Getting your spouse to heaven

[papaspicy]

I am currently engaged to be married this May, and recently I’ve been pondering the depths of the sacrament of marriage a lot (obviously). One of the things that I feel very strong about is the importance of doing everything in your power to get your spouse to heaven, and that one of the fundamental purposes of a marriage is to have a partner to walk with you for the major part of our journey to eternity.

I have been wanting to hear discussion on the matter from others at different stages of married life. Most specifically, I have been contemplating the importance for our personal salvation of gaining heaven for your spouse. If my future wife fails to make it to heaven, will I be held accountable, at least partially? Obviously if she goes off the deep end, I can only do what I can, but do others feel the conviction that if your spouse doesn’t make it, neither should you?

Pax

 

[Shirley_Bite]

First of all, congratulations on your engagement (I can never remember if it is improper to tell the bride or the groom congratulations ) I think it is wonderful that you are thinking of these things ahead of time. What does your fiancee think about your questions?

This is a tough question. I’ve been married for 34 years to an agnostic - turned Evangelical. He was ‘saved’ 1 and 1/2 years ago. The change has been wonderful. But, do I feel responsible for his soul? YES! I prayed for over 30 years for his conversion. I tell him he is in a halfway house right now. I am currently praying for his total conversion - conversion to the Catholic Church. Do I feel that I will go to hell if he does? NO. I know in my heart of hearts that I have done everything possible for his soul. Do I feel that he will go to hell if he does not convert to Catholicism? NO. I think he would be in a much better position to do the work God gives him if he were Catholic.

You say: “One of the things that I feel very strong about is the importance of doing everything in your power to get your spouse to heaven, and that one of the fundamental purposes of a marriage is to have a partner to walk with you for the major part of our journey to eternity.” I believe you are correct in this. But I also believe that the Holy Spirit will do most of the work.

We must remember that salvation is a personal choice. No one can do this for us. Each of us must respond with the Great Amen.

One thing the Holy Spirit has taught me recently is that effort is everything. I have learned this lesson just recently. If you pray and talk to your fiancee or your wife (once you are married), then I think your prayers will be answered and you shouldn’t worry about the salvation of your spouse.

May God bless you in your future married life!