<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter Snyder Q: Are there any food or clothing restrictions for Christians? A: The only restrictions are those which we impose upon ourselves or which would be offensive (sin-causing) toward others. Paul talks of this in Romans, dealing with meat sacrificed to idols. Likewise in 1 Corinthians, he speaks of "modest adornment" for women in church. Likewise, the Bible deals with this in other areas. God is not honored by gluttons, neither is his Name hallowed by those whose dress is designed only to shock or to incite lust in others. Nor is his Church to impose restrictions so as to make it appear that by eating, wearing or doing certain things, God is praised. Our Lutheran statement of faith, the Augsburg Confession, refers to the Scriptures when talking about this: "But there are clear testimonies which prohibit the making of such traditions, as though they merited grace or were necessary to salvation. Paul says (Col. 2:6-23): 'Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy-day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath-days. If ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (touch not; taste not; handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men! which things have indeed a show of wisdom.' Also in Titus 1:14 he openly forbids traditions: 'Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth.'" Q: When I think about dying and going to heaven, I am concerned because some people have told me that I won't even recognize my own wife. What does the Christian Church teach about being married in heaven? A: Just before his death, Jesus was confronted by the Sadducees. They denied the possibility of the Resurrection and used an extreme example from their own experiences in order to trap Jesus in his own teaching. While the emphasis is slightly different from what you ask, an underlying theme ties the situations together: Jesus would point us away from confidence in the things of this earth and toward confidence in him and the things of the heavenly kingdom. The following is taken from Matthew 22 and has parallels in Mark 12 and Luke 20: "The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, 'Teacher, Moses said, "If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother." Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, to which of the seven will she be wife? For they all had her.' "But Jesus answered them, 'You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob"? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.' And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching." The "God of the living" wants all to live forever with him. Instead of looking forward to continuing our earthly relationships, Christians learn to thank God for the gifts of this earth. Working through food, clothing, marriage, and more, God prepares us for the even greater gifts of the life to come. Marriage, especially the marriage of Christians, is one illustration God uses for the relationship between Christ and his Bride, the Holy Christian Church (see Ephesians 5). Ultimately, we don't know what memories will remain from this vale of tears. However, we know that nothing but good will be part of the eternal lives of those whom Jesus has brought to live with him in heaven. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville, Texas and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1999 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.