Question
Hi Gramps,
I’m sealed to my first husband in the temple. No temple divorce because I’m now married civilly. My husband is inactive and has never been through the temple. Thankfully he supports me in my choice of being active. I have a current recommend, pay tithing and keep the commandments. I’m extremely nervous to know about my limitations in the Celestial Kingdom due to my poor choice of marrying outside the temple. I want to achieve celestial exaltation? Is this possible? Thank you.
Wendy
Answer
Wendy,
The desire to achieve, be worthy of, exaltation through our Savior Jesus Christ is a hope for anyone who has received a witness (from the Holy Ghost) of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are three scriptures (one is actually a whole chapter) that I am very fond of when it comes to the doctrine of exaltation:
1) John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
2) 1 Nephi 8 (particularly this verse), “And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.”
3) Moroni 10:32-33, “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.”
Let’s begin with the first scripture in relation to your explanation and questions. Exaltation, or eternal life, is coming to know God and Jesus Christ. We come to know Jesus Christ through following him, heading his counsels (as given by his servants), and keeping his commandments. One aspect of keeping the Lord’s commandments is through following the Lord into the waters of baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and receiving all other necessary ordinances (saving ordinances).
The very first sentence tells me that you have received all the “saving” ordinances that are available to the Church. You have been sealed to your first husband, and you haven’t received a temple sealing cancellation. You are married now, civilly, and your words once again mention that you have a current temple recommend (meaning you are keeping the Lord’s commandments) and you are paying tithing.
You appear, at least from what I can tell, to be continue in prayer to the Lord for his tender mercies, and it appears you are doing what you can to come unto Christ and accepting that invitation as you remain faithful in keeping a current temple recommend, keeping his commandments, and paying tithing. Continue as you are, as given in the Tree of Life dream. Continue to hold fast to the rod. Continue to partake of God’s love, via repentance and knowledge, and partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life.
If you still have concerns I would recommend reaching out to a ministering sister or brother and discuss with them your concerns. You can also reach out to your relief society president or counselor and discuss with them some of your concerns and hopes. As they have stewardship, they are able to receive revelation for counsel and comfort. You always have the bishop also.
Gramps
