Expert: Quentin Parker - 10/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Does Matt.22:30 state that when I get to heaven to live eternally that my wife and I no longer have a relationship?
Does Matt.19:6 mean that God brings two specific people together to get married?

ANSWER: Hello Al,

Thanks for your question.

According to Matt. 22:30 there will be no marriage in heaven – no unique intimate or sexual relationship – however, it doesn’t mean that you and your wife will have no relationship at all. You’ll still recognize and love each other. In fact, the love you feel towards each other on earth will grow even stronger in heaven, without the weight of sin and selfishness to mar and diminish it.

Also, it’s always good to remember that God is the One who created marriage in the first place. He created everything we love and enjoy. So of course He is able to give us even better, more pleasurable enjoyments in heaven that we can’t even comprehend.  As 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us:
“However, as it is written:  "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

And, as to your last question, yes, Matthew 19:6 does refer to the fact that God brings two specific people together to get married. He’s sovereignly in control of all things and nothing happens outside His plan.  (Prov. 16:33, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Lam. 3:37, "Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?” Jer. 10:23, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.”  Prov. 16:9, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.)

I hope this is helpful to you.

In Him,

-   Quentin Parker


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. As a follow up to Matt.19:6, if a christian man has had two divorces because both wives committed adultery and marries a third time, was it only wife #1 that God had chosen for him?

Answer
Hi Al,

God sovereignly plans and controls everything that comes to pass. First wife, second wife, third wife – nothing that happens is outside of His plan.

"A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven" - John 3:27

"I know, O Lord, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps" - Jeremiah 10:23

"Man's steps are ordained by the Lord, how then can man understand his way?" - Proverbs 19:24

I hope this answers your question!

In Him,

- Quentin Parker