Marriage in Heaven
“Is there marriage in heaven? This verse makes me so sad because I’m such a romantic. I want her to still be my wife in heaven,” my friend said with tears tumbling from his eyes. His wife recently passed away, and he was missing her big time. The verse that troubled him is Matthew 22:30, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
It’s a good question that many of us have pondered at some point in our lives. Especially when our marriage has been so wonderful that we can’t imagine living life without that special someone beside us in this life or the next. How do I answer his question? Now the tears are slowly coursing a path down my cheeks.
No words were spoken or needed those next few minutes. The quiet intermission allowed me to reflect on my own marriage of fifty-one years. Gene and I have shared life’s joys and sorrows, laughed and cried together, encouraged, cheered, and challenged each other. We’ve worked hard, had fun, served God together, raised a family, held hands, talked and listened, achieved, failed, forgiven big, and prayed together. Every day is a blessing. I’m truly thankful.
Back to his question: Is there marriage in heaven? Is there anything I can say to him at this moment that will bring him any comfort? Probably not. His pain is so raw and overwhelming. Perhaps redirecting his thoughts to what we do know to be true about heaven will help.
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
God instituted earthly marriage as a representative glimpse of His great love for us. The anticipation and preparation for the wedding day, the joy of intimacy, companionship, faithfulness, and the giving of one’s total self to the other are all part of God’s plan for our earthly marriage. I thank God that forgiveness is also included in His plan.
So, is there marriage in heaven? Yes! But not the earthly kind of marriage as we know it. “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). Jesus is the bridegroom, and every believer in Him comprises His bride. Only the beyond-beautiful venue of heaven could accommodate such a magnificent celebration! This will be marriage as it is meant to be!
What we won’t find in heaven are the fussing, disagreements, arguments, disappointments, hurt feelings, broken promises, yelling at each other, and parting of ways. The only time we raise our voices will be in united praise to our God! “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:4-5). Our jaws will never tire of singing and worshiping our Lord, and our faces will never hurt from prolonged smiling at eternal delights!
My friend had one more question for me. “Okay, I get it. But will I at least recognize my wife in heaven?” Of course, he will recognize his wife in heaven! If the three disciples recognized Moses and Elijah whom they had never seen at the Transfiguration, why wouldn’t we recognize those we knew on earth as well as those we have never seen when we get to heaven?
As wonderful as a godly and fulfilling marriage on earth is, nothing comes close to the pure love and forever peace, joy, and contentment awaiting us in heaven. In fact, there are no human words to adequately describe heaven.
I’m reminded of a song by Alan Jackson:
“I want to stroll over heaven with you some glad day
When all our troubles and heartaches are vanished away
Then we’ll enjoy the beauty where all things are new
I want to stroll over heaven with you.”