For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” - Matthew 22:30, also Mark 12:25, Luke 20:35
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This week we have a —very interesting observation from our Lord Himself…. one recorded three times by three separate authors…. who undoubtedly were as struck by this statement as you might be, if this is the first time you’ve been made aware of it!
The wags and the humorists will undoubtedly bring out the jokes of how could it be Heaven if marriage is still an institution in the hereafter, and be cheered at the prospect of not having to eternally drag around the old “ ball and chain”…… ? , the women will undoubtedly be equally happy at the prospect of not having to depend on men anymore…..
But this was said in dead seriousness !
The Sadducees were trying to pin Him down as to whether there was indeed a resurrection or not ….as this was a key issue which divided the nay-saying Sadducees from the Pharisees who DID believe.
To make their point, they created a very contrived example based on the Mosaic law, which permitted a widow to marry her brother in law, in order to perpetuate the dead man’s family genes. The Sadducees created a family of seven brothers, with the poor widow marrying each brother in succession ( being widowed seven times )… and concluded with their definitive zinger…. “ If there IS a Resurrection, whose wife will she be?”
“ But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. “ - Matthew 22:29-33
Wow!
Well, we believe in the resurrection, so putting aside that controversy, let’s dig back in to what we started with…. Marriage vows ending with “…. Till death do us part…”.
We are sure that a great many of our readers have lost a loved one, and are very much longing to be reunited with them….. fear not, that is not going to be an issue! However, the institution of marriage disappearing brings some scriptures into focus….
Marriage on this plane ensures the propagation of a GODLY people. Chastity in the young, a formal lifelong commitment to faithfulness, children born in wedlock, raised in the fear, admonition and wisdom of the Lord… these are the recipes for a healthy family and a pure genealogy, from Abraham to Christ and the Nation Israel.
Malachi 2:14–16 (KJV): “ Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue[ /excellency ] of the spirit. And wherefore one? ——That he might seek a godly seed. ——-Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. “
Intermarrying with pagans, and committing adultery are condemned in the strongest terms in the Word !
Marriage is also a symbol of the upcoming reunion of Christ and His Bride, (and is therefore, the institution most attacked…. ) but the symbolism also accurately reflects the —-fallen nature—- of our current union with the Lord…. The struggle for dominance in the relationship echoes the words of judgment pronounced on Eve…. “ Genesis 3:16 (KJV): and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. “
But when all is fulfilled and restored , then what?
There is a theological position called Cessationism, which cites the following scripture to hold that miracles/tongues etc should not be expected today:
1 Corinthians 13:8–10 (KJV): “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Hopefully the Cessationists are still marrying and being given in marriage…. Or there will be soon, very few of them ! ?
——However, the Apostle Paul has made our point for us….When the perfect is come, there is no need for the imperfect anymore!——
When you are truly able to love all equally, the Marriage Supper is over, and we are in the new Resurrection life … there is no social obligation anymore, neither is there a Mosaic Law!
We choose to believe that people can love whomever they wish, because we have transcended the mere erotic pleasures of the flesh into a more fuller concept of Love. The attempts at communal/ “hippie” living in the 60s sort of had the right idea, but sadly, it doesn’t work with fallen people and a broken planet….. however in Heaven, this is going to look very different!
This month has been designated LGBTQ Pride month, and yes, Pride and PHYSICAL same sex unions are designated as abominations in the Bible, as they go against the ordered Law of God. However, non LGBTQ people are not exempt from committing equally abominable sins such as licentiousness, lying, adultery, cheating, murder etc….. we are all on the same level field here when it comes to being judged by the Word of God…
We are enjoined to Love God, and love OUR NEIGHBOR as OURSELF!
The sex of the neighbor is not an issue…. we are to love PERSONS and PEOPLE!
Those in the LGBTQ community that are attracted to a particular person of the same sex, know this, the LORD does NOT forbid you from loving that person, it’s sleeping with them that’s forbidden! And you will be free to love them in heaven…..
…. If however you have been forced into this lifestyle, do not love your current partner as we have discussed above… we pray that the LORD will make a way for you to know genuine love!
For those divorced, the LORD hates divorce ( Malachi text above ) and remarriage causes both people in that relationship to commit adultery. Remarrying after the DEATH of a partner frees the person from THAT adultery charge…. There is no issue in the Word whatsoever against remarrying then…. Refer to the Sadducees example… everything was legal!
We have gone into these issues in depth in our series on practical Christianity ( check the pinned first post on this page for the links )…. But will leave you with this…
Right now, we are not where we ought to be mentally, spiritually and physically. But when we are RESURRECTED…. there is so much that will be completely useless, and things altogether new, it boggles the mind!
Hallelujah!