AboutBrian Rogers Expertise LDS for over 45 years. Very knowledgable regarding LDS theology and practices, Early Christian history, Biblical inerrancy, etc. active on FAIR private list.
BYU and UoU
Question My aunts and uncles sealed my mom to her parents after she died. I am a non practicing mormon, does this mean my brother and I will not be recognized by her as her children in heaven?
Answer Ginger,
First off, I must sincerely apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I check my emails daily and this one did not show up until this morning, despite you sending it Christmas Eve. I think it is because I use a different email for this website. I probably should change it to my main one. Please accept my apology.
I think there are two parts to your question. First, your mother will recognize you and your brother as her children in the next life regardless of whether you are sealed to her or not. That bond, I believe, is eternal. If I were to not make it to the celestial kingdom and my mother does, I cannot imagine she would not know me as her son. I may not be with her, but she will eternally be my mortal mother.
Now, if you are asking as to whether or not you will be sealed to her, within a family unit, with all the attendant blessings to that sealing, in the celestial kingdom, it is my understanding that unless you have the sealing done, in this life, and remain worthy to receive those blessings, then no.
Now, for me, and I suspect to you, this is somewhat painful. I don't like the idea that any family will not be together for whatever reason. However, my hope, my faith, is that in the millennium, all the variant nuances will be taken care of. I believe that God is omnipotent and can do anything, including forgiving us for not being sealed in this life and allowing families to be recognized as a family in heaven. How that will be worked out regarding mercy and justice, whether or not the family will reside in the same kingdom, is in another matter.
The goal is for each member of a family to reside together in the celestial kingdom. If one member of said family is not deserving of the celestial kingdom, there may be limitations on what that person can achieve but I doubt, at least I hope, that the personal association will still be there. I do not know how, but I believe it will be there. Certainly, if I do not acheive the celestial kingdom and my parents do, I may not be able to visit them, but I suspect they can visit me as often as is wanted. It is all in Christ's hands. So I have hope.
On the other side, would it not be wise to take care of the sealing in this life, if possible?
Have faith, do the best you can and let God take care of you.
