Doctrine and Covenants 129

Eternal Marriage & Sealing Power

As Latter-day Saints, one of the most cherished ideas is that families can be forever. This isn't just a hopeful thought; it's a divine promise made possible through eternal marriage. My understanding of love and commitment deepened immensely when I learned about this doctrine.

The sealing power—a sacred power given to worthy priesthood holders—allows for these eternal unions, binding spouses and their children together not just for this life, but for all eternity. This power serves as the key to unlock the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. As it says in Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20:

This concept was unappealing to me because I grew up in a family I did not aspire to unite with. I discovered that I could have a family that the Lord had designed by studying the Father's words and a blessing I received when I baptized my mother. My mother has chosen to continue learning in the presence of the Father and Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am confident that my permanent union with her and the rest of my family will bring me joy.

Eternal marriages are performed in its temples, not in a "modern-day church" called "Till death do you part." The church's doctrine of eternal marriage, or celestial marriage, is based on the knowledge that a marriage can be sealed and last for eternity, making it distinct from standard vows that end at death.  The eternal bond is made through a temple sealing, which is a ceremony conducted in a Latter-day Saint temple. This ceremony is distinct from a civil marriage or a temple marriage that is performed outside of the temple.

This quote powerfully reminds me that our love stories can truly be without end.

Priesthood Authority & Keys

The ability to perform such eternal ordinances, like eternal marriage, hinges entirely on priesthood authority and the specific priesthood keys that direct its use. Just as D&C 129 outlines precise instructions for discerning spirits, the Lord has established a precise order for administering His work on earth.

This divine power, known as priesthood authority, is the very means by which God governs His kingdom on earth. It empowers individuals to act in His name, perform sacred ordinances, and lead His Church. Priesthood keys, on the other hand, are the specific rights to preside over and direct the use of that authority. Authorized priesthood authority and keys are required for sealing power to exist and for eternal ordinances to be performed.

I often reflect on the significance of this. It means that the blessings promised in the temple are truly ratified in heaven. As the Lord declared in Doctrine and Covenants 128:8, referencing a vital truth about revelation and ordinances:

This reassures me that the work done here has eternal consequences.

Baptism for the Dead, Explained

The doctrine of baptism for the dead is another incredible aspect of the plan of salvation that springs from our understanding of the eternal nature of spirits. Just as discernment is crucial for the living, God's love extends to those who've passed on.

What happens to those who never had the opportunity to learn about Christ or receive essential ordinances during their lifetime? Does God simply abandon them? Absolutely not! This is where the beautiful doctrine of baptism for the dead comes into play. It's a vicarious ordinance where a living person is baptized by proper priesthood authority on behalf of someone who has died, ensuring that the deceased individual has the opportunity to accept these saving blessings in the spirit world.

When I participate in genealogy and family history work, I feel a profound connection to my ancestors. We research our family lines, discover the names of those who have passed away, and then perform these ordinances on their behalf. It's a selfless act of love and embodies the very essence of the plan of salvation. As the Apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 15:29:

Vicarious Ordinances & Temple Work

Beyond baptism for the dead, our temples are centers for a host of other vicarious ordinances. These include confirmations, ordinations to the priesthood (for men), and most importantly, eternal marriage sealings—all performed on behalf of our deceased ancestors.

This extensive temple work is at the heart of our efforts to redeem the dead and ensure that everyone, regardless of when or where they lived, has the chance to receive the blessings necessary for eternal progression. When you enter the temple, you will be reminded of the sacred covenants you've made and how they affect your spiritual growth and the dead.

The temple is where heaven and earth truly meet, and these vicarious ordinances are a testament to God's boundless love and mercy. They prepare us for the resurrection and the opportunity to live with God again. As Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

The Celestial Kingdom & Eternal Progression

Ultimately, all of these sacred principles and ordinances point us towards a single, glorious destination: the celestial kingdom. The celestial kingdom is the highest degree of glory in the eternities, where we can live in the presence of God and Jesus Christ. It's a place of eternal joy, perfect love, and endless eternal progression.

The instructions in Doctrine and Covenants 129 about discerning spirits, while practical for immediate spiritual safety, also serve as a reminder that we are on a journey. Staying on the path that leads to the celestial kingdom requires spiritual discernment, dedication to truth, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our eternal marriage, priesthood authority, and temple covenants are all tools God has given us to achieve this highest blessing.

The scriptures give us a glimpse of this promised glory:

A Deeper Understanding

Pondering Doctrine and Covenants 129 isn't just about discerning spirits; it's a powerful reminder of God's organized plan for His children. It emphasizes the existence of order in the heavens, the legitimacy of authority, and the eternal nature of love.

From the specific instructions on discerning spirits to the grand vision of eternal marriage, temple work, and celestial kingdom glory, these truths intertwine to create a beautiful tapestry of hope, purpose, and endless possibilities. I am grateful for these revelations that guide me and my family on our eternal journey.

What parts of Latter-Day Saints knowledge resonate most with you?

How do you see the plan of salvation unfolding in your life?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

What have we learned?

1. What exactly is Doctrine and Covenants 129 about, and how does it help us understand spirits?

2. The text mentions "eternal marriage" and "sealing power." What do these terms mean, and why are they so cherished?

3. Why do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform baptisms and other ordinances for the dead?

4. What is the role of "priesthood authority" and "keys" in all of this, especially concerning eternal ordinances?

5. What is the "celestial kingdom," and how do all these teachings from D&C 129 and beyond help us achieve the celestial kingdom? 

ANSWERS:

1. Doctrine and Covenants 129 is a super interesting revelation that gives us specific instructions on how to discern between different types of spirits—whether they are divine messengers or evil spirits trying to deceive us. The text describes a unique test for spirits: if a spirit offers to shake your hand, a righteous spirit will do so, an evil spirit will either recoil or offer its hand without any sensation, and a resurrected being will have a tangible hand. Beyond just a "spirit test," it really opens up a conversation about how God has an organized plan and that there's order in the spiritual world around us.
2. "Eternal marriage" is a beautiful idea taught in Latter-day Saints, promising that families can be together forever, not just until "death do us part." "Sealing power" makes this incredible promise possible. The term is a sacred power given to worthy priesthood holders (men authorized to act in God's name) that allows them to bind spouses and their children together for all eternity, not just for this life. It's cherished because it means our deepest relationships and love can truly be without end, leading to the highest blessings God has for us in the celestial kingdom.
3. Such an understanding is a really compassionate part of our knowledge! We know that God's love extends to everyone, even those who died without ever having the chance to learn about Jesus Christ or receive essential ordinances like baptism during their lifetime. Therefore, "baptism for the dead" is a vicarious ordinance, meaning a living person is baptized in their place by proper authority. This doesn't force the deceased to accept it, but it offers them the opportunity to accept these saving blessings in the spirit world. Our temples are also where we perform other "vicarious ordinances," like eternal marriage sealings, for our ancestors, giving them the same opportunities for eternal progression. It's all about ensuring everyone has a fair chance at God's blessings.
4. Priesthood authority is essentially the power and authorization granted by God to act in His name, perform sacred ordinances, and lead His Church. Consider it the divine power that validates eternal marriage and other ordinances, both on earth and in heaven. Priesthood keys are more specific rights that allow individuals to preside over and direct the use of priesthood authority. Authorized priesthood authority and the proper keys are required to perform sacred ordinances like eternal marriage and to have their blessings ratified in heaven. This feature ensures that God's work is carried out in an orderly manner, just as He established it, providing us with confidence that actions taken on earth can have eternal consequences.
5. The "celestial kingdom" is the highest degree of glory in the eternities, where we can live in the very presence of God and Jesus Christ. It's described as a place of immense joy, perfect love, and endless growth, or "eternal progression." All the teachings discussed—from discerning spirits (D&C 129) to understanding eternal marriage, priesthood authority, and temple work like vicarious ordinances—are meant to guide us toward this ultimate destination. They are tools and gifts from God that help us stay on the right path, grow spiritually, make sacred promises, and become ready to live with Him again. It's the glorious promise that our journey in this life prepares us for an incredible, eternal future.

Section 129

1. There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—

2. For instance, Jesus said, "Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."

3. Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected but inherit the same glory.

4. When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.

5. If he is an angel, he will do so, and you will feel his hand.

6. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect, he will come in his glory, for that is the only way he can appear—

7. Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive, but he will still deliver his message.

8. If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands, he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.

9. These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

Your thoughts, questions, and comments help us all receive the knowledge.

Please leave those in the comments below