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

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Successful Marriages and Families

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