The question of whether marriage will continue in heaven is one that has intrigued and puzzled many believers throughout the centuries. To address this question adequately, it is essential to delve into the teachings of Jesus, the writings of the apostles, and the overarching narrative of Scripture. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I aim to provide a thoughtful and compelling answer that aligns with biblical teachings and offers a glimpse into the eternal state.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the question of marriage in the resurrection directly. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed a hypothetical scenario to Jesus about a woman who had been married to seven brothers, each of whom died. They asked Jesus whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus responded, "You are mistaken, not understanding 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" (Matthew 22:29-30, NASB).
This passage is crucial in understanding the nature of relationships in the afterlife. Jesus' response indicates that marriage, as we know it, will not continue in heaven. Instead, relationships will be transformed into something different, something that reflects the eternal and spiritual nature of our existence in the presence of God.
To further explore this concept, it is helpful to consider the purpose of marriage as outlined in Scripture. In Genesis 2:18-24, God institutes marriage as a union between a man and a woman, designed for companionship, mutual support, and the continuation of the human race. Marriage is also a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:25-32. Paul writes, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her... This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:25, 32, NASB).
Marriage, therefore, serves both a practical and a symbolic purpose in the earthly realm. It provides a framework for human relationships and reflects the covenantal love between Christ and His Church. However, in the eternal state, the need for such a framework will no longer exist. The ultimate fulfillment of our relationship with God and with one another will transcend the earthly institution of marriage.
In Revelation 21:1-4, John provides a vision of the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The intimacy and unity that believers will experience with God and with each other in this new creation will surpass anything we can imagine. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 2:9, quoting Isaiah, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him" (NASB).
The transformation of relationships in heaven does not imply a loss but rather a profound gain. The love and connection that spouses share on earth will be perfected and expanded in the presence of God. C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Four Loves," suggests that earthly loves will be elevated and purified in heaven. He writes, "For this end, the whole world was made. Everything is to be gathered up into Christ. We are to be remade. All our loves are to be remade, and the greatest of them will be greater than they ever were on earth" (Lewis, The Four Loves).
In heaven, our relationships will be characterized by perfect love, unity, and harmony. The limitations and imperfections of earthly relationships will be removed, and we will experience a deeper and more profound connection with God and with one another. The communal aspect of heaven is emphasized in Hebrews 12:22-23, where the author describes the heavenly Jerusalem as a gathering of "myriads of angels, the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" (NASB). This picture of a vast, joyful community highlights the relational richness of the eternal state.
It is also important to consider the nature of our resurrected bodies. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Paul describes the resurrection body as imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. These transformed bodies will be suited for the eternal, spiritual realm, free from the constraints and needs of our earthly existence. Jesus' own resurrection body provides a glimpse of this transformation. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, interacted with them, and even ate with them (Luke 24:36-43). Yet, His resurrection body also possessed qualities that transcended the physical, such as the ability to appear and disappear (John 20:19, 26).
In light of these considerations, it becomes clear that while marriage as an earthly institution will not continue in heaven, the essence of love, intimacy, and connection that marriage represents will be fulfilled and perfected in the eternal state. The relational joys we experience on earth are but a shadow of the greater, more profound joys that await us in the presence of God.
The question of marriage in heaven also invites us to reflect on the ultimate purpose of our lives and relationships. Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments point to the primacy of our relationship with God and the importance of loving others. In heaven, our love for God and for one another will be perfected, and we will experience the fullness of joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).
As we navigate our earthly relationships, it is essential to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal perspective. The joys and challenges of marriage and other relationships are opportunities for growth, sanctification, and a deeper understanding of God's love. They are also a foretaste of the perfect love and unity we will experience in heaven. By cultivating Christ-like love in our relationships, we prepare our hearts for the eternal communion with God and His people.
In conclusion, while marriage as an earthly institution will not continue in heaven, the essence of love, intimacy, and connection that it represents will be fulfilled and perfected in the eternal state. Our relationships in heaven will be characterized by perfect love, unity, and harmony, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of our relationship with God and with one another. As we live out our earthly relationships, let us do so with an eternal perspective, seeking to love God and others with the love of Christ, in anticipation of the glorious future that awaits us in His presence.
