The Sealing Power
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding the Purpose of the Gathering of Israel
Elder Christofferson explains that the gathering of Israel serves to protect the covenant people, bring the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all who will receive them, and realize the covenant promises given to Abraham.
What is the purpose of this gathering? By revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord identified one purpose as the protection of the covenant people.
Most importantly, the gathering is for the purpose of bringing the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all who will receive them.Key Points:
- The gathering of Israel is prophesied since the days of Isaiah.
- One purpose of the gathering is the protection of the covenant people.
- The gathering is crucial for realizing the covenant promises given to Abraham.
- Have you ever felt protected by being part of the gathering of Israel?
- In what ways have you experienced the blessings of salvation and exaltation through the gathering?
- How do you see the covenant promises given to Abraham being realized in your life?
Recognizing the Importance of the Sealing Power
Elder Christofferson discusses the vital role of the sealing power in making priesthood ordinances valid and binding beyond death. He emphasizes that the sealing power is necessary for all ordinances, not just certain temple ordinances.
The power to validate all priesthood ordinances and make them binding both on earth and in heaven—the sealing power—is crucial for gathering and preparing a covenant people on both sides of the veil.
We tend to think of the sealing authority as applying only to certain temple ordinances, but that authority is necessary to make any ordinance valid and binding beyond death.Key Points:
- The sealing power validates all priesthood ordinances.
- The sealing power is necessary for all ordinances, not just temple ordinances.
- All priesthood ordinances are performed under the keys of the President of the Church.
- How has understanding the sealing power strengthened your faith in priesthood ordinances?
- Can you share a personal experience where the sealing power had a significant impact on your life?
- How has the sealing power influenced your understanding of the eternal nature of priesthood ordinances?
Understanding the Role of Temples in the Gathering of Israel
Elder Christofferson highlights the significance of temples in the gathering of Israel. He explains that temples are where the sealing power gives validity to priesthood ordinances, making individual salvation and family exaltation universally available.
There is another vital purpose in the gathering of Israel that has special meaning when we talk about sealing on earth and in heaven—that is the building and operation of temples.
The validity that the sealing power gives to priesthood ordinances includes, of course, vicarious ordinances performed in the place designated by the Lord—His temple.Key Points:
- Temples play a vital role in the gathering of Israel.
- The sealing power gives validity to priesthood ordinances performed in temples.
- The sealing power makes individual salvation and family exaltation universally available.
- How has attending the temple helped you feel part of the gathering of Israel?
- Can you share a personal experience of feeling the sealing power at work in the temple?
- How has the temple played a role in your understanding and appreciation of the sealing power?
Appreciating the Eternal Union of Families
Elder Christofferson discusses the highest and holiest manifestation of the sealing power—the eternal union of a man and a woman in marriage and the linking of humankind through all their generations. He emphasizes that without the sealings that create eternal families, we would be left in eternity with neither roots nor branches.
The highest and holiest manifestation of the sealing power is in the eternal union of a man and a woman in marriage and the linking of humankind through all their generations.
Without the sealings that create eternal families and link generations here and hereafter, we would be left in eternity with neither roots nor branches.Key Points:
- The highest manifestation of the sealing power is the eternal union of a man and a woman in marriage.
- The sealing power links humankind through all their generations.
- Without sealings that create eternal families, we would be left in eternity with neither roots nor branches.
- How has the sealing power influenced your understanding of eternal families?
- Can you share a personal experience where the sealing power strengthened your marriage or family relationships?
- How has the understanding of "neither roots nor branches" without sealings impacted your perspective on family and eternity?
Recognizing the Reality of Exaltation for All
Elder Christofferson acknowledges the reality that not everyone currently experiences the ideal family circumstances. He reassures that everyone who is faithful in keeping gospel covenants will have the opportunity for exaltation, and encourages individuals to add strength to their generational chain.
At the same time, we recognize that in the imperfect present, this is not the reality or even a realistic possibility for some. But we have hope in Christ.
Some have experienced unhappy and unhealthy family circumstances and feel little desire for an eternal family association.Key Points:
- Not everyone currently experiences ideal family circumstances.
- Everyone who is faithful in keeping gospel covenants will have the opportunity for exaltation.
- Individuals can add strength to their generational chain.
- How has your faith helped you cope with less than ideal family circumstances?
- Can you share a personal experience where you felt reassured of the opportunity for exaltation despite challenges?
- How have you tried to add strength to your generational chain?
