Will marriage exist in heaven?
Matthew 22:30 provides a clear answer to the question of whether there will be marriage in heaven. Jesus stated, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." Jesus personally stated that marriage would not exist in heaven.Many have speculated as to why marriage will not exist in heaven. The Bible does not directly address these reasons, but says we will be like the angels in heaven (v. 30b). What does this mean? Angels are called "ministering spirits" in Hebrews 1:14 who are "sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation." In other words, at least one way human life will be different in heaven is that our lives will be completely focused on worship and service of God.
Second, it is clear that in heaven God will provide complete contentment and satisfaction. As part of His perfect, eternal plan, marriage will no longer be necessary in heaven. All redeemed people will live as brothers and sisters in Christ in perfect harmony. Revelation 21:4 clearly notes this perfect situation: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Third, the discontinuation of marriage in heaven will remove all problems associated with marriages on earth consisting of one believer and one unbeliever. This would otherwise cause many complications and create several other questions that would need to be solved.
Fourth, the focus in heaven will not be on creating and building a family but rather on enjoying the family of God already designed in heaven. There will be no need to build families through marriage or raising children. No one will ever die again and life will extend throughout a perfect, sinless eternity.
Finally, some have noted that marriage originally arose out of need for a "suitable helper" for Adam in Genesis 2:18 when he had no one else to live with in family and community. In heaven, this need for community will no longer exist as male and female will dwell in perfect community with the Lord and all believers for all time.
Should the end of marriage in heaven be a concern to us? By no means! When the apostle John saw what would take place at the end of time, he was not discouraged. Instead, he responded, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). He knew that eternity future would be far greater than any human relationship or family in this life.
Will we know our friends and family members in Heaven?
Does the Bible tell us what Heaven is like?
What does the Bible teach about marriage?
Is heaven real?
How can I be sure that when I die I will go to heaven?
Truth about Eternity
