The most astonishing feature of the next age is that we will be “married” to the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-9; 21:2, 9-27; 22:17).[1] “In the story of redemption and the history of heaven the supreme event for which the ages are waiting is the marriage of the Lamb. The Bible is one long love story and redemption a divine romance of the love of God.”[2]
The bride of the Lamb comes down out of heaven as the New Jerusalem (the city of the saints of God) “having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel” (21:11). Our wedding day will finally arrive and having been clothed in staggering beauty our loving Bridegroom will take us into his heart and ravish us in loving embrace forever. Being Christformed, deep will call to deep and form a complete, eternal spiritual bond with God. As in a human marriage, this union does not dissolve either spouse; instead, we will be one in love in the Spirit. Filled with his Spirit our spirits will become one as we absorb the boundless treasure of his nature. 1 Corinthians 6:17 affirms: “he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him” (ESV).
Thus, our spiritual marriage will consummate on our great wedding day, and we will embark on our new married life, growing in Christ and true humanness forever. It is the beginning of a new history of humanity. This fulfills God’s promise in Hosea 2:19 “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion” (NIV). It is a fulfillment of what God began in the Garden of Eden.
Having been restored and reunited with God, dwelling in his New Eden we will be immersed in new experiences of feelings and emotions. In addition to the feelings already mentioned, we will live in a state of constant affection and passion for God and his people. We will feel incredibly honored and grateful for our new lives. The New Earth will fill us with fascination and awe. We will be gripped by excitement and hope for the new adventures awaiting us throughout eternity. We will be enraptured and fulfilled by God’s love for us and by the love we receive from our brothers and sisters. These feelings and emotions will make us whole and produce ultimate happiness.
[1] The idea that the people of God are the bride of God or Jesus is a major biblical theme. Some of the most prominent passages are: Ps. 45:10-15; Isa. 54:5-8; 62:4-5; Jer. 2:2; 3:1; Ezek. 16, 23; Hosea 2; John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-32; Rev. 19:6-9; 21:2, 9-27; 22:17.
[2] A. B. Simpson, Heaven Opened: Expositions of the Book of Revelation (New York: Christian Alliance Publishing, 1899), 203.
