A question on children in times to come.

[Not_Now.Soon]

Before I get started, I want to say that this topic would probabley be better suited in the bible study section or the apologetics and theology section for debate. But I don't have enough knowlegde to make this a bible study, or stand an argument in the A&T. So with that in mind to any moderators, if the thread looks like it should be moved to either place as conversation goes on, please go ahead and move the thread. White that said here's my question.

In the times to come, we are promised a kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Not just one that is among us and not seen by regular means, but one where all of earth knows God, and Jesus has returned to rule. At that time there will have been the reserection. But at that time will eternal life mean we will no longer have children? Or families? This question stems from 2 bible verses. In Isaiah 11:1-9, it is prophesied of the kingdom to come that includes the lamb will lie down with the lion, but within that prophecy it includes that even children will be safe from danger of snake bites. Because of this one can conclude that there are children in the Kingdom on Earth.

However in Luke 20:27-40 religous leaders challenge Jesus concerning the reserection, asking about who will be a certain woman's husband if she out lives her husband and all his brothers and still has no children from them when finally she dies too (and has married each of them for the hope of having children). Jesus replies that in this time people marry and are given to marriage, in that time they will not marry or be given in marriage. So what about the children? This is just a question I have that I don't know the answer to. If anyone has insight on the matter, I'd be intreasted in hearing what you have to say. Thanks.

 

[for_his_glory]

Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

If we are to be like the angels in heaven that have no gender then there is no marriage or need for anymore children as the populace will be that of only those who have part in the first resurrection, given new glorified bodies that have no flesh and blood for they are now immortal and are like that of Christ glorified for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God and we are then joined with Christ as His Bride.

 

[reba]

Some things are descriptive terms... I read that passage in ISA as descriptive..

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

Isaiah 54 seems to speak of children as well though. Expecially hope for the barren woman, to have children. In the promises of the Kingdom to come. I'm not saying I understand how these verses relate to the verses in the gospels where Jesus said when we rise again we will not marry. But the truth is that they are both mentioned. I really do not think they should be counted as just descriptive, as if God's prophecies wouldn't come true in their fullness as described and even more then we'd hope for.

 

[JohnDB]

This topic was heavily debated by the Early Christians. Whether or not that there was going to be a literal millennial reign on Earth or not.

I myself have ideas concerning this but since you made a request I shall not reveal them at this time as usually everyone wants to say I'm wrong.
(Usually very righteously too)

Soooo

What if there was no millennial reign?
Would you be terribly upset?

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

This topic was heavily debated by the Early Christians. Whether or not that there was going to be a literal millennial reign on Earth or not.

I myself have ideas concerning this but since you made a request I shall not reveal them at this time as usually everyone wants to say I'm wrong.
(Usually very righteously too)

Soooo

What if there was no millennial reign?
Would you be terribly upset?

If there was a a millennial reign, I don't think I would be part of it. From the discription it seems like at first the world would be given to a select few. (Compairitively speaking, only a few.). So likely I wouldn't be apart of the reserection till much later. If the millennial reign didn't occure, I suppose it be the same deal for me, and still just trust in God's plan.

Does that answer your question JohnDB?

 

[Edward]

If there was a a millennial reign, I don't think I would be part of it. From the discription it seems like at first the world would be given to a select few. (Compairitively speaking, only a few.). So likely I wouldn't be apart of the reserection till much later. If the millennial reign didn't occure, I suppose it be the same deal for me, and still just trust in God's plan.

I figured that, select few means out of all the people who've ever lived. I think that the millennial reign is necessary in that the Lord will show us how we were supposed to be living on earth...and perhaps teach us what we'll need to know to live in heaven.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

I figured that, select few means out of all the people who've ever lived. I think that the millennial reign is necessary in that the Lord will show us how we were supposed to be living on earth...and perhaps teach us what we'll need to know to live in heaven.

Maybe. Kind of like, "well you've seen how bad it can get, go ahead compare notes throughout your lives (and history). Now let God teach you how it should be done."

However that still brings up whether there will be children in the Kingdom on Earth. When Jesus taught about children, He had special considerations to say about them. That angels watch over them, and when His disciples tried to stop them from coming to Jesus to be blessed, Jesus told them to let them come, because the kingdom of God belongs to them (or those like them). Mark 10:13-16

A few thoughts on the matter include:
-Children will be there at first, among the reserected, but no new children born.
-God will let women become pregnant in the same way that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
-Or because there is no longer sin or danger, people won't need to have the family foundation to protect and raise the children.

The problem with the first conclusion is the prophesy in Isaiah 54 for all those who did not have any children or couldn't have children; would then have enough children to fill nations. The problem with the third is all of the issues with promiscuity and God's warnings against lust, for action and adultery. And though I don't see any issues with the second option, I just don't really think that's how it would be. (I could be wrong.)

If you have any thoughts Edward, please share them.

 

[Edward]

Maybe. Kind of like, "well you've seen how bad it can get, go ahead compare notes throughout your lives (and history). Now let God teach you how it should be done."

Right, and we will have shown that we would die without God. Well, not us personally but mankind. Plus we may just appreciate heaven more, after having gone through hell on earth, whew.

However that still brings up whether there will be children in the Kingdom on Earth. When Jesus taught about children, He had special considerations to say about them. That angels watch over them, and when His disciples tried to stop them from coming to Jesus to be blessed, Jesus told them to let them come, because the kingdom of God belongs to them (or those like them). Mark 10:13-16

During the millennium? Huh, that's a good question. Well this'd be after the twinkling of an eye where we'll be changed. I would think not but could be wrong.

We'll prolly be too busy learning and working. I'm not one who believes that Angels are genderless, it doesn't say that. No marriage or progeny. I think that's on the honor system in heaven.

few thoughts on the matter include:
-Children will be there at first, among the reserected, but no new children born.
-God will let women become pregnant in the same way that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
-Or because there is no longer sin or danger, people won't need to have the family foundation to protect and raise the children.

Interesting. I haven't really given this any thought. This will be after our transfiguration, restoring us (I think) to our pre fallen state, so maybe there will be new children during the millennium... but the way it was supposed to be done pre fall so could be...mighty different than what we're used to. ??
#2 is doubtful. The Holy Spirit and Mary was a special circumstance with a special purpose.
#3 :wink...we will have a family foundation in the Lord, but (!) we'll be the ones being raised and taught, lol.
My gut's telling me no new children, and that the children that are there will grow up...to an extent. Just not age as fast as normal, pre-transfiguration condition. Us too.