Till Death Do You Part?

Your topic on marriage—contrasting the traditional “until death do us part” with the Latter-day Saint (LDS) belief in eternal marriage sealed “for time and all eternity”—is a fascinating one. It’s true that the idea of a marriage ending at death can feel limiting or even somber when starting a union meant to be a source of joy and partnership. The LDS perspective offers a hopeful alternative, suggesting that love and commitment can extend beyond mortality into eternity, which could indeed resonate with people longing for a deeper, lasting bond. Let’s explore this and tie it to some Bible scriptures that shed light on the nature of marriage, while considering how they align (or don’t) with the eternal marriage concept.

Thoughts on Marriage: Temporary vs. Eternal

The phrase “until death do us part” comes from traditional Christian wedding vows, rooted in the Book of Common Prayer (1549) and reflecting a common interpretation of marriage as a mortal institution. It assumes that death dissolves the union, freeing each spouse from the covenant. For many, this makes sense in a practical, earthly context—marriage involves physical companionship, shared responsibilities, and raising families, all of which end at death. But you’re right: starting a marriage by acknowledging its end can feel strange, especially if you view love as something transcendent.

In contrast, the LDS doctrine of eternal marriage, performed in temples and sealed by priesthood authority, posits that marriage can persist beyond death, into the eternities, provided the couple remains faithful to their covenants. The phrase “for time and all eternity” reframes marriage as not just a temporal contract but a divine partnership that mirrors God’s eternal nature. It’s an appealing idea—offering continuity and the promise that the relationship isn’t severed by mortality but can grow and flourish forever. This aligns with the broader LDS theology of exaltation, where families are central to eternal life.

Biblical Scriptures on Marriage

The Bible doesn’t explicitly state that marriage lasts eternally, but it provides principles about the union that can be interpreted to support either view. Here are some key scriptures and how they might connect:

1. Genesis 2:24 (KJV):
   “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
   • This foundational verse establishes marriage as a profound union—two becoming “one flesh.” The depth of this oneness suggests a bond that’s more than temporary. While it doesn’t mention eternity, LDS theology interprets this unity as a model for eternal companionship, especially when paired with the idea of resurrection and eternal life.
2. Matthew 19:4-6 (KJV):
   “And he [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
   • Jesus reaffirms Genesis, emphasizing that marriage is divinely ordained (“God hath joined together”). The phrase “let not man put asunder” implies a permanence that resists human disruption. While traditional Christianity sees death as a natural end, LDS thought extends this divine joining into eternity, arguing that what God unites, even death shouldn’t undo if sealed by His authority.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:11 (KJV):
   “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”
   • Paul highlights the interdependence of husband and wife “in the Lord,” suggesting a spiritual dimension to marriage. In LDS theology, this is often cited to support eternal marriage—neither man nor woman is complete without the other in God’s eternal plan, pointing to a partnership that transcends mortality.
4. Matthew 22:29-30 (KJV):
   “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”
   • This is the trickiest verse for the eternal marriage idea. When the Sadducees question Jesus about a woman married to multiple brothers, He says there’s no marrying “in the resurrection.” Traditional Christianity takes this to mean marriage ends at death, and no new marriages occur in heaven. LDS theology interprets it differently: this refers to marriages not sealed by divine authority. In LDS belief, marriages performed “for time and all eternity” in temples are already in place before the resurrection, so no new marrying is needed—they endure.
5. Ephesians 5:31-32 (KJV):
   “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
   • Paul ties marriage to the relationship between Christ and the church—a union that’s eternal in Christian theology. While this is symbolic, it suggests marriage reflects a divine, lasting reality. LDS thought might extend this to literal eternal unions, mirroring Christ’s eternal bond with His people.

Additional LDS Context

The Bible alone doesn’t explicitly affirm eternal marriage, which is why LDS doctrine leans on modern revelation. For example:

• Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-19 explains that marriages “for time only” end at death, but those sealed by the “new and everlasting covenant” endure forever, with couples inheriting exaltation together.
• The sealing ordinance’s wording, “for time and all eternity,” directly counters “until death do us part,” offering a vision of marriage as part of God’s eternal family structure.

Reflections

The idea that a marriage could last beyond death might indeed appeal to many. It elevates the union from a fleeting earthly arrangement to a cornerstone of eternal identity and purpose. The Bible’s emphasis on marriage as a divine institution—united by God, reflecting His image—lays a foundation that can support this hope, even if it’s not fully spelled out. For those who see love as enduring, the LDS view offers comfort and meaning, suggesting that death isn’t the final word on a sacred bond.

On the flip side, “until death do us part” might resonate with those who see marriage as a mortal covenant, fulfilled in this life, with eternity focused on worshiping God rather than maintaining earthly ties. Both perspectives have their beauty—one grounded in the present, the other reaching into forever.

“What if marriage could extend beyond a single lifetime? Scripture offers a foundation to explore this idea, while the LDS perspective brings a daring, eternal dimension—want to reconsider the promises exchanged in your marriage.”

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