The Singular Plurality of Marriage

In an epic universal ceremony—amid galactic orchestras, massed choirs, and thundering tympani—the rightful King will marry His bride (Revelation 19:7-8). Then the metaphor of marriage will become the fullness of what it was intended to be: the marriage of humanity to Christ. As such, it will be expanded to include much more than it now does, extending the intimate privileges of marriage to include the participation of all who are part of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). After all, it only makes sense that if we marry Christ then we also marry His body.

Marriage Reconceptualized

Thus, what we consider monogamy in this world will be flipped on its head in the next. Monogamy, in the context of marriage to Christ, will look more like polygamy. Yet even though intimacy between all humans will be dramatically increased (more dramatic than the difference between platonic and married), there will still be varying levels of familiarity and affinity, just as there is between the members of a body. The extent of our intimate communion and affection will depend upon each member’s unique differentiation: our position within the body, our temperament, our sex, and our unique array of natural abilities and aptitudes (spiritual gifts). None-the-less, our definition of monogamy will be drastically reconceptualized.

When Metaphor Meets Reality

As metaphor meets reality, the function of sex within marriage cannot help but ascend to its ultimate place and purpose. God doesn’t change the natural order of things (He’s not going to neuter us or change our sexuality). Instead, He pulls things up—lock, stock, and barrel—into His ultimate intention for them from the beginning. Thus, whatever physical form intimacy takes within our marriage to Christ—and Christ’s body is physical—it will be dramatically more communal, meaningful, and intense. Indeed, it seems like our marriage to Christ is as much about marrying each other as it is about marrying God (Matthew 25:40).