Let's have some fun and open a can of worms!

[Jerry]

Here's something to ponder and a great conversation topic. I've had a lot of fun with this. Let's read Matthew 22:23-30.

23The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

24Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

25Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

26Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

27And last of all the woman died also.

28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.

29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

Now, when we all get to Heaven, will we all be MALES??? Remember, there is no such thing as a female angel. All the angels in the Bible are males and Jesus said we would be like the angels... so what do you think??? Are females now actually males living in a female house (body)?

[Salty Skipper]

I thought that angels were asexual in that they are neither male nor female. I would like to see the scripture that says that angels are all males. Having a name such as, Michael, that we have equated with being male doesn't mean the angel's gender is male.

[carchaser]

The Bible does not necessarily supports the gender of angels being male or female. Whenever gender is “assigned” to an angel in Scripture, it is male (Genesis 19:10,12; Revelation 7:2; 8:3; 10:7). This does not indicate that angels are male though. Matthew 22:30 is probably indicating that angels are “sexless.” If angels do not procreate, why would they need a gender? In a similar manner, God always refers to Himself in masculine language. God is neither male or female, however. He just uses masculine language because it more adequately describes who He is and what He does. If angels do have a gender, Scripture would indicate that they are predominately or universally male. It is more likely that angels are genderless, just as God is, and that masculine language is just used to describe them and their role in serving God.

[Downpour]

One question about the angels being sexless. If we look back at Genesis 6, and believe that this is speaking of the angels and not the tribe of Seth. Then why where the angels attracted to the woman, and why did they come down to have children with them?

[water]

I think it is pretty obvious that gender was not the focus of the discussion.

The discussion was about marriage, not gender, and Jesus reply was that **with respect to marriage** we would be AS the angels.

The topic of gender was never mentioned.

[Downpour]

excellent point water!!

[lahalbo]

My understanding is that we will all be brothers and sisters in Christ and that there will be no need for marriage. We will recognize each other but our focus will be on our Lord and worshipping him. I will know my earthly husband and my children but our relationship will change and that will not be our priority. In a way it is sad to not have that relationship but then it is freeing to know that 24/7 we will be worshipping our Lord. But the sadness is an earthly emotion, we won't even think about it in heaven. It will be what it will be.

[noble1]

Very good answer lahalbo. My husband brings this up every so often and how he hopes that he wil be with me forever. I said we will be in heaven forever, but our roles will change and as you said our focal point will not be on earthly matters but on our Lord, Jesus Christ! YEAH!!!

[ruotsher]

One question about the angels being sexless. If we look back at Genesis 6, and believe that this is speaking of the angels and not the tribe of Seth. Then why where the angels attracted to the woman, and why did they come down to have children with them?

I think that's a good point tho. If they are/were genderless, why the attraction to the females?

[lahalbo]

Maybe while they were in heaven with all their focus on God they did not have the desires of man. But when Lucifer lured them away and they fell to earth they became like man and had the earthly desires for women.

[Spreading Salt]

We don't have to be sad about losing a relationship. God gives and God takes away. I'm sure He will replace what we lose with something much better. Just trust His judgement. He is the Creator and knows what's best, don't you think?

[crmann]

The marriage between a man and a women is the picture of what it will be like when we go to be with Jesus. As the husband and wife need each other here on earth, so will our feelings towards Jesus be when we are with him. Our relationship with Jesus will take the place of our relationship with our marriage partner here on earth.

We will know our loved ones in the here after, but our devotion will be with Jesus, and our relationship with him will out weigh all others.

And, we will still be male and female as we are here on earth. The only thing that will be changed is that our mortal bodies be then be immortal.

[lahalbo]

We don't have to be sad about losing a relationship. God gives and God takes away. I'm sure He will replace what we lose with something much better. Just trust His judgement. He is the Creator and knows what's best, don't you think?

Yes, I agree. What I was trying to get across, in my feebly way, was in one instance you are sad (here on earth) that you won't have the same relationships, then in the next you realize the relationship you are going to have with God! Besides, when we get to heaven we will all be so filled with the spirit of love and worship we won't even be thinking about what we supposedly "lost".

My oldest daughter often smiles the most beautiful smile when she realizes Jesus is coming soon. She's 13 and can get caught up in the world, as she admits. But when she slows down and has that realization, I can just see it shining out of her. You can tell she cannot wait to meet her Savior. Man!!! Just the thought fills my heart!

I thank God that all my children are saved. Makes my mother's heart secure (because I am a worrier you know).

[farmboyinthesticks]

One question about the angels being sexless. If we look back at Genesis 6, and believe that this is speaking of the angels and not the tribe of Seth. Then why where the angels attracted to the woman, and why did they come down to have children with them?

I think that's a good point tho. If they are/were genderless, why the attraction to the females?

They may not have been attractred to females at all. They most likely just realized that only females can bear children.

[water]

In 1 Corinthians 6:13 Paul mentions that we will no longer have food or stomachs. I wonder how that statement plays into this discussion.

[davidjbutterfield]

I think the angels are male in the same sense that God is male. I wonder if it's the same word in greek. One thing to point out is that for a fallen angel to impregnate a Woman, he(I use "he" because the Bible does) would almost definitely be male in some sense.

Maybe we will not lose our base physical charecteristics, just the reproductive organs(along with our stomach, as water pointed out). If you think about it though, maleness/femaleness was something that God created so that we might be attracted to each other, and if we weren't going to marry, we woulden't need that. It would still be strange though, and it might seem a little unfair to the girls. We really have no answer to this question, though.

[water]

I personally do not believe we will lose our gender characteristics when all is said and done, but I could be way off.

There is not a lot of detail when it speaks of our "NEW BODIES"...I am just hoping mine doesn't have any spare tires. If I can come back as a ninja, or Janet Reno, I will be happy.

[AndCanItBe]

[OBXBob]

[water]

:thinking:

Sorry, it is not my fault the Bible left so many details out regarding the "new body"...I am just using a bit of creative license.

Now that I have overstepped my bounds, I am certain the Lord had a "special" new body picked out just for me. Ribbit.

[crmann]

Jesus spent forty days and nights with the deciples in His resurrected body.

He did all the little things people do in their daily lives. He may have even bathed in some river with them. The deciples saw Him as a regular human being. I would think that after forty days, one of them would have noticed whether or not he was different in any way than He was than before the resurrection.

I don't reckon they used any kind of deoderant back then, so surely they took baths whenever they could. I cannot imagine Forty days amonst twelve guys who haven't taken baths. The Jewish people were pretty maticulous about health things, and still are.

What I am saying is that our resurrected bodies will be much like our bodies we have now.

[Candessa]

So, Old Timer, are you saying that how we look when we die is what we might be stuck with? If so, I'd better dust off my Jane Fonda 'cause I don't wanna be stuck with this one for eternity!

[Spreading Salt]

Personally, I think we will have beautiful, healthy bodies that will use all the senses God gave us originally: we will feel, see, smell, taste, and hear. Why would those traits be taken away from our design? They’ll probably be even more keen and acute. Maybe we’ll even get a few new senses.

In 1 Corinthians 6:13 Paul mentions that we will no longer have food or stomachs. I wonder how that statement plays into this discussion.

By the way Water, Jesus said in Luke 22;29

I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.When the resurrected Jesus saw the disciples, He invited them for breakfast and ate with them, showing us that resurrected bodies are capable of eating

John 21-4-14

Also, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Rev 19:9

What usually happens at supper? Lots of eating!!!

[Candessa]

Okay, since the can of worms is open... A friend of mine presented me with the thought that raptured children would be like children in heaven and then during the millenium they would mature to adults during that time. Anyone want to give some scriptural basis for that thought?

[crmann]

Candessa,

Okay, since the can of worms is open... A friend of mine presented me with the thought that raptured children would be like children in heaven and then during the millenium they would mature to adults during that time. Anyone want to give some scriptural basis for that thought?

I believe there will be no children in heaven, or old people. I believe we will be like Jesus, about thirtiesh looking, in the prime of life.

Adam and Eve were created as adults.

Our bodies will be perfect. Not as a child and not old. When I see my mom and my dad, I know they will be young adults again.

Just imagine for a minute. Our earthly bodies are the abode of our souls. Our souls don't have age. Our souls are eternal. When we go to be with Jesus, our Souls will know all, and will be very intelligent.

Do you think this kind of Soul would be happy living an eternity in the body of a baby? I don't think God would do that. That baby that died, will be given a glorious new body which will be adult in size just like Adam and Eve had, and as the risen Savior had.

Does this answer your question?

[Candessa]

Yes, that makes sense. But, of course Adam and Eve wouldn't have been babies. Who would have taken care of them? I was just curious if there was scripture that regards the time we are spend in the millenium?

[Jerry]

Hi Guys and Gals...

Didn't I say this thread would be FUN?? Look at all the great conversation we are having!!

Thanks for your posts... keep 'em up!!

[L_Daily]

crmann wrote:

I believe there will be no children in heaven, or old people. I believe we will be like Jesus, about thirtiesh looking, in the prime of life.

I always thought 20ish was the prime of life. When I was in my early 20's I still had a full head of hair. But by the time I hit 30 (Oh Boy!!)

I've wondered if Jesus really did look 30ish. The disciples didn't recognize him on several occasions. Luke 24:16 says their eyes were restrained. Could they not have recognized him because he was 'younger' looking?

However old he looked, we shall "be like him" when we are with him.

LD

[crmann]

Hi, L_Daily....


Losing our hair is probably another symptom of the curse that is on mankind. So, I am looking forward to having a nice full head of hair.
My question is how are we going to keep it cut. Will there be barber shops to go to? And what will we pay them with?

[water]

And what will we pay them with?

I think there will be a large exchange for harp lessons and mana food stamps.

[crmann]

Water said:

I think there will be a large exchange for harp lessons and mana food stamps.

Well, your guess is as good as mine. Water, you planning on taking harp lessons?

[Spreading Salt]

As far as children in Heaven go:

Who are the children playing in the viper's nest?

Isaiah 11:6-9

6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling [a] together;
and a little child will lead them.

7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.

9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.

Isn't Isaiah discussing the attributes of God's eternal Kingdom in these passages? Beyond the millenium? Until the new earth, there is still sin on the planet. That's why there is a final rebellion. Sin is destroyed and completely removed on the new earth. Sounds like there will be some children on the new earth.

I've heard there is an "optimal point" in our DNA where people reach optimal development. This is somewhere in our 20's-30's. Then, we start sliding backwards - cells dying, blah blah blah.

Could you imagine being a child who get's to grow up on the new earth?
How about babies terminated by abortion, dying of SIDS, or other tragedies. Wouldn't it be just like our merciful Father to give those parents the opportunity of watching their children grow, take their first steps, and all those things that they missed on earth?

[JR]

Well, I am kind of surprised that this discussion went on this long and nobody said this yet. I think it is quite likely we will have the body (physical attributes) we have when we die or perhaps we can choose what we look like.

The choosing part is easy enough, so you can all imagine what you want to look like.

I actually think the one you die with could be the more likely scenario. Here is why?

1. For God, beauty is within, not without.
2. What we look like on the outside is meaningless to God and will be meaningless to us.
3. Our beauty will be our sinless nature, the glow within, that God gives us when we throw off this sin filled corpse.
4. Perhaps if you are in a wheel chair, you are made whole again. I do not imagine our size, age, sex or physical limitations will be of any issue. We will be empowered, by Christ, to overcome any perceived limitation.

Regarding our spouses, I think there might be a special fondness that we will always have, but that exclusive relationship will be expanded to all and focused on Christ.

1. In heaven, I am probably more fond of my wife, but I am not jealous of her attentions or in need to provide or protect her.
2. I have no concerns for her or exclusivity on her.
3. The exclusive bond I share with her now, will be a mutual bond I will share will all believers for Christ. That love, will be a perfect love, as Paul described and will be for all the saints.

You want to imagine heaven. Imagine being surrounded with that sort of love all the time. Imagine your inner imperfections being removed and having the ability to love the perfect in a perfect manner.

Anyway, that is what I think heaven will be like.

P.S. If it's not like that, I hope Water gets his wish to look like Janet Reno.

[Spreading Salt]

Keep in mind that what is attractive in one culture is not necessarily attractive in another. We really have no idea what true beauty is! God does and that's all that matters!

If you're short now, you'll probably be short in heaven. God also created fat - we just have it in unhealthy proportions (too little or too much). There won't be a need for cosmetics, hair dyes, deodorant, or any other item we use currently to feel more attractive.

We are each uniquely made with special attributes. Trust God to fulfill your beauty!

[Candessa]

Thank you, Spreading Salt. I had been looking for information. I'm going to do some digging on this today.

[Spreading Salt]

[Spreading Salt]

Is that it? Where did everybody go?

[crmann]

Hello, Spreading Salt...

My discussion about how we might look, was concerning those who die before the coming of the Lord, and go to heaven.

The scripture in Isaiah you are discussing, has to do with the thousand year reign of Christ on earth and the people who will be living on earth at that time. They are not one and the same.

As far as children in Heaven go:

This should be, as far as children in the millenium go:

The old timer

[L_Daily]

JR wrote

I think it is quite likely we will have the body (physical attributes) we have when we die or perhaps we can choose what we look like.

Choosing our body type? I'd never heard or thought about that! I wish there was some scriptural proof somewhere for that. My mom died a few years ago, and she was considerably overweight. If she could choose her appearance I don't think she'd keep the same "physical attributes" of being heavy. She never liked it here.

[crmann]

L_Daily......

Our bodies will be perfect, what ever that is. And we are told that we will be happy in heaven, so surely your Mom will be happy with they way she looks. I wonder if we will even be concerned with how we look when we get to heaven.

[JR]

I wonder if we will even be concerned with how we look when we get to heaven.

That is my primary point. Worrying about our looks is basically vanity. How does that fit in heaven?

I do not think we will worry about how we, or others, look. It won't matter.

[crmann]

Some how or other, we will know one another.