They Cannot Be Lost

They Cannot Be Lost: Temple Covenants Save Families

“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

(Kyle L. Pehrson, Ron Cook, and Nancy L. Madsen, 2012, p.169 Successful Marriages and Families)

President Boyd K. Packer reminds us that, “it is a great challenge to raise a family in the darkening mists of our moral environment” (Packer, B.K. (2003, Mat). The golden years. Ensign, 33, 82-84.

Being a parent in the last days preparatory to the Savior’s Second Coming is a challenge and President Packer’s comment sheds a true light on what the environment is like for families. Since my children were in junior high school, I have noticed the changes in views of morality and the embracing of what used to be incorrect principles. The opinions of parents are more being a friend to their children and rules seem to be slack or absent all together. You will hear parents say, “I am ok with my son/daughter drinking or having a party if it’s in my home so I can be there.” It is hard to describe the mists of darkness in our lives, but you know what they are when you travel through them.

Our children will be met with challenges of their own this is a part of God’s plan. Each of us needs to be proven. We are taught, “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ.” (September 1995)  https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

“Despite the efforts of loving and dedicated parents who want nothing more than to teach their children true principles, some of those children may stray and be drawn away by forces well beyond the control of their parents.” (Kyle L. Pehrson, Ron Cook, and Nancy L. Madsen, 2012, p.169 Successful Marriages and Families)

“Thankfully, latter-day prophets and apostles assure us that the Atonement and sealing ordinances are sufficiently powerful to eventually bring salvation to the children of parents who diligently seek to keep their temple covenants.” (Kyle L. Pehrson, Ron Cook, and Nancy L. Madsen, 2012, p.169 Successful Marriages and Families)

Christ is the center link connecting families together

Our children need to use their agency and sometimes they will make mistakes. Some of their choices will take them away from the Lord and the principles that parents teach them. This can be a worrisome time in the life of a parent. What is important is to never give up hope on your children and in the covenants you have made with the Lord. He keeps His promises.

The Prophet Joseph Smith promises, “when a seal is put upon the father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that they cannot be lost, but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father and mother.” (1976, p.321)

Elder Orson F. Whitney taught:

“The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were his before they were yours- long before he entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as he loves them. They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, and God is merciful to ignorance. Only the fullness of knowledge brings accountability. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than even the best of his servants, and the Everlasting Gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend.” (Kyle L. Pehrson, Ron Cook, and Nancy L. Madsen, 2012, p.170 Successful Marriages and Families)

With this understanding, parents should love their children with a Christ-like love. Not accepting the sin, but ever being a loving parent. Remembering, “All those who come to this earth followed Christ in the premortal world and accepted His plan for our eternal progression. (Kyle L. Pehrson, Ron Cook, and Nancy L. Madsen, 2012, p.174 Successful Marriages and Families)

Knowing this comforts me. Our children who may stray once knew Christ and His teachings and will know Him again. They had testimonies of this mission. Parents should continue to live faithfully holding on to the promises of keeping their covenants.

In Matthew 19:26 the Savior, Jesus Christ says, “…with God all things are possible.”