Hey, thanks for asking. As you've said, most people point to Matthew 22 as they address this question, but that's not really what's going on in Matthew 22, as you've observed. The goal of the Sadducees is to discredit the resurrection (Mt. 22.23), so that's what the subject is. Jesus isn't trying to teach us about marriage, He's trying to teach us about resurrection (vv. 30, 31, 33).

His only point is that angels don't procreate. The teaching is that neither will we procreate in heaven. Since angels don't experience death (as we will not experience death), procreation will not be necessary to perpetuate life. There will be no need to have babies to replace the dying population, because there will be no dying.

Back to the question at hand. The Bible is clear that this WHOLE deal (salvation) is about relationship, primarily relationship with God. But the family is a great symbol of relationship, marriage is a picture of the church and God (Eph. 5.32), the Church is God's bride, fellowship is a particularly strong mandate of being part of the Church, and our relationships with each other are pictures of our relationship with God (1 Jn. 4.12 et al.).

Therefore, it seems not only unreasonable but quite unlikely that all these relationships will disappear in Heaven, be unimportant, be null and void, and cease to exist. The idea that we won't know each other, that I will no longer be bound to my wife as I have been in the name of God for all these decades, that our marriage will be so disbanded we won't recognize each other as husband and wife seems nonsense to me. Relationships is what it's all about.

That's what I think. Any response?

> Adam and Eve were created in the garden before sin in a type of marital union

I really don't know what you mean by this, so maybe some clarification would help. "Before sin in a type of marital union"? First of all, they were created before any sin. Second, their sin had nothing to do with their marital union, or any "type." So exactly what are you saying?

> is heaven not some form of a return to the garden?

Eden is not Paradise. There is no notion that it was ever (or ever meant to be) a perfect place. Instead, Eden was sacred space, much like the Tabernacle and the Temple to come later, as well as much like the Church (1 Cor. 3.17) and our hearts as believers (1 Cor. 3.16; 6.19-20). Heaven is where the presence of God abides in His Temple (the assembly of believers both as a corporate union as well as individually). It's only a return to the Garden in the sense that God's presence will be with His people in righteousness—something that didn't happen in Eden, though that was the idea that was never realized in the first Eden.

As a Christian myself, I have always struggled with understanding the very common belief that if married in this life we are no longer married in heaven. When it is discussed, it is made apparent by most Christians that this is just an obvious reality based on what the bible says. Generally, Matthew 22:30 is brought up as clear proof of this. When I read Matthew 22:30 It seems clear to me though that no new marriages will take place, not that previous marriages in this life cease to exist in eternity. Now, I submit the exact nature and purpose of that marriage may be altered, but I don't currently believe that relationship, covenant, and unique unity is dissolved.

The full context of Matthew 22 might be the strongest indicator that marriage ceases, because Jesus is answering in response to the pharisees trying to trap Jesus based on a woman with multiple husbands throughout life. But still I see Jesus' response as a way out of their trapping - not as a clear answer of what to expect in heaven.

The same Christians who tell me it is obvious we are not married in heaven would also generally believe they will be "with" their family in heaven. Their kids, their parents, their grandparents etc. Many of these relationships are built on marriage. It is assumed that our children are still our children why wouldn't our spouse still be our spouse (in a relational sense)? It is assumed they will see their Mom and Dad - but simultaneously assumed their parents are not married? What then is our relationship with our own spouse while in each other's presence, with the memory of having been married and building an earthly life together, other than "still married"? Sure, we may not likely continue to procreate - but I don't believe that is wholistically the point of marriage. Sure marriage is a symbol of the gospel for others in this life and the Gospel is completely fulfilled in the next - but I don't think this either is wholistically the point of marriage. The marriage covenant is complex, highly relational and intimate. I just don't see how that ceases in the afterlife. So maybe there is not a celestial courthouse where my marriage is written on a legal document - but does that change the special unity of that relationship before God's eyes? The two have become one flesh - and we still have flesh in heaven. Adam and Eve were created in the garden before sin in a type of marital union - and is heaven not some form of a return to the garden?

Perhaps I am way out of line - appreciate your thoughts!