Family History and Temples

Family Is Central to God’s Plan

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129).

Life’s greatest joys are found in a loving family. This is so in spite of the many distractions and challenges of life. Building strong families requires efforts. But such effort can bring joy in this life and through all eternity. Even in families where relationships are difficult, the gospel of Jesus Christ can provide hope, comfort, and healing.

In our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, a husband and wife can be together forever. The authority to unite families forever is called the sealing power. It is the same power that Jesus gave to His Apostles during His ministry on earth (Matthew 16:19). An eternal marriage is therefore called a sealing. Children born or adopted into such eternal marriages can also be sealed to their families forever.