Explanation: A heartfelt affirmation of eternal companionship, rooted in scripture and restoration, celebrating the wife’s eternal role.