Recovery to Mormonism
Does the Bible Refute Mormon Eternal Marriage?
Eternal marriage is a key concept in Mormonism. Eternal marriage plays an integral role in Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness for His children. We read in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 131, “In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood meaning a new and everlasting covenant of marriage.” Eternal marriage allows us to enjoy the blessings of marriage not only in the mortal world, but beyond the grave, into the next life as well.
Many will try to discredit the Mormon belief that the institution of marriage will continue in the afterlife. Various passages of The Bible can be interpreted to suggest that eternal marriage is valid, and Mormons believe that if people carefully study both scripture and Mormon doctrine and pray sincerely, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truthfulness of eternal marriage to anyone wanting to know. Sufficient doctrine stands to prove that the concept of marriage is eternal.
The Bible and Eternal Marriage in Context
Matthew 22:30, which is often used to refute the concept of eternal marriage, states, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven“(emphasis added).The scripture does not say that matrimonial relationships do not exist in Heaven, but that no one marries in Heaven. Mormons do not believe that new marriages will take place in the afterlife; we believe that marriage must be performed on earth. Mormon doctrine states that those who are sealed in Mormon temples here on earth and live faithful to the Lord will continue their family relationships in Heaven.
It is also important to note that Matthew 22:30 was given by Christ when addressing the Sadducees. The Sadducees was a group that did not believe in resurrection, immortality, or eternal marriage. To accurately represent the scripture, it must be in correct context. No marriages will take place after the resurrection. Any one who was not married before the resurrection will serve as a minister or angel of God. Jesus attempted to teach the concept of eternal marriage; however, the doctrine was rejected by the Sadducees, whose hearts were so closed to the message. And so, there was no reason for Jesus to continue on and teach eternal marriage to the Sadducees, after they rebuffed the concept of resurrection. It is clear that the Sadducees were not yet ready for such deep doctrine.
Priesthood Authority for Eternal Marriage in Mormonism
Matthew 16:19 reads, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” One can interpret this passage to mean that the gift of marriage was given to bind man and woman on earth. And whatever bonds or commitments made here on earth will continue in heaven. Those who are sealed in the temple and make sacred covenants to each other will be sealed forever.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 states, “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Mormons believe that marriage is ordained by God. Therefore, marriage will last and endure forever, as this scripture suggests.
Jesus Christ bestowed the priesthood to Peter, and would later bestow it on the rest of the Twelve Apostles. Christ gives Peter the sealing keys of the priesthood, to bind or seal on earth and in heaven. This means that whatever Peter seals on Earth, by authority of the priesthood given to him, will also be sealed in Heaven. The keys of authority given from Jesus to Peter enable man and wife to be sealed by the authority of God, for time and eternity.
The Book of Mormon and other books clarify the Bible on Eternal Marriage
The Bible is ambiguous on the concept of marriage, as it is on most topics we as Christians concern ourselves with. Because the Bible is ambiguous, the restored church of Jesus Christ, or the Mormon Church, strives to clarify places where the Bible may have been ambiguous. Joseph Smith clarified and amended parts of the Bible which were incomplete and needed further clarification. Luckily, this further revelation is available in The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, which serve to fill in any gray area that the Bible doesn’t address. Section 132 in the Doctrine and Covenants clearly outlines eternal marriage and the Mormon beliefs on the matter. Also, temple ordinances were revealed to Joseph Smith, making it possible for those who did not have the opportunity to marry on Earth. In Mormon temples, members of the church can be married and sealed for the proxy, offering those who didn’t have the opportunity, the chance in heaven, before the resurrection.
Mormon prophets cannot stress enough the importance of eternal marriage. It is essential for eternal salvation and can bring increased joy and spirituality in mortality.
