Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 4/3/2009

Question
What happens to the family relationship after death? Is it just until "death do you part"? Will I have my children as my children in heaven? Will I still be married to my husband? Will I be able to expand my family in heaven? What about miscarriages and infants that died, will I be able to raise them?

Answer
Thanks for writing, Stephanie.  The Bible doesn't give an answer to your questions, so we can only speculate, but there are some principles that are helpful.  God describes Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and we're invited to become "sons of God" in John 1:12.  So family relationships seem to be eternally important.  
   On the other hand, Jesus' response in Matthew 22:23-30, seems to indicate things will be different.  
   Rev.19:7-9 reminds us that our relationship with God is number one in Heaven.  We were created for love with God, which our love for our families here on earth are to mirror.
   Our trust in God for salvation from our sins so we can go to Heaven, is the same trust that we have that God will provide in Heaven more and better than we can imagine.  If we have any ideas that we think would make it perfect, we need to remember that God is a lot smarter than we are.  We sometimes make mistakes in what we think we want, when we realize later we wish we hadn't wanted that.  God doesn't make mistakes.  
   James 1:17  "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights."  Everything bad or painful is a result of sin and will not be in Heaven (Rev. 21:4).
   Have a wonderful time of fellowship with the family of God tomorrow!
   Priscilla