A core belief of the Church of Jesus Christ is that life continues beyond the grave. In the
spirit world we continue to be taught and are given additional opportunities to
accept the teachings of Jesus Christ. If
we accept his message and desire to be baptized into his kingdom, a person
still living on this earth, can be baptized in their behalf. In this way,
everyone is given the same opportunity, because not everyone hears the message while here on earth.
Because our spirits become separated from our bodies at death, it
becomes necessary that someone who still has a body perform the sacred
ordinance.
My husband served a mission in France and Switzerland. While there he met a young man who was
engaged to marry a young woman who lived in Africa. However, he was unable to travel to her country
because of monitary complications, and she was unable to travel and be with him until
they were married. Therefore, they
arranged for his uncle to stand in his place, in Africa, while the marriage
vows were exchanged. Then she traveled
to be with him in France, where their marriage was considered binding. His uncle served as his proxy.
In this same way, we serve as proxies,
for those who have passed away. Primarily, each individual is
responsible to do the work for his or her own ancestors. Our ancestors then have the opportunity to accept the ordinances which have been done for them. These are the most precious blessings God has
for his children. And, we are acting out of love and doing for others what they cannot do for themselves.
I have special feelings for the celestial room in this
temple.
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