Eternal or Celestial marriage is the highest and most sacred ordinance performed in LDS temples. Mormons believe that a man and woman married in the temple by priesthood authority are “sealed” together for eternity, continuing their relationship after death and throughout eternity.
Eternal marriage is essential for exaltation—the highest degree of glory in the Celestial Kingdom. Those who are sealed and remain faithful to their covenants are promised that their marriage and family relationships will endure forever, and that they will one day have spirit children and become like God.
Couples married outside the temple, or those who do not keep their covenants, are believed to remain together only “until death do you part.”
Biblical Christianity teaches that eternal life with God is not dependent on marital status but on faith in Jesus Christ alone. The Bible consistently portrays our ultimate relationship as being united with Christ himself—the true and eternal bridegroom of his Church (Ephesians 5:25–27; Revelation 19:7).
