Will sex be part of heaven?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not mention sex being part of heaven. In Matthew 22:23-33, Jesus explains that there will be no marriage or giving in marriage in the resurrection, which implies that sex will not exist in heaven. Marriage and sexual intimacy serve the purpose of unity and procreation on earth.In heaven, God will fulfill all desires and there will be no need to procreate, removing the need for sex. While our identity as male and female will remain, the roles and activities tied to our earthly bodies will no longer apply. In heaven, we will focus on worship, service, and eternal fellowship with God, completely satisfied in His presence.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Sex as part of heaven is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Matthew 22:23-33, the religious teachers called the Sadducees asked Jesus a question concerning the law involving marriage. In response, Jesus stated in verse 30, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." His answer clearly notes that marriage will not take place in heaven. Because sex is designed for marriage, then sex will also not take place in heaven. People in heaven will be "like angels in heaven." This does not mean people turn into angels, but that people in heaven will likewise exist as beings who focus on worship and service to God.
• Further, from God's perspective, sex is a unifying part of the marriage relationship and is not meant for any other relationship. Jesus describes this relationship in Matthew: "'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh" (19:5-6). The oneness of a married couple will no longer be necessary in heaven. The Lord Himself will satisfy every need and desire.
• People appear to still have a body in heaven but do not perform the same activities or roles associated with our human bodies on earth. Instead, we will worship God (Revelation 5:13), feast with the Lord (Isaiah 25:6; Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), live together with other believers, celebrate (Revelation 19:9) serve God (Matthew 4:10), and exist in amazing surroundings (Revelation 21—22).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Sex is a beautiful gift that God gave to humanity to procreate and build intimacy, love, and enjoyment in marriage. God also created us intentionally as male and female, with distinct roles that reflect His design. Gender will persist in heaven because it is part of who we are, not just what we do. While our identity as male and female will endure, this does not mean that sexual activity will be necessary in the eternal state. In heaven, where God Himself will fulfill every desire, the perfect contentment He provides will render any earthly longing for sex obsolete, as all will be completely satisfied in His presence.

UNDERSTAND

• Sex will not be part of heaven, as marriage and procreation are unnecessary.
• In heaven, we will be fully satisfied in God's presence.
• While our identity as male and female remains, earthly roles and activities, like sex, will no longer apply.

REFLECT

• How does understanding that sex will not be part of heaven change your perspective on the purpose of marriage and sexual intimacy on earth?
• How can we prepare our hearts now for the perfect satisfaction that God will provide in heaven?
• How does knowing that parts of our identity will remain influence your understanding of your current identity in Christ?

ENGAGE

• How does our culture's obsession with sex reflect a deeper longing for fulfillment, and why is sex not the ultimate satisfier that can bring lasting peace and contentment?
• What might it look like for us to fully focus on and be satisfied by worship, service, and fellowship with God?
• How does the concept of perfect contentment in God's presence challenge the way we seek fulfillment here on earth?