There are three obligations inherent in the covenant of eternal marriage. First, an eternal marriage is eternal. Second, it is ordained of God, and third, it is a kind of partnership with God.
"Far too many marriages today end in divorce. Selfishness, sin and personal convenience often prevail over covenants and commitment. Eternal marriage is a principle which was established before the foundation of the world and was instituted on this Earth before death came into it."
Those who keep the covenant of marriage are promised the fullness of glory and joy, eternal life, increase and exaltation.
"Parties to the marriage covenant agree to invite God into their marriage, to pray together, to keep the commandments, to keep wants and passions within certain limits the prophets have outlined. It means to be equal companions, and to be just as true and pure outside the home as inside the home."
Eternal marriage cannot be achieved without a commitment to make it work. The gifts of eternal marriage are conditional upon keeping covenants.
"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more valuable as time goes by."
