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About Jason
Expertise
Please state your experience or current knowledge of the LDS faith so that I can better answer your question. I served a two-year LDS mission in the Dominican Republic. I have been a member of the LDS Church my entire life. I was married for eternity (sealed) to my beautiful wife just this year. I don't know all the answers, but any that require my perspective, I would be glad to try or help find the answer.
Experience
I have been a member of the LDS Church my entire life. I served a two-year LDS mission in the Dominican Republic. I was married for eternity (sealed) to my beautiful wife just this year. My father has taught LDS religion classes as his profession most of my life. I have been somewhat aquainted with members of the Fundamentalist LDS faith and have some friends that were a part of that religion.
Organizations
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church)
Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
Education/Credentials
BS - Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University
MBA - Currently enrolled, University of Utah
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You are here: Experts > Religion/Spirituality > Christianity - Restorationism > Latter-day Saints > angels
Expert: Jason - 3/4/2008
Question
do angels marry?
Answer
This is a great question. I wish I had more information on what you mean by it and/or your current understanding and situation, so forgive me if I err on the side of too much information just to be safe. :-)
This seems related to a question the sadducees posed to the savior concerning a woman married seven times during her life:
"In the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven?" The Lord's answer was: "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." (Matt. 22:23-30. See also Mark 12 and Luke 20)
Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "The Lord's meaning was clear, that in the resurrected state there can be no question among the seven brothers as to whose wife for eternity the woman shall be, since all except the first had married her for the duration of mortal life only. … In the resurrection there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage; for all questions of marital status must be settled before that time, under the authority of the Holy Priesthood, which holds the power to seal in marriage for both time and eternity" (Jesus the Christ, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982, p. 509).
You may be familiar with the ordinances we perform in holy temples. One of these ordinances is eternal marriage. When my wife and I were married there 7 months ago, we received the promise that if we remain faithful, our marriage remains valid into eternity, not just "till death do us part". If marriage is this rewarding and enriching during our mortal life, why would we not do everything possible to continue that on in an exalted state?!
These ordinances are also performed in behalf of those in the spirit world (not yet resurrected) so that they can have the opportunity to accept or reject them. If they accept the ordinance, have repented of their sins (relying on the atonement of Jesus Christ), and have abided the laws of the highest glory (1 Cor. 15:39-42), they may then at some point be resurrected and receive the glory for which they qualify. Only in the highest, Celestial, Kingdom can resurrected beings exist as husbands and wives, families. Those of the lower kingdoms receive a reward of glory, but this does not include eternal family relationships.
Now about angels or spirits. There are different kinds:
1. Spirits of people who have not yet come to this earth, but will.
2. Spirits of people who have died, but are not yet resurrected.
3. Resurrected beings.
Only those in the second category are in a state to receive the eternal ordinances. This may include those that did not have the opportunity in mortality to be married as well as those who were only married civilly or "for time". God, our loving Father in Heaven, will surely allow all of His children the opportunity to choose His highest blessings.
So the simple answer to your question is no... with some qualification: resurrected "angels" do not marry, but spirits of just men and women in the spirit world may receive sealing ordinances performed in earthly temples.
Some other scriptures that may be helpful:
1 Peter 3:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:11
1 Corinthians 15:29
Mathew 16:15-19
Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-20 (see scriptures.lds.org)
I hope this helps. I passed it along to some family members and we had a good time discussing it. Please feel free to clarify the reason for your question or ask any other questions. May the Lord bless you for your interest in Him.
-Jason
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