Marriage is a sacred institution that has been present since the beginning of time. It is a union between two people who promise to love and cherish each other for better or for worse.
Many religious beliefs hold marriage in high esteem, including Christianity. In fact, Jesus Himself spoke about marriage on multiple occasions throughout His teachings.
One instance where Jesus spoke about marriage was during a confrontation with the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They asked Him a hypothetical question about a woman who had been married to seven brothers – whose wife would she be in the resurrection? Jesus responded by saying, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).
This statement has often been interpreted to mean that there will be no marriages in heaven. However, it is important to understand the context of this conversation.
The Sadducees were using marriage as an argument against the resurrection of the dead. Jesus’ response was not necessarily a theological explanation of what happens after we die but rather a rebuttal to their argument.
That being said, this statement does provide insight into Jesus’ view on marriage and its purpose. Marriage is an earthly institution designed for companionship and procreation. In heaven, where there is no need for either, it becomes obsolete.
But what does this mean for Christians who are currently married or desire to be married? It does not diminish the importance of marriage on earth. In fact, throughout His teachings, Jesus emphasized the significance of marital commitment and fidelity.
In Matthew 19:5-6, Jesus quotes from Genesis 2:24 when He says, “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh…Therefore what God has joined together let no one separate.” This passage highlights God’s design for marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman.
Furthermore, in Ephesians 5:25-33, the apostle Paul compares the relationship between Christ and the church to that of a husband and wife. He instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church – sacrificially and unconditionally – and wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ.
In summary, while Jesus’ statement about marriage at the resurrection may seem to suggest that it is not important in heaven, it actually reinforces its significance on earth. Marriage is a holy covenant designed by God for companionship, procreation, and spiritual growth. As Christians, we should strive to honor this institution by committing ourselves wholeheartedly to our spouses and upholding the biblical principles of love and fidelity.