What does Luke 20:35 imply about marriage in the afterlife? Text Of Luke 20:35 “But those who are considered worthy to share in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.” Immediate Setting In Luke 20:27–40 The Sadducees, who deny bodily resurrection, challenge Jesus with a hypothetical case about a woman who outlives seven brothers. Jesus contrasts “this age” (ho aiōn houtos) with “that age” (ekeinos ho aiōn). In the coming age, the defining realities of earthly life—marriage, procreation, and death—no longer apply (vv. 34–36). Canonical Harmony Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25 echo the same teaching, underscoring consistency across Synoptic witnesses. Paul’s later elaboration on glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-54) dovetails with Jesus’ statement: mortality is “swallowed up” (v. 54), ending the biological rationale for marriage. Purpose Of Marriage In The Present Age Genesis 1:28 locates marriage inside the creation mandate of procreation and stewardship. Ephesians 5:31-32 reveals a typological layer: marriage images Christ and the church. Once the antitype (the Lamb and His Bride, Revelation 19:7) is consummated, the shadow no longer functions the same way. Why Marriage Ends In The Afterlife 1. No Further Death—Luke 20:36 explicitly cites immortality. Without death, procreation for human continuation is unnecessary. 2. Angel-Like Existence—Not a change in nature to angelic essence, but likeness in immortality and celibacy. 3. Direct Union With God—Revelation 21:3 declares, “God Himself will be with them.” The deepest relational fulfillment is vertical, rendering the temporary horizontal institution obsolete. Will We Recognize And Love Our Spouses? Scripture affirms personal identity after resurrection (Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 13:12). Relationships are perfected, not erased; love is expanded, not contracted. The specific covenantal framework of marriage, however, gives way to a corporate, perfected fellowship. Early Christian Interpretation • Athanasius (On the Incarnation, §63) links immortality to the cessation of marriage. • Augustine (City of God, 22.17) argues that earthly sacraments cease when their purpose is fulfilled. The uniform patristic witness supports a literal, bodily resurrection without post-resurrection marriage. Practical Implications For Discipleship • Hope: Knowing earthly marriages are temporary magnifies eternal perspective (Colossians 3:1-4). • Purity: Sexual ethics find ultimate significance in anticipating an age where holiness defines every relationship (1 John 3:2-3). • Mission: Marriages today become gospel platforms, foreshadowing the ultimate union between Christ and His redeemed people. Conclusion Luke 20:35 teaches that the covenant of earthly marriage does not continue in the resurrection age. Immortality, perfected communion with God, and the fulfillment of marriage’s typological purpose make the institution unnecessary. The verse reassures believers of personal continuity and perfected relationships while directing ultimate hope toward union with Christ, the true Bridegroom. |
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