“Eternal life” requires a couple who can have increase, or bear children. The requirement is that through the continuation of the marriage covenant men and women become exalted. And without that, they remain separate and single, saved, but not exalted. D&C 132 explains:
15 Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.
17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.
18 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.
The Celestial Kingdom has three heavens or degrees within it. To attain the highest, which is the only one in which the marriage covenant exists and continues, a person must have entered into a marriage and been sealed by the holy spirit of promise. As D&C 131 explains:
1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
Exaltation is tied to the marriage covenant and without an eternal marriage there cannot be exaltation.
However, (I point out hesitantly) that all these verses are phrased in the masculine. In most cases the masculine does not matter because the commandment applies to both the man and woman. That is, when mankind is referred to collectively, it is referred to in the masculine. For example, the first couple are sometimes referred to collectively as “Adam” when what is meant is Adam and Eve. Therefore, what I’m going to say is not a universal truism and cannot be applied without regard to context. Here, however, it can be applied. Because in this instance, the male’s right to exaltation is utterly dependent upon his successful completion of this requirement as part of this probation.
Women, on the other hand, who would be otherwise worthy (and that involves a great number beyond those who are parties to sealed and worthy marriage), are among those who D&C 137 describes:
7. …All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desires of their hearts.
Women have, throughout history, borne their obligation of motherhood and submission to husbands with considerable success. It is rare, however, when men have been able to retain priesthood. Apostasy is a male failing, not a female failing. Nor are the women of the Church responsible for the lack of “power” within the priesthood discussed by Elder Packer in last General Conference. This is a male failing. Therefore, when the first two quotes are read above, the significance of the masculine phrasing ought not be overlooked. The whole subject is tied to a man’s completion of a task required of him in mortality.
Women who are good mothers, worthy wives and who keep the faith will suffer no loss because of a failing husband. HOWEVER, women are required to minister in love and righteousness even to a difficult husband, as did Abigail. Marriage to a “churlish” man did not stop her from showing her own nobility. Therefore, it is not enough for a woman to determine her husband is not likely to survive the judgment, give up on him, and await the next life to learn to serve in love and patience. She has an obligation to begin that service here and now. Indeed, the worse the man, the greater the opportunity to show Christ-like devotion. There is no man whose behavior is more offensive than those for whom Christ suffered. To be like Him, and to live where He lives requires a similar capacity to forgive, love, bless, serve and elevate.
This isn’t easy. Wasn’t meant to be. Do you really think any of us are worthy to be called “gods” without first descending below all things so as to be qualified to rise above all things? Christ is not merely our Savior, He is our example. We must “follow Him” if we want to be where He is.
This isn’t easy. Wasn’t meant to be. Do you really think any of us are worthy to be called “gods” without first descending below all things so as to be qualified to rise above all things? Christ is not merely our Savior, He is our example. We must “follow Him” if we want to be where He is.