As I studied Matthew 22 earlier this week, the passage in verses 23-30 was confusing to me. After looking into it a little further, I thought I would share…
In Matthew 22:23, and also in Acts 23:6-8, we learn that the Sadducees didn’t believe there would be a resurrection. In verses 23-30 the Sadducees ask Christ specifically what would happen in the resurrection if a woman were married to several brothers (according to levirate marriage, a custom at the time). They essentially ask which brother she would be married to. The ridiculous part is that in Matthew 22:23, and also in Acts 23:6-8, we learn that the Sadducees didn’t believe there would be a resurrection. Considering this, their question in Matthew 22:24-28 wouldn’t have been very sincere. However, Christ takes it as an opportunity to explain the difference between temporal and eternal marriage.
Matthew 22:30 reads:
“For in the aresurrection they neither bmarry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the cangels of God in heaven.”
I referred to the New Testament institute student manual to better understand this verse. The manual helped me understand that marriages will exist after the resurrection, they just won’t be performed. Elder James E. Talmage’s teaches us that “In the resurrection there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage; for all questions of marital status must be settled before that time.”
Doctrine and Covenants 132:15–16 testifies and expands on this same truth.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in amarriage; but are appointed angels in bheaven, which angels are ministering cservants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.
17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are aangels of God forever and ever.
I like this scripture because it truly helps us understand what the repercussions are of not being married in the temple, with a sealing covenant according to God’s law. Anyone who isn’t married for eternity will only be an angel, instead of an exalted being like Heavenly Father. Though it would be nice to be an angel at our Heavenly Father’s side, we know that there are greater possibilities. Also, it says “separately and singly” which clarifies we wouldn’t be with our families since we are not bound by God’s law. Therefore, the marriages made on Earth would not kept us bound to one another if not done by the power and authority of the priesthood. Christ uses this to answer their question by essentially saying that she would only be married to those brothers which she married according to Heavenly Father’s law (in the temple).
I’m so grateful to know that I can be with my spouse and my children forever through the sealing covenants that are performed in the temple. I’m also so grateful to see that Christ taught this very teaching in the New Testament. So many other religions don’t teach this basic principle of temporal vs. eternal marriages. I know that this is the restored church and through the power and authority that we have on the earth today, these covenants are possible. I know that Jesus Christ lives and died for us. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father and he has given us an amazing plan of salvation that can bring us great happiness if we just follow it. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
"Come Unto Christ and Be Perfected In Him" 