relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Life] >> Marriage



Message

ldsrhb -> relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 7:37:25 AM)

(we obviously have not the capacity to fully understand or comprehend what Heaven is really like so perhaps this is just a ridiculous post, but i'll proceed:) in Heaven you're no longer married to your spouse. i take this as so because there is no need for a title of which on Earth by God designates the ability to have sex without sinning, reproduce, and counteract loneliness, which are all not necessary in Heaven. God is my number one priority and at the center of my and my husband's marriage. the bond that i have with my husband is a true blessing and i cannot fathome not having a special bond with him still in Heaven (minus certain physicalities and worldy components). we will be delighted and joyous in worshiping with those close to us on Earth who made it into Heaven...i just hope i can hold my husband's hand (or whatever similar act in accordance with our revised perceptible states) while worshiping God for eternity. i hope that's not selfish. although marriage is obviously not of existence in Heaven, what is your insight on the hope/presumption that perhaps we will have still exceptionally special relationships with our spouses amidst worshiping God, different from that of family or friends in Heaven? i'm sorry if i'm just perhaps running with my own hopes here and sounding selfish, but i love my husband so much and Together we've strived and will continue striving to spread the gospel.



tysdaddy -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 8:47:32 AM)

quote:

marriage is obviously not of existence in Heaven


If marriage is permitted, ordained and even required by God, why would it not be permitted in heaven?

Marriage must be more that just something we do to make the time pass here on earth, appease the government for tax purposes and spiritually justify our physical relationships in the eyes of God.



waitingforreturn -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 9:13:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tysdaddy

quote:

marriage is obviously not of existence in Heaven


If marriage is permitted, ordained and even required by God, why would it not be permitted in heaven?

Marriage must be more that just something we do to make the time pass here on earth, appease the government for tax purposes and spiritually justify our physical relationships in the eyes of God.


“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).

No. There is no marriage in heaven.



Sphyr -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 9:17:21 AM)

I think marriage on earth is God's plan for us to learn to truly love sacrificially with forgiveness.

My guess is based on Matthew 22:30, that *every* relationship is true and complete agape love. Marriage would not be necessary and the joy of close relationships is eternal. That's just a guess, though.



tysdaddy -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 9:24:08 AM)

quote:

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”


This says nothing about those already married. If marriage is indeed of a spiritual nature, seen as an unbreakable spiritual bond ordained and created by God, then why would that bond be cut in heaven?



Szaftoo -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 9:33:32 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tysdaddy

quote:

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”


This says nothing about those already married. If marriage is indeed of a spiritual nature, seen as an unbreakable spiritual bond ordained and created by God, then why would that bond be cut in heaven?


Heaven is so far removed from earth and the way we see relationships. Also, what about people who had more than one spouse?



tysdaddy -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 9:55:01 AM)

quote:

the way we see relationships


But marriage is all about the way God sees relationships, isn't it?

quote:

what about people who had more than one spouse


That is an interesting question. Could create quite a number of brouhahas at the final trump. What is your answer?



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 10:06:11 AM)

ldsrhb ~

Let me begin by stating I have yet to find any authorative source for the answer to this question. Having said that, both my wife and I have pondered this imponderable for nearly a half century of marriage. Privately, I have put forth this proposition in the past... and admittedly some literalists will cry out "heresy" here, and a few heavy theological hitters will challenge this, but at least consider it for a moment.

In the beginning, God thought it was a pretty good idea that man should not be alone. In the next step, God put Adam into a deep sleep and then removed a rib from which He created woman. Now I know many will say that this is simply a story, but if we take the position that the bible is the source for all of our inspiration and doctrine would it be such a leap to say that perhaps God will make us one one day?

Consider this...who has not had moments of reflection when they (male or female) have felt that there was a portion of their life that was empty? For a good many this emptiness was fulfilled by marriage. This is not to be confused with the emptiness many feel when they have experienced a bitter argument with a spouse or God forbid a separation or divorce. I am not referring to an emotional emptiness but rather a type of emptiness, perhaps spiritual emptiness akin to when we were apart from Christ in our lives.

Now comes the leap...would it be so hard for God to replace that rib He removed from Adam and replaced it and made him... us whole again.

The wife and I have pondered this for many years and it doesn't cause us any undue concern as our faith in Christ Jesus is intact, but we have often thought that we would at the very least know each other and reflected the possibility that we could indeed be one one day.

Many questions of this sort are left unanswered in sacred scriptures and, I believe will remain so, until Christ has returned to fully redeem us, but for the wife and I it gives us a measure of comfort to know that after all the time we spent together that we will part and go our separate way in heaven.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter...and no I am not suggesting that we add this to the doctrine that we do know through holy scripture, what does matter however is our daily relationship with our Lord and Savior... and love for our fellow man. On these two positions alone will our lives be judged.

The rest is just more speculation on what might or might not be, but sometimes it's fun to consider, especially after nearly a half a century with the same partner.



jaimestarcross -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/9/2008 11:44:31 AM)

Luke 20: 27 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.
Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”

34 Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. 35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.

*The conclusion could be drawn that it is more important to be a Child of God than
worry about relationship with one's former earthly spouse. The reply "Marriage is for people on earth seems to reflect that for me." In heaven we will be Children of God and will be about our father's business and showing his pure love to all who are in this heavenly realm.

*I also found this in a scripture summary online - "Putting on immortality" means there is no more need to create new mortals (1 Cor 15:50-54). With God as Father, families are no longer necessary. There is no more death, nor is there any need to worry about continuing one's family line.



lastblast -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/10/2008 11:36:05 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tysdaddy

quote:

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”


This says nothing about those already married. If marriage is indeed of a spiritual nature, seen as an unbreakable spiritual bond ordained and created by God, then why would that bond be cut in heaven?


Because God says that bond is cut..........at death (Rom. 7:2-3, I Cor. 7:39). That is why one is free to marry another at that time and it is not considered to be adultery.

We must also remember that Jesus was responding to a scenerio of a woman who was ALREADY married...........and then He responded that in heaven we will be like the angels. I think it is pretty clear that we, none of us, married or single, will be married in the eternal kingdom (though the Mormons would differ on that issue[;)])



WesP -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/10/2008 11:47:48 AM)

Another consideration: the church is the bride of Christ. Will He tolerate bigamy in His own house?



realist_man -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/11/2008 3:29:44 PM)

Marriage in Heaven???? Oh please NO!



car2ner -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/11/2008 4:09:11 PM)

My marriage is wonderful and it makes me feel a little sad to think it will end but God in His wisdom surely has something even better that we can't even begin to imagine! I am sure we won't loose track of the wonderful people in our lives.



TMeeks -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/11/2008 9:47:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: WhiteWindWarrior
Privately, I have put forth this proposition in the past... and admittedly some literalists will cry out "heresy" here, and a few heavy theological hitters will challenge this, but at least consider it for a moment.


OK. Let's just get it over with. HERESY!!! [:D][:D][:D][:D]

I just couldn't help myself!!! [:D]


quote:

In the beginning, God thought it was a pretty good idea that man should not be alone. In the next step, God put Adam into a deep sleep and then removed a rib from which He created woman. Now I know many will say that this is simply a story, but if we take the position that the bible is the source for all of our inspiration and doctrine would it be such a leap to say that perhaps God will make us one one day?


I don't see anything wrong at all with contemplating 'what-if' scenarios where we don't have any definitive information. Like you, I find it kind of fun, sometimes, to speculate on various aspects of eternity. After all, eternity is a VERY long time and I cannot imagine that we will be bored for even one minute. There is SO much to learn.

Of course, not being a total heretic, I never went down THAT path!!! [:D][:D][:D]

But, now you've even got ME thinking about the ramifications of that possibility!

Oh my... so easily lead astray..... sigh.... [:)]



TMeeks -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/11/2008 10:03:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ldsrhb

(we obviously have not the capacity to fully understand or comprehend what Heaven is really like so perhaps this is just a ridiculous post, but i'll proceed:) in Heaven you're no longer married to your spouse. i take this as so because there is no need for a title of which on Earth by God designates the ability to have sex without sinning, reproduce, and counteract loneliness, which are all not necessary in Heaven. God is my number one priority and at the center of my and my husband's marriage. the bond that i have with my husband is a true blessing and i cannot fathome not having a special bond with him still in Heaven (minus certain physicalities and worldy components). we will be delighted and joyous in worshiping with those close to us on Earth who made it into Heaven...i just hope i can hold my husband's hand (or whatever similar act in accordance with our revised perceptible states) while worshiping God for eternity. i hope that's not selfish. although marriage is obviously not of existence in Heaven, what is your insight on the hope/presumption that perhaps we will have still exceptionally special relationships with our spouses amidst worshiping God, different from that of family or friends in Heaven? i'm sorry if i'm just perhaps running with my own hopes here and sounding selfish, but i love my husband so much and Together we've strived and will continue striving to spread the gospel.


The problem is one of perspective. What makes your marriage and relationship with your husband SO special is its safety and love relative to the mess of the world.

But, when we are in the presence of Jesus Christ, your BEST days with your spouse will seem dreary and dismall by comparison to the overwhelming presence of Jesus Christ and the fullness of God's presence.

The presence of sin stands between God and ourselves while we are here on earth and acts as a veil that keeps us from fully realizing what has been prepared for us. But, when we are caught up to be with Him, that veil is lifted and the utter magnificence and brightness of God will surround us in a way that we have NEVER experienced before.

Now, WhiteWindWarrior lamented that some might take his 'what-if' contemplation as heresy. (Which, of course, I quickly jumped on! [:D]) But, I'm going to take a bit of heat off of him by my own stab at heretical conjecture. The intimacy and physical pleasure of sex may be the highest experience of a couple on earth. I cannot imagine that SOMETHING in heaven will not infinitely surpass that experience. I have no idea what it is; but, I cannot fathom anything on earth surpassing anything in heaven and that includes marital relations. [:)]

Now it's WhiteWindWarrior's turn to take advantage of that opening! [;)]



JCMK -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/12/2008 4:08:07 PM)

We most likely will not be married in Heaven the same as we view marriage here on earth. But since the Bible says that we will be known as we are known, I believe that we will know each other, but we won't have the needs of this earth for marriage, companionship, etc. I feel that we will be so far above anything of this earth, that at the best we will view each other with something close to fond memories - such as we now remember in our adulthood of some happy childhood occasion. We won't feel any sadness. And we definitely won't feel any sense of loss. It will all be so glorious, how could there possibly be any feelings of longing for anything on this earth?

I also believe that we will not grieve or miss any of our friends or loved ones that didn't make it to Heaven. There will be no sadness there. We will rise above all that we can ever think or imagine.



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/12/2008 7:44:21 PM)

TMeeks ~
quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

quote:

ORIGINAL: WhiteWindWarrior
Privately, I have put forth this proposition in the past... and admittedly some literalists will cry out "heresy" here, and a few heavy theological hitters will challenge this, but at least consider it for a moment.


OK. Let's just get it over with. HERESY!!! [:D][:D][:D][:D]

I just couldn't help myself!!! [:D]


quote:

In the beginning, God thought it was a pretty good idea that man should not be alone. In the next step, God put Adam into a deep sleep and then removed a rib from which He created woman. Now I know many will say that this is simply a story, but if we take the position that the bible is the source for all of our inspiration and doctrine would it be such a leap to say that perhaps God will make us one one day?


I don't see anything wrong at all with contemplating 'what-if' scenarios where we don't have any definitive information. Like you, I find it kind of fun, sometimes, to speculate on various aspects of eternity. After all, eternity is a VERY long time and I cannot imagine that we will be bored for even one minute. There is SO much to learn.

Of course, not being a total heretic, I never went down THAT path!!! [:D][:D][:D]

But, now you've even got ME thinking about the ramifications of that possibility!

Oh my... so easily lead astray..... sigh.... [:)]

I had no idea that I had THAT much influence...[sm=shocked.gif][sm=smile-l.gif][sm=tongue.gif][sm=sly.gif]



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/12/2008 9:11:40 PM)

TMeeks ~
quote:

Now, WhiteWindWarrior lamented that some might take his 'what-if' contemplation as heresy. (Which, of course, I quickly jumped on! ) But, I'm going to take a bit of heat off of him by my own stab at heretical conjecture. The intimacy and physical pleasure of sex may be the highest experience of a couple on earth. I cannot imagine that SOMETHING in heaven will not infinitely surpass that experience. I have no idea what it is; but, I cannot fathom anything on earth surpassing anything in heaven and that includes marital relations.

Now it's WhiteWindWarrior's turn to take advantage of that opening!

Far out! But here we go! Picking up where I left off...the whole idea of the "rib" being replaced, as it where, would that not qualify as being an experience to remember?

Here's another stab at the whole concept of what if's...and while it is not strictly linked with the idea of "relationship w/spouse in Heaven" it is a parallel thought just the same.

Albert Einstein, one of the most revered physicists of our times, gained his reputation by taking the opposite view of the overwhelming majority of his physicist peers in his work to unify the basic concepts of physics. Most of us would agree that by any definition he was a genius on this earth and yet even it has been stated by the scientific community that as brilliant as he was, Einstein used less than 5% of his mental capacity. Now, if he only used 5% imagine how much less each of the rest of us are using, 4%, 3% perhaps even 2% or less? Perish the thought! [sm=crazy.gif] The bigger question is, if we are operating on only 5% or less of our brain capacity, what's with the other 95% and how much do we really not know? [sm=hammerhead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif]

Why bring this obscure thought up within the context of a serious Christian discussion? Simple...and here goes another heretical thought...boy am I getting into a lot of hot water here...wonder if the moderators are watching? [sm=eek.gif] Oh well, I got my hard hat on! [sm=hammerhead.gif]

My own view is this, you remember when God sent Adam out from the Garden of Eden? Well He also placed Cherubims at the East side of the Garden of Eden and a flaming sword flashing back and forth was set there to guard the way to the Tree of Life. Now... I know this is a lot to take in at one sitting but think of it this way...is it possible that the "way to the Tree of Life" or the knowledge of that is already hardwired so to speak into our brains by default? However God, in His infinite wisdom, has made it impossible for us to venture there, by placing that "flaming sword" (a barrier) with the Cherubims watching over the entrance. Metaphysical talk?

Perhaps...however, since the honorable [sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif] TMeeks has opened this door a crack [sm=smile-l.gif]I feel compelled to stick my big toe into the opening. Prudent theologians would conclude there is much we do not know, that being the case, why not THINK about some of the possibilities of what might be, NOT to establish doctrinal positions on any of this but to THINK on some of this AND I am NOT suggesting you throw out the bible or your own biblical understanding either but to THINK about some of the fun stuff to. It's harmless and can even generate a pleasant sense of adventure to those Christians so inclined.

Even science is discovering and rediscovering things about the celestial universe we live in that a few short years ago would be totally unthinkable. I mean who ever heard of black holes, supernovas and GRB's back in my day? Oops...that was a long time ago wasn't it? Millions of galaxies and billions of planets in the KNOWN universe and I suspect more yet to be discovered in the future if Jesus doesn't return first. One day, even this knowledge will surely pass away, but in the meantime it has been given to us to be used as a gift and even enjoy, but not to get all puffed up about. What it says to me is that God can do literally anything, I mean ANYTHING He choses! He has afterall created the entire universe and as a simple mortal being I do not presume to KNOW everything nor could any of us assume that position and remain standing in light of His majesty.

This does not directly answer the original question of this thread except to say that there is a lot of good stuff we have yet to see and understand and likely will never know this side of glory but it's a lot of fun to speculate, just don't be foolish enough to publish it like this writer just did. [sm=rollingeyes.gif][sm=hammerhead.gif][sm=unsure.gif][sm=yummy.gif][sm=wave.gif][sm=tonguehappy.gif] And it's all your fault TMeeks! [:D][:D][:D]



DaveW -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/14/2008 12:27:47 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ldsrhb

although marriage is obviously not of existence in Heaven, what is your insight on the hope/presumption that perhaps we will have still exceptionally special relationships with our spouses amidst worshiping God, different from that of family or friends in Heaven?
2 things we know: covenants are eternal and that what we have that is from God here is some symbolic version of what exists in heaven.

I assume in your "not of existance" statement you are refering to Matt 22.30 and Mark 12.25 where Jesus says "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven."

Please note it says they neither marry (ie a husband takes a wife) or are given in marriage (a bride by her father). This perhaps does not refer to preexistant marriages at all, just new ones.

Bottom line: since covenants are eternal you should know and still have a strong relationship with your husband. Whether it will be similar or radically different we do not know. I would suspect the latter.



small_creation -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/14/2008 8:50:02 PM)

I think it's beautiful for you to "want to hold your husband's hand in heaven." [sic] Why don't you hold on to that hope and call it good.

janie



marc926 -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/15/2008 3:48:20 PM)

TILL DEATH DO YOU PART.

Our convenant ends at our death, as our wedding day vow states.

I believe we will not even care. There will be no fear, there will be no loss...



gschreck4 -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/15/2008 4:01:11 PM)

AS someone who lost her "soul mate" , this thread interested me alot. I fully expect to connect with my late husband when I get to heaven. I know he is there and I'm trying real hard to do the same. My husband now also expects to meet him someday. We will be singing the praise songs together without need of marriage. It will be so good to have all those I love together again.



JCMK -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/15/2008 8:50:26 PM)

Coincidentally, Billy Graham's devotion for today was about this very subject. The following is only a part of his answer, but gives the basics of what he said:

"The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about heaven. One reason is because heaven is far, far greater than anything we can ever imagine. As the Bible says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Nevertheless, the Bible does indicate that those who have gone to heaven before us are aware of what is happening on earth. The writer of Hebrews, for example, uses the image of a great arena to illustrate this, with those who have gone before us watching and cheering us on: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). When Moses and Elijah returned from heaven to meet with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they spoke about events taking place on earth (see Luke 9:30-31)."

He goes on to encourage everyone to live their best and prepare ourselves for our Heavenly home, however it may be. There is certainly joy, peace and love greater than we have ever known in this life.



Dave70 -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/16/2008 9:30:10 AM)

Marriage is a forum where if honest we can see our own selfishness like nowhere else. This can help us relate to how giving individualy we should be to God so as to be humble and serving before Him and others especially our spouse. This exercise in the present will be rewarded in appropriate degree in eternity. From my reading of Matthew 22 I understand there is not marriage as we know on earth in Heaven. All born again people are the bride of Christ. It will truly take eternity to fathom the pure deep gracious love of God to me.



Konstantinos -> RE: relationship w/ spouse in Heaven? (1/16/2008 10:58:51 AM)

quote:

i cannot fathome not having a special bond with him still in Heaven


our bonds with everyone will be more special than any marriage on earth [;)]



Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI