One Lifetime Isn't Enough

So... last night's episode of "Castle" featured cryogenics and immortality as plot devices.  A scientist, who researched anti-aging, and his wife had purchased space with a cryogenics company to ensure that they were together for more than just this lifetime. 

Sure, the plot twists were entertaining, the writers did a great job of masking the murderer.  But, as a Mormon, I couldn't help sighing just a little and thinking that it was a whole lot of fuss and bother for something that humanity, through the grace of Christ, already has.

The atonement of Jesus Christ (when He paid the penalty for sin and conquered death) has already granted us immortality.  Death is not the end.  Because Christ was resurrected, so shall we be.  God has promised us that in multiple places in the scriptures, and He totally keeps His promises.  I know He does. 

Understandably, the guarantee of enduring family relationships is a little tougher. The formal doctrine of most religions teaches that marriage ends with Death.  Officiators at Christian and secular weddings very clearly state that Death is the limit of their authority.  However, most people who believe in life after death expect to spend it with their loved ones despite all that.  I've heard that expectation expressed again and again while talking with people of many religions over the years.  And they're right.

Authority does exist on this earth to ensure that our family relationships endure forever.  When LH and I were married fifteen years ago in a Temple of the Lord, our vows did not end with the words "till death us do part" and the minister did not pronounce us married "for as long as you both shall live".  Our officiator had the authority to marry us "for time and all eternity".  Our vows and our marriage are eternal, as long as we honor them.

 

The Chicago-Illinois Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Like the couple in "Castle", one lifetime isn't enough for LH and me either.  Unlike that couple, we knew where to go to get it without having to resort to cryogenics and murder.  God already has a procedure for immortality and eternal family relationships and it's free to all.