Can families be together forever?

[Porissocri]

There's a verse in the Bible in which Christ Himself seems to contradict this doctrine. It's Mark 22:30, in which Jesus says, "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." Am I interpreting this verse the wrong way?

[Just_A_Guy]

Assuming you are referring to Matthew 22:30: Mormons would say that yes, you're misinterpreting it. :)

The key here is that Jesus is replying to a question that was posed by the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection and who had framed the question as a deliberate attempt to mock the whole idea. Jesus' reply is geared towards defending the reality of the resurrection, not with describing whether or how marital relationships operate after the resurrection. Verse 30 is textually accurate in that there are no marital rites performed during the resurrection and that any questions as to who shall be married to whom will have been resolved by that point; but we don't read it as stating that previously-created marital relationships are bound to dissolve. The thrust of Jesus' answer, and what silences the Sadducees and is the reason Matthew and other Gospel writers think it noteworthy, is His affirmation of the resurrection in verses 31-32--of which He Himself will provide irrefutable proof less than two weeks later.

Edited June 7, 2015 by Just_A_Guy

[Capitalist_Oinker]

And on a side note, the question indicates that the Sadducees (while they didn’t believe it) recognized the belief in eternal marriage; otherwise there would be no reason to ask whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

[Traveler]

The answers above are correct and we should understand that in the resurrection the time for entering into a marriage covenant has ended.

 

Please consider another scripture also from Matthew chapter 16 verse 19

 

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.

 

The context of this scripture is the power Jesus gives to his Apostles - in particular Peter, concerning the Kingdom of heaven or the Church of G-d.  This scripture in it context is both a prophesy and sign of G-d's kingdom and Church on earth as well as those authorized to officiate in the ordinances of the G-d's Church.  In short the covenants they bind on earth - including marriage - will be bound in heaven.  And if you consider what is given in other verses in this same chapter - the binding power will be the very foundation of the G-d's Church and will withstand even the powers of hell or the gates of hell (meaning death) so this is the only power among mankind that can extend beyond the grave.

 

If this truth is not taught and power exercised in the church or congregation where you meet - If I were you - I would very carefully and prayerfully seek divine guidance as to where you can find a church with such power and authority.

[Blackmarch]

To the OP; not necessarily... If you realise that Christ is specifying a certain period and a certain group of people.

even in LDS Doctrine once people get to final heaven, if they are married by Gods authority they will remain so. If they have not been, then they will remain unmarried. There is no marrying or unmarrying in heaven once people get there.. And those who are not will not be able to progress as far as the ones who are and will thus be as angels.

What christ doesnt tell them is all the opportunities that one may have before that point.

The other point that is missed is that even angels are part of families as well.