Why Are Sealings Necessary? Understanding Eternal Family in LDS Theology

One of the most unique and sometimes puzzling aspects of Latter-day Saint theology is the practice of sealings—the ordinance that binds families together for eternity. To those outside the faith, it can seem unnecessary. After all, if God is all-powerful, why would He need formal ceremonies to keep families together in the afterlife? Let’s explore why sealings are not only meaningful but necessary in LDS thought.

1. The Purpose of Mortal Marriage

Mortal marriage is a temporary institution. Jesus taught that “in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). From this, we understand that earthly marriage exists for companionship, love, and family life in mortality, but it does not automatically continue into eternity.

So if marriage as we know it is temporary, how can eternal family relationships endure?

2. God’s Eternal Principles and Human Agency

LDS theology teaches that God works through eternal principles—laws that govern the universe and eternal life. These principles aren’t limits on His power, but they ensure order, consistency, and agency.

Humans are finite beings. Our choices, faithfulness, and participation matter. Sealings are the mechanism through which individuals choose to participate in God’s eternal plan, demonstrating faithfulness and commitment.

Without this covenantal framework, eternal relationships could exist, but they would not be formalized in God’s law, leaving their eternal continuity uncertain. Sealings make these relationships official and recognized in the eyes of God.

3. Sealings as Eternal Covenants

A sealing is more than a “better marriage” or symbolic ceremony. It is a binding covenant with God. Through the authority of the priesthood, couples and families enter into a sacred agreement that transcends mortality.

Sealings allow God to link family members eternally while respecting human agency. In other words, God could preserve relationships unilaterally, but sealings give us the opportunity to actively participate in and accept the blessings of eternity.

4. Why the Structure Matters

Think of it this way: God is like a master architect, and we are apprentice builders. He could construct eternal family bonds perfectly on His own, but He provides tools, blueprints, and instruction—sealings being one of them—so that we can participate knowingly, responsibly, and meaningfully.

Sealings give structure and clarity. They ensure that families, once bound in covenant, are permanently recognized in God’s eternal framework. They are not a limitation on God, but a teaching tool and a method to link our choices to eternal outcomes.

5. Eternal Families for All

Another common question is: “What about those who never join the Church?” LDS theology addresses this through vicarious work for the dead. Sealings can be performed by proxy, giving everyone the opportunity to receive these covenants and enter into eternal family relationships.

This reflects a core principle of LDS thought: God’s power is unlimited, but He works through laws, covenants, and ordinances to ensure order, fairness, and meaningful human participation.

Conclusion

Sealings are necessary not because God lacks the power to preserve families eternally, but because they teach, formalize, and link human participation with divine law. They are the sacred mechanism through which eternal families are officially recognized, blessings are guaranteed, and human agency is honored.

In this way, sealings reflect both God’s omnipotence and His desire for our meaningful participation, ensuring that families can truly endure forever.

Hebrews 8:10–11 – God writes His laws on our hearts and minds, establishing covenantal relationships with His people. 

Matthew 16:19 – “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”