Many married Christians wonder if they will remain married to their spouse in heaven or not. This is an important question, as marriage is a sacred union created by God. The Bible does not give a definitive yes or no answer, but it provides some clues that can help us think through this issue.
Will there be marriage in heaven?
In Matthew 22:30, Jesus says, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” This seems to suggest there will be no marriage in heaven. However, this verse is specifically talking about marriage after the resurrection. It does not necessarily mean married couples will no longer be together in heaven.
Some interpret this to mean that earthly marital relationships will no longer be applicable in heaven. The spiritual union with God will be primary. However, that does not preclude the possibility of couples still knowing and relating to each other in heaven.
We will know our loved ones in heaven
The Bible indicates we will know our loved ones in heaven. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul comforts believers about Christians who have already died. He says they should not grieve like people who have no hope, “for the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” This suggests we will be reunited with our believing loved ones in heaven.
Jesus also indicates we will recognize people we knew on earth. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31, the rich man sees Lazarus in heaven with Abraham and asks Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. This indicates the rich man recognized Lazarus in the afterlife.
Our relationships will be perfected in heaven
Our earthly marriages are imperfect. In heaven, however, all of our relationships will be perfected. The Bible says that in heaven “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” (Revelation 21:4). If there is no more pain, our relationships must be restored and perfected, not erased.
The Apostle Paul writes that now we only know in part, but in heaven we will know fully, even as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:9-12). This implies we will know our loved ones in heaven better than we do on earth.
Earthly marriage points to the perfect union with Christ
Earthly marriage was created by God as a picture of the perfect union between Christ and the church. This spiritual marriage will be consummated at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). However, just as earthly marriage is only a partial reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church, it does not cease to exist after the wedding.
Since earthly marriage reflects this eternal spiritual truth, there must be some form of it that continues in heaven, even if in a perfected form.
We cannot fully understand heavenly relationships
1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” We cannot fully comprehend what heaven will be like or what exact form our relationships will take. Some aspects will likely be unrecognizable compared to earthly relationships.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that heaven is a place of eternal joy, comfort, and perfection. It seems reasonable that human relationships that brought joy on earth would continue in some perfect, heavenly form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible does not definitively state that married couples will remain married in heaven. However, it suggests believers will know their loved ones and their relationships will be perfected. Earthly marriage was designed by God to reflect Christ’s relationship with the church, so it seems likely that some form of it will carry over into eternity. We may not understand exactly how human relationships in heaven work until we get there.
Ultimately, Christians need not worry about losing loved ones in heaven, as it will be a relationship far better than anything we can experience on earth. Heaven is a place of comfort, joy, and eternal reunion with believers. Married couples who know Christ can trust they will be together enjoying unbroken fellowship in God’s presence.