Are People Married in Heaven — Meaning Explained

The Sadducees tested Jesus with a scenario of a woman married to seven brothers successively: 'In the resurrection whose wife shall she be?' (Matthew 22:28). Jesus answered, 'Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven' (22:29-30). This doesn't mean relationships cease or that spouses won't know each other — it means the institution of marriage as we know it is transformed. Marriage on earth serves purposes (companionship, procreation, illustrating Christ and the church) that will be fulfilled in greater ways in eternity. Paul wrote, 'This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church' (Ephesians 5:32) — earthly marriage is a shadow of the ultimate union. In heaven, believers will experience a deeper, more perfect love than any earthly marriage could provide. The 'marriage supper of the Lamb' (Revelation 19:9) celebrates the ultimate wedding — Christ and His bride, the church. Earthly marriage is beautiful, but it points to something even more glorious.