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Gramps,

My husband and I were sealed in the temple 20 years ago and have 5 children. We have been active in the church this whole time. We have been experiencing marital issues for the past several years during which he has broken those covenants made in the temple and has now chosen to leave the Church completely. Although I am not without fault, I have kept my covenants and I am interested in remaining active. My question is about what doctrine states concerning my salvation and kingdom placement if I choose to remain married to a man who will not be allowed in the celestial kingdom if he does not repent of his sins in this life. Thank you for your time.

Amanda

 

Answer

 

Amanda,

May the Lord continue to bless you in your decision to remain active, and may he bless you with comfort in such a difficult circumstance you now experience. As I read your post, I am first reminded of our Article of Faith #2 & 3 which provide insight to your question,

“2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

 

“3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

The second Article of Faith allows us to understand that when we stand before the Lord we are only judged according to the choices we have made in this life, and are not judged for the decisions of others. The third Article of Faith strengthens the second Article of Faith by highlighting that a person is individually saved through personal obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. In other words, if a spouse continues to remain faithful to his/her covenants, although their spouse does not, they will in nowise lose their reward in heaven — as long as they have remained faithful to the laws, covenants, and ordinances they have received. Elder Dallin H.Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve provided this counsel:

“We know that many worthy and wonderful Latter-day Saints currently lack the ideal opportunities and essential requirements for their progress. Singleness, childlessness, death, and divorce frustrate ideals and postpone the fulfillment of promised blessings. In addition, some women who desire to be full-time mothers and homemakers have been literally compelled to enter the full-time workforce. But these frustrations are only temporary. The Lord has promised that in the eternities no blessing will be denied his sons and daughters who keep the commandments, are true to their covenants, and desire what is right.

 
“Many of the most important deprivations of mortality will be set right in the Millennium, which is the time for fulfilling all that is incomplete in the great plan of happiness for all of our Father’s worthy children. We know that will be true of temple ordinances. I believe it will also be true of family relationships and experiences” (Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 75).

Through my research into your question I was able to discover this article by a member who is in a similar situation as you, “When He Stopped Believing,” and I think you might find some comfort in her words.

To conclude my thoughts, please take the opportunity to read Doctrine and Covenants 132: 43-44

43 And if her husband be with another woman, and he was under a a vow, he hath broken his vow and hath committed adultery.

 

44 And if she hath not committed adultery, but is innocent and hath not broken her vow, and she knoweth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph, then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy Priesthood, to take her and give her unto him that hath not committed adultery

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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