Will eternal marriage exist only in the Celestial Kingdom?

Question

Gramps,

Latter Day Saint doctrine is clear that eternal marriage exists in the Celestial Kingdom.  Is there  doctrine stating it won’t exist in the other two kingdoms?

Shanna

Answer

Dear Shanna,

Yes.  It is found in the same revelation as that on eternal marriage, though it may require some deduction to understand.  First, we should note the teaching in D&C 131:1-4 that in order to attain the highest degree of celestial glory, one must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage.  If one doesn’t, and yet is otherwise worthy of celestial glory, one will not attain its highest degree.

Next, we need to look at a few verse in D&C 132.  First, part of verse 7, and verses 8-10:

7 … All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, … are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.

8 Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.

9 Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name?

10 Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?

This is saying that any marriage entered into other than those sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise and performed by one who has been anointed to this authority ends at death.  The Lord will not accept any agreement which he has not appointed.  Verses 13 and 14 emphasize that whatever is not ordained of the Lord will be destroyed.  Then, in verse 15-17, the Lord explains this explicitly in relation to marriage:

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