Has your spouse ever said; “You’re mine forever!” When my wife Maria says that I appreciate her commitment and the depth of her love!
The Sadducees tried to trip Jesus up with a hypothetical situation of a woman remarrying seven times on Earth–they wanted to know whose wife she would be at the resurrection. Jesus said;
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” Matthew 22:30 NIV
This does not mean that our bodies will be like angel’s bodies. Angels do not have glorified bodies like resurrected Saints. It means the nature of our relationship with other people will be similar to angel’s relationships.
When we examine what the Bible has to say about earthly marriages, we can come to understand that the institution of earthly marriage will no longer be necessary in Heaven. Have no fear, we will not “miss out” in Heaven because it lacks marriage and sex. Earthly marriage was designed by GOD to join the mortal flesh of one man and one woman into a mortal union. The Bible says;
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery —but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:31-32
Becoming one earthly flesh is for earthly (mortal) purposes, it’s a reflection of what’s to come. One day, Saints (the church) will enter into a greater marriage. What? There is a higher relationship than the one I have with my spouse? Yes, one day we will be married to Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote;
“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 NIV
Also:
“…and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27
Spiritually speaking, Saints are the bride of Christ. When Jesus returns for His church at the rapture, he takes the Saints back to Heaven, and gives them a new glorified body, (virgin, glorified flesh) and clothes them with fine linen, (His righteousness) so that He can present them to Himself, pure (re-born souls covered by His blood), for the marriage supper of the lamb. Whew! You should probably take a breath and read that again. Jesus said:
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me —so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:22-23 NIV
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9
The marriage supper of the lamb is a wedding feast, it’s where our marriage to Jesus is consummated or brought to fulfillment. This marriage supersedes any earthly marriage, it’s the highest union possible between created creatures and their GOD–it’s an eternal union of deep intimacy, blessing, and wonder. We will be enjoying the greatest relationship any created creature could ever have.
Please understand, as great as an earthly marriage can be, and as good as sex can be with your spouse, it can never truly satisfy and fill that longing in your soul–only Jesus can fill that special place in our hearts. The conclusion that sex must continue in heaven for us to be complete or happy is faulty. Millions of children have died and went to Heaven without ever having a romantic relationship, or sex. Those children are not in heaven longing for sex as the final puzzle piece to their happiness. Sex never truly satisfies us, it’s a temporary fulfillment. However, Jesus does satisfy, Jesus said:
“…Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NIV
One day, we will see Him as He is, we will be fully united with Him, and our souls will be satisfied like never before.
Maybe some of you are thinking; “No way man, I’m not letting go of my spouse.” Need I gently remind you in a soft tone that you took an oath during your marriage vows. You swore; “Til death do us part.” For all you Bible students looking for a little wiggle room, this includes the rapture.
In other words, fellas, the honey-do list is absent in eternity–Heaven is a place of rest. Ladies, you still might have to deal with ESPN up there, but perhaps, the acronym will be changed to; eternally serving people network. It’s important to remember that as close as we can get to our spouses, we don’t own them. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:20;
you were bought at a price…
Jesus paid for us with His blood, I am His and He is mine. We came from GOD and we go back to GOD. It’s better this way; …all things work together for good…All of us are one and equal in Christ.
Reflection
You are chosen! The body of Christ is His bride. One day, you will be in His immediate presence. When you’re in that place, His love and acceptance of you will remove every fear and doubt because the veil will be removed. Just as the veil is lifted during an earthly marriage so we can see the face of our bride and have full intimacy, the spiritual veil will one day be lifted and there will no longer be any type of separation. We will finally see the glory of GOD and we will know Him like we are known.
Our marriage to Jesus Christ will be the most intimate relationship a created creature can have with their creator. This will result in everlasting joy and wonder!