Sealing and Authority

A strong belief in the Mormon world is the doctrine of Eternal Families.  It is a doctrine that was introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith under the term Sealing.  To seal people together is to perform the priesthood ordinance under the direction of the Holy Spirit of Promise, promising the parties involved that they will have the opportunity to be together in the Resurrection and beyond.  I say the “opportunity” because we always have our agency. 

The Holy Spirit of Promise is a subject that can take up several posts, and perhaps I will get to that at another time. 

The types of sealings that go on today in most of the Mormon churches/groups that I have witnessed, are preparatory sealings.  They are (should be) performed by those who hold, at least the preparatory Patriarchal Priesthood, and they seal by stating something to the effect of; ‘According to your faithfulness.’  Of course if the ordinance was done with the proper authority, and according to the laws that the Lord set out to govern that ordinance, and if those parties involved qualify themselves, then they will realize that blessing. 

Most Mormons are aware of two priesthoods, the Aaronic, including the Levitical, and the Melchizedek.  The Aaronic tends to the temporal concerns, and the Melchizedek tends to the spiritual.  The Melchizedek Priesthood is the highest priesthood that can be given from one man to the other. 

But there is another priesthood that is not often spoken of or even named, though it is sometimes common knowledge; the Patriarchal Priesthood.  The Patriarchal Priesthood is given usually in two stages.  The Patriarchal Priesthood is often only given by revelation or when necessity dictates, but there have been many exceptions.  It is first given by the performing of ordinances often referred to as the Second Annointings or the Higher Endowment (actually it has many names).  In all actuality, this is just a preparatory endowment, and it is not complete until it is ratified by God.  (Another subject for a later post.) 

The Patriarchal Priesthood holds the keys of sealing, and even at the preparatory level, those keys are valid, as long as the priesthood holder uses them in accordance with the rules that the Lord has set forth to govern them.  If the sealing is not performed according to the laws that the Lord dictated, then of course it is not valid.  Oh, how many will be crying at that day! 

This brings up a whole new aspect.  Those who have not had the opportunity to have that ordinance performed by someone legally holding that authority, will have the opportunity at some future time, provided that they have lived in such a way as to have qualified themselves.  If they have not lived up to that standard, they do not qualify for the blessing.  The Lord is extremely kind to those who have kept, and are keeping His commandments.  Although, it is our responsibility to pray and find out who has that authority, so that we can have that ordinance performed, and live that covenant. 

Again, do not fear, Heavenly Father is extremely kind to those who are keeping His commandments, and will have abundant mercy on them.  They will have an opportunity to receive all the blessings that they have qualified for.  So do not fear, go forth in faith, be not afraid to do good, seeking His will in all things, and you will receive all that you have qualified for, nothing will be lost. 

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