Will there be marriage in the afterlife? Definition and Scope The question of whether there will be marriage in the afterlife arises from various passages in Scripture addressing relationships, resurrection, and eternal life. A careful examination of these passages has led most interpreters to conclude that earthly marriage will not continue in the same form in the life to come. This entry explores the primary biblical texts (from the Berean Standard Bible), their theological implications, and supporting considerations from both historical and contextual perspectives. 1. Key Scriptural Passages Addressing Marriage in the Afterlife “Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.’” This statement arose from a question posed by the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection and attempted to challenge Jesus regarding levirate marriage (the law requiring a man to marry his brother’s widow). Jesus responded by emphasizing God’s power to raise the dead and explained that in the resurrected state, marriage as understood on earth would not apply. “Jesus said to them, ‘Are you not mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.’” These verses parallel Matthew’s account and underscore the same principle: life after the resurrection differs from earthly institutions. The comparison to angelic beings highlights that resurrected bodies and relationships transcend present earthly structures. “Jesus answered, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.’” Luke’s version adds the noteworthy rationale that in the resurrection, believers will no longer be subject to mortality. Thus, procreation and marriage—which serve important earthly roles—are not necessary in the same way. 2. The Purpose of Earthly Marriage and Its Fulfillment Reflecting Christ and the Church Scripture often portrays marriage as an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the Church (see Ephesians 5:25–27). Earthly marriage is intended to display divine love, covenant faithfulness, and unity. In the resurrection, the Church’s ultimate relationship with Christ is perfected. Thus, the eternal “marriage” is between the risen Christ (the Lamb) and His redeemed people (Revelation 19:7–9). Procreation and Nurturing Life One purpose of marriage is to provide a stable and loving environment for procreation and the upbringing of children. In the afterlife, where believers possess immortal, glorified bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:51–53), the need for procreation ceases, and the nurturing of new life is no longer required in the same manner. 3. The Significance of “Like the Angels” Jesus taught that in the resurrection, believers “are like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). This comparison should not be understood to mean that humans become angels; rather, believers will enjoy a heavenly existence free from the constraints of sin and mortality. Nothing in Scripture suggests angels enter marital relationships. Their existence is focused on worshiping God, serving His purposes, and dwelling in His presence (Isaiah 6:1–3; Luke 1:19). Believers in glory will similarly dwell in complete intimacy with God (Revelation 21:3–4), rendering human marriage unnecessary. 4. Biblical Imagery: The Wedding Supper of the Lamb “‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.’ For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. Then the angel told me to write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’” In the eternal perspective, focus shifts to a cosmic “wedding” between Christ (the Lamb) and His collective Bride (the redeemed). This vivid image shows that individual earthly marriages point forward to a more profound covenant relationship fulfilled in the presence of God. Earthly marriage is thus “a shadow” compared to the ultimate union and celebration that believers will experience with Christ. 5. Historical and Contextual Corroborations Jewish and Early Christian Writings Early sources, including Jewish historians like Josephus and various early church writings, pointed to a clear belief in resurrection. Although these sources do not address marriage in the afterlife in great detail, they consistently reflect the understanding that the resurrection life transcends earthly social structures. Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence Among the Dead Sea Scrolls, themes regarding the life to come show an expectation of a transformed existence. The consistent witness of numerous New Testament manuscripts (such as early papyri and codices cataloged in major museum collections) supports the authenticity of passages discussing the resurrection. This textual evidence preserves Jesus’ own teaching that in the resurrection state, marriage ceases to function as it does physically on earth. 6. Philosophical and Behavioral Considerations Transformation of Relationships The afterlife is marked by the believer’s perfected fellowship with God and with others, characterized by love unhindered by sin or finite limitations. The deep connections once shared through marriage on earth become part of a broader, perfected community of worship and fellowship in God’s presence. Human Desire for Eternal Companionship While human hearts long for continued relationship, Scripture indicates that believers’ personal and communal bonds will be richer and more glorious in the presence of God. Whereas marriage partially fulfills companionship and intimacy, the resurrected state fulfills those needs in God’s perfect love. 7. Conclusion All the key passages—Matthew 22:30, Mark 12:25, and Luke 20:35–36—emphasize that marriage as known on earth does not carry over into the afterlife. The purpose of earthly marriage, including reflecting God’s covenant love and procreation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the resurrected believer’s union with Christ and eternal fellowship among the redeemed. Rather than diminishing the significance of earthly marriage, Scripture situates it as a genuine reflection of a far greater reality. The ultimate “marriage” is the eternal unity of Christ and His people, celebrated in unbroken communion. In the new creation, every earthly joy, including marital love, is transformed and transcended by the perfect presence of God, who will fill His people with holy and eternal fellowship. |
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