The Eternal Family and the Plan of Salvation

"The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life."

-The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Why is the family so important?
Sister Julie B. Beck states, "Without the family, there is no plan, there is no reason for mortal life." Families create an ideal setting for individuals to learn and grow. The family is the central part of Heavenly Father's plan for His children. Sister Beck explains how the family fits in to the plan of our Heavenly Father: "The Creation of the earth provided a place where families could live . . . The Fall provided a way for the family to grow . . . The Atonement allows for the family to be sealed together eternally. It allows for families to have eternal growth and perfection."

Is there hope for my troubled marriage?
President Howard W. Hunter stated, "Whatever Jesus lays his hands upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on the family, it lives." Whatever the Lord has asked us to do, He will provide a way for us to accomplish it (1 Nephi 3:7).

What is the goal of eternal families?

President Henry B. Eyring states, "Eternal life means to become like the Father and to live in families in happiness and joy forever."

Personal Application

I interviewed a married couple and asked them about their successes and their challenges in their relationship. They shared with me their testimony of the importance of eternal families in Heavenly Father's plan.

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Abuse

"We warn that individuals who . . . abuse spouse or offspring . . . will one day stand accountable before God." The Family: A Proclamation to the World Understanding Abuse in Family Life Kay Bradford and Jason B. Whiting What is abuse? The Church states, "Abuse is the physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual mistreatment of others. It may not only harm the body, but it can deeply affect the mind and spirit, destroying faith and causing confusion, doubt, mistrust, guilt, and fear." What are the types of child abuse? 1. Physical abuse This includes "observable bodily harm" and "substantial risk for injury or endangerment" (p. 251). Brigham Young stated (p. 252): "Bring up your children in the love and fear of the Lord; study their dispositions and their temperaments, and deal with them accordingly, never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you."...

Family Policies

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs. . . . We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." The Family: A Proclamation to the World Social Policies to Assist and Bless Families and Children Michael M. Seipel What government policies are in place to support families? Governments provide Social Security, health care, and other similar services. Corporations and employers provide pensions, health insurance, and other benefits. Churches and non-profit organizations provide spiritual guidance, counseling, food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. What stresses do families face? Why should we help relieve the stresses on families? Families are under a great deal of economic stress, from challenges such as the high cost of hea...

The Sanctity of Human Life

"We affirm the sanctity of life and its importance in God's eternal plan." The Family: A Proclamation to the World Defending the Sanctity of Human Life Cynthia L. Hallen What does "sanctity of life" mean? To the public, it is used in regards to "concerns about life-related issues such as abortion on demand, birth control, capital punishment, and euthanasia" (p. 290). To Church members, it is usually focused on the topic of elective abortion. What is Life? life = body, person Emily Dickinson said, "To be alive -- is Power." Jesus Christ is "the Life." Why is Life Sacred? Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen stated, "We are created in the image of God. The union of the flesh with the spirit can bring us a fulness of joy. Teach your children to respect the sanctity of human life, to revere it and cherish it. Human life is the precious stepping-stone to eternal life, and we must jealously guard it from the mom...

Successful Marriages and Families

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