Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

29 April 2025

Reading From Luke 20:27-47

“Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

—Luke 20:34-38

     Healthy, loving, holy matrimony between husband and wife reflects the nature of God.  Male and female are made in the spiritual image of God.[1]  God is Spirit who transcends gender but has masculine and feminine characteristics.[2]  Therefore, when male and female humans made in His image come together as one, they reflect His image even more than when they are apart.[3] 

     While human marriage is a beautiful reflection of God and also a powerful symbol of the relationship between Christ and the Church, Heavenly Father has something deeper than matrimony in mind for mankind.  Deeper than the symbol is the spiritual reality which will be fully revealed at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 

     Those who were faithful to follow Yahweh in the Old Testament were saved by faith in looking forward to the atonement of Jesus Christ[4] and today we are saved by looking backward in time to the same ultimate, atoning sacrifice.[5]  By faith in Christ and His Word we are justified,[6] given right standing with the Father and assurance of our blessed hope,[7] eternity with Him in His Presence in the New Heaven and the New Earth.[8] 

     He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the rest of His children because while they died physically, they are with Him in Heaven and connected to everyone who has been born again of the Spirit in the eternal family of God.[9]  This eternal family transcends time and space.[10]  It knows no boundaries because the omnipresent Spirit of the Living God, living inside each of us, is what holds us all together.[11]  Even as born again believers are trapped in the tents of our physical bodies in this present reality,[12] our citizenship is in Heaven and we are hidden with Christ in God.[13] 

     Our destiny as sons and daughters of the Most High God is deeper than human marriage.[14]  Marriage is perhaps the closest, most powerful symbol of what is to come, but it is not the reality.  The reality is far greater.  As we yield more of our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, we become more and more like Jesus, transformed from glory to glory.[15]  This process of spiritual growth is called sanctification.  We are gradually conformed into His image and this increases our unity with our brothers and sisters and with God.[16]  This will reach a crescendo after the resurrection, judgement and Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  We will enjoy perfect unity and harmony with God and reign with Him forever.[17] 

     If those we love in this life are born again, then we will be with them forever, but our relationship will be deeper and stronger than any human marriage could ever be.[18]  We will know so much more about these profound mysteries when God calls us home, but for now we seek more expansive understanding from the Scriptures, illuminated by the Holy Spirit and look forward in faith to the glorious appearing of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.[19]

“Heavenly Father, we know that every woman, man, girl and boy who humbles themselves before You will be exalted at the Last Day.  We will be with You forevermore and have thrilling adventures in the New Heaven and the New Earth in our resurrected bodies.  How exciting it is to look forward to the glorious future You are preparing for those who love You and are called according to Your good purpose.  Help us to be faithful to You and grow in grace and understanding as we live for Your glory.  In the matchless Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

Let us rejoice and exult
    and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel saidto me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

—Revelation 19:7-9

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Now God’s presence is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.”

—Revelation 21:1-4

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[1] Genesis 1:26-27

[2] Isaiah 49:15, 66:9, 13, Deuteronomy 32:11, Luke 13:34, 15:8-10, Psalm 22:9-10, 71:6, Hosea 13:8, John 4:24

[3] Genesis 2:18

[4] Hebrews 11

[5] John 20:29

[6] Romans 3:28, 5:1

[7] Titus 2:13

[8] Revelation 21

[9] John 1:12-13, 3:3

[10] Hebrews 12:1, II Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4, Jeremiah 23:24, Proverbs 15:3, I Kings 8:27, Colossians 1:17

[11] Ephesians 4:5-6, I Corinthians 12:13

[12] II Peter 1:14

[13] Colossians 3:3, Philippians 3:20

[14] I Corinthians 13:12

[15] II Corinthians 3:18, I John 2:6, Romans 8:29

[16] Ephesians 4:15

[17] Philippians 1:6

[18] Galatians 6:10, John 1:12, I John 3:1-2, Ephesians 2:19-22, Romans 12:5, Matthew 12:48-50

[19] Ephesians 5