The Profound Insights of Elder Christofferson at the October 2023 General Conference

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: ‘The Sealing Power’

Elder Christofferson’s Talk Summary

During the Saturday morning session of the October 2023 general conference, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the significance of the sealing power in the gathering of Israel. He emphasized that the purpose of the gathering is to bring salvation and exaltation to all who are willing to receive them. This gathering enables the fulfillment of the covenant promises given to Abraham. Elder Christofferson highlighted the role of the prophet Elijah in restoring the sealing power to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple in 1836. The sealing power validates all priesthood ordinances and makes them binding on both sides of the veil, thus crucial for gathering and preparing a covenant people.

Another important aspect of the gathering of Israel, particularly in relation to the sealing power, is the building and operation of temples. Temples are places where the sealing power enables individual salvation and family exaltation to be universally accessible to all children of God, regardless of when or where they lived on earth. With access to the sealing power, individuals naturally turn their hearts to those who have passed away before them.

Elder Christofferson emphasized that the highest manifestation of the sealing power is found in eternal marriage between a man and a woman. This union is the ultimate step in gathering the covenant people and ensures the continuation of eternal families. Without the sealings that create these eternal connections between generations, there would be a lack of ancestry and posterity in eternity.

Philosophical Discussion: The Sealing Power and Divine Justice, Mercy, and Love

Elder Christofferson asserts that the sealing power is a perfect manifestation of the justice, mercy, and love of God. This raises significant philosophical questions about the nature of these divine attributes and their relationship to the sealing power.

The sealing power, as explained by Elder Christofferson, is central to the divine plan of salvation. It enables individuals to be bound together in eternal families and ensures that the blessings of salvation are available to all. In this sense, the sealing power can be seen as an expression of divine justice, as it allows for the fulfillment of promised blessings and rewards according to one’s actions and obedience to God’s commandments.

At the same time, the sealing power also reflects divine mercy and love. Through the sealing power, God offers individuals the opportunity to reconcile with Him and their loved ones, even after death. It is an expression of God’s infinite love and concern for His children, offering them the possibility of eternal happiness and unity with their families. The sealing power allows for the healing of past wounds, reconciliation of relationships, and the eternal progression of individuals.

Editorial: The Significance of the Sealing Power in Modern Society

The teachings of Elder Christofferson about the sealing power resonate not only within the context of a particular religious tradition but also have broader implications for society at large. The idea that individuals can be connected not only in this life but also in the eternities challenges our modern individualistic and transient mindset. It invites us to consider the importance of family bonds and intergenerational connections.

In an era marked by increasing mobility and the breakdown of traditional family structures, the concept of the sealing power offers a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of family relationships. It encourages us to invest in and nurture our familial connections, not only for our own personal growth and happiness but also for the sake of future generations.

Moreover, the sealing power brings hope in the face of loss and separation. It offers solace to those mourning the death of loved ones, assuring them that these relationships can continue and be strengthened in the eternities. This perspective can provide comfort and meaning in times of grief, reminding us that death does not have the final word and that love has the power to transcend even the boundaries of mortality.

Advice: Cultivating and Valuing Eternal Family Connections

In light of the teachings of Elder Christofferson, it is important for individuals to reflect on the significance of their familial relationships and to actively cultivate and value these connections. This can take various forms, such as investing time and effort in building strong family bonds, resolving conflicts, and expressing love and appreciation for one another.

Additionally, seeking out opportunities to learn about one’s family history and heritage can deepen one’s understanding of the sealing power and its implications. Researching family genealogy, visiting ancestral hometowns, and participating in temple ordinances are all means through which individuals can honor their ancestors and forge a stronger connection with their own family legacy.

In a society that often emphasizes individual autonomy and self-fulfillment, the concept of the sealing power reminds us of the power and beauty of interconnectedness. It teaches us that our actions and choices not only impact our own lives but also have eternal implications for our families and future generations. By embracing and appreciating the sealing power, we can find greater purpose, fulfillment, and joy in our familial relationships, both in this life and in the eternities.