Chapter Nine — Until We See His Face
The Eternal Hope of the Christian Marriage
This concluding chapter should explore:
- Marriage as a temporary earthly covenant.
- Christ as the Bridegroom.
- The Church as His Bride.
- The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
- Finishing life's race together.
- Facing aging and death with hope.
- The resurrection.
- Eternal fellowship with Christ.
- Worship without end.
- Living today in light of eternity.
This conclusion will intentionally mirror the opening chapter.
The book began by pointing marriage toward God.
It should end by pointing every marriage toward eternity, where the earthly covenant gives way to the everlasting joy of dwelling with Christ forever.
Until We See His Face
The Eternal Hope of the Christian Marriage
Theme Passages:
John 14:1–6
Romans 8:18–39
1 Corinthians 15
Revelation 19:6–9
Revelation 21–22
Key Verse:
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads."
—Revelation 22:4 (KJV)
Opening Prayer
Our Father,
Thank You for the eternal hope You have given us through Jesus Christ.
As we walk together through the days You have appointed for us, keep our hearts fixed upon the home You are preparing.
Teach us to love one another in ways that reflect the love of Christ.
Help us hold the blessings of this life with grateful hands while longing for the everlasting joy that awaits Your children.
May every step of our marriage prepare us for the day we stand together before Your throne in worship.
Until that glorious day, keep us faithful.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Earthly Marriage Is a Temporary Gift
Marriage is one of God's greatest earthly blessings.
It is precious.
Sacred.
Beautiful.
Yet Scripture teaches that it is not eternal in its present form.
Jesus explained:
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage..."
—Matthew 22:30a (KJV)
This truth does not diminish marriage.
It reveals its purpose.
Earthly marriage is a signpost.
Its highest purpose is to point beyond itself.
Every faithful covenant whispers of a greater covenant.
Every enduring love reflects a greater love.
Every Christian marriage ultimately directs our hearts toward Jesus Christ.
Christ Is the True Bridegroom
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture steadily unfolds one beautiful picture.
God preparing a people for Himself.
John the Baptist called Jesus the Bridegroom.
Paul described the Church as Christ's bride.
The book of Revelation culminates with the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Earthly marriage therefore serves as a living illustration of the relationship between Christ and His redeemed people.
Every faithful husband reflects something of Christ's sacrificial love.
Every faithful wife reflects something of the Church's joyful devotion.
Together they proclaim the Gospel.
Every Earthly Goodbye Is Temporary
One of the deepest sorrows experienced within marriage is the reality that death eventually separates every earthly couple.
Scripture never minimizes this grief.
Neither does it leave believers without hope.
Paul writes:
"...sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
—1 Thessalonians 4:13b (KJV)
The Christian husband and wife understand that death never has the final word.
Christ has conquered the grave.
Because He lives, every believer possesses the certain hope of resurrection.
Every farewell in Christ is temporary.
Aging With Grace
The passing years bring visible reminders that earthly life is brief.
Strength changes.
Health changes.
Responsibilities change.
Yet the inward life may continue growing stronger.
Paul writes:
"...though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
—2 Corinthians 4:16b (KJV)
Christian couples need not fear growing older.
Every passing year carries them nearer to seeing their Savior face to face.
Gray hair becomes another reminder that eternity draws closer with every sunrise.
The Resurrection Changes Everything
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian hope.
Paul triumphantly declares:
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
—1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Because Christ rose bodily from the grave, believers possess certain confidence that they too shall be raised.
Christian marriage therefore lives with resurrection hope.
Even when tears come.
Even when graves must be visited.
Even when earthly companionship is temporarily interrupted.
The empty tomb continues proclaiming victory.
Heaven Is Home
Jesus comforted His disciples with these words:
"In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you."
—John 14:2 (KJV)
Every Christian home, no matter how peaceful, remains temporary.
Our true home awaits us.
No sickness.
No conflict.
No loneliness.
No separation.
No sorrow.
The Christian husband and wife find comfort in knowing that the One they have trusted throughout life is preparing an everlasting home beyond anything earthly words can fully describe.
Living Today in Light of Eternity
Hope is never meant to distract believers from faithful living.
It strengthens faithful living.
Because eternity is real...
Love deeply.
Forgive quickly.
Serve joyfully.
Pray continually.
Give generously.
Share the Gospel faithfully.
Every ordinary day becomes precious when viewed through the lens of eternity.
The Christian couple seeks to live today in ways that will still matter forever.
Portrait of Hope
Simeon and Anna: Waiting for the Consolation of Israel
Near the opening of the Gospel accounts, Simeon and Anna patiently waited for God's promised Messiah.
Years of faithful worship prepared them for the moment they finally beheld Christ.
Their lives remind believers that faithful waiting is never wasted.
The Christian husband and wife likewise wait with joyful expectation—not for Christ's first coming, but for His glorious return.
Promise Harbor Study Note
Marriage Is a Window Into Eternity
Christian marriage is one of God's clearest earthly illustrations of eternal realities.
It teaches covenant love.
Faithfulness.
Sacrifice.
Forgiveness.
Joy.
Hope.
Every marriage centered upon Christ quietly points beyond itself to the everlasting relationship believers will enjoy with their Savior forever.
Until We See His Face
The Eternal Hope of the Christian Marriage
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
The final book of Scripture lifts our eyes to one of the most joyful scenes in all of eternity.
John writes:
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
—Revelation 19:7 (KJV)
Earthly weddings are beautiful celebrations.
Yet they are only shadows.
The greatest celebration still awaits.
Every redeemed believer will one day gather in perfect joy before Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
Every faithful Christian marriage quietly anticipates that everlasting celebration.
The Bride Made Ready
John continues:
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white..."
—Revelation 19:8a (KJV)
The Church is not made beautiful through her own righteousness.
She is clothed by the gracious provision of Christ.
This truth continually reminds Christian husbands and wives that their hope rests not in personal perfection but in the finished work of their Savior.
Grace has always been the foundation of every covenant God establishes.
Finishing the Race Together
Near the end of his earthly life, Paul declared:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
—2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
What a beautiful desire for every Christian couple.
Not merely to begin marriage well.
Not merely to enjoy happy seasons.
But to finish faithfully.
To remain steadfast through changing circumstances.
To encourage one another until life's final chapter.
To arrive before Christ still holding firmly to the faith He graciously gave them.
The Joy of Seeing Christ
Throughout this book we have spoken often of companionship.
Prayer.
Service.
Home.
Legacy.
Every one of these blessings ultimately points toward one greater joy.
Seeing Jesus Christ.
John writes with remarkable simplicity:
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God... we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
—1 John 3:2 (KJV)
Nothing will compare with that moment.
Every earthly joy finds its fulfillment in the presence of the Savior.
Worship Without End
Heaven is not merely the absence of sorrow.
It is the presence of God.
John repeatedly describes worship surrounding God's throne.
Joy.
Praise.
Thanksgiving.
Adoration.
The Christian husband and wife have spent a lifetime learning to worship together.
One day that worship will become perfect.
No distractions.
No weariness.
No divided hearts.
Only endless delight in the glory of God.
Every Tear Will Be Forgotten
John records one of Scripture's most comforting promises:
> "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes..."
—Revelation 21:4a (KJV)
Notice who performs this tender act.
God Himself.
No grief remains.
No lingering pain.
No hidden sorrow.
Every burden carried throughout earthly marriage will finally give way to everlasting joy.
The faithful God who sustained His people through every storm personally welcomes them into perfect peace.
The New Heaven and New Earth
God's eternal plan is not merely escape from the present world.
It is complete restoration.
John writes:
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth..."
—Revelation 21:1a (KJV)
Everything broken by sin will be made new.
Creation.
Humanity.
Fellowship.
Joy.
The Christian marriage therefore lives with confident expectation.
The God who redeems individual lives is also redeeming His entire creation.
His work will one day be complete.
Living Ready
Because Christ may return at any time, Scripture repeatedly calls believers to faithful readiness.
Not fearful speculation.
Faithful living.
Christian couples remain watchful by continuing to love.
Serve.
Pray.
Forgive.
Encourage.
Proclaim the Gospel.
Hope actively prepares for Christ's return through present obedience.
Portrait of Hope
The Apostle John: Looking Toward the City of God
Late in life, while exiled on the island of Patmos, John received the glorious vision recorded in Revelation.
Though separated from many earthly companions, he was given a glimpse of everlasting fellowship with Christ.
His final recorded prayer beautifully expresses the longing of every believing heart:
> "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
—Revelation 22:20b (KJV)
The Christian husband and wife increasingly share that same joyful expectation.
Promise Harbor Study Note
## Every Christian Marriage Is Moving Toward One Great Celebration
Wedding anniversaries remind us of the covenant we entered.
Communion reminds us of the covenant Christ established.
One day both find their fulfillment at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Every faithful Christian marriage quietly prepares believing hearts for that everlasting celebration.
Until We See His Face
The Eternal Hope of the Christian Marriage
Living Between Two Gardens
The story of marriage begins in a garden.
God brought Adam and Eve together in Eden and blessed their covenant before sin entered the world.
The story of redemption ends in another garden-like city.
The New Jerusalem.
There the curse is removed.
The Tree of Life appears once more.
God dwells with His people forever.
The Christian marriage therefore lives between these two great realities.
Created in God's design.
Redeemed by Christ's sacrifice.
Awaiting perfect restoration.
Every faithful covenant quietly proclaims that God's original purpose has not failed.
His redemption is accomplishing exactly what He promised.
The Faithfulness of God Through Every Season
As we look back across this entire journey, one truth rises above every chapter.
God has been faithful.
Faithful in the covenant.
Faithful in friendship.
Faithful in the home.
Faithful in prayer.
Faithful in stewardship.
Faithful in service.
Faithful through every storm.
Faithful in every generation.
The strength of Christian marriage has never rested primarily upon human ability.
It has always rested upon the unwavering faithfulness of God.
Every blessing described throughout this book ultimately flows from His gracious hand.
Christ Is the Center of Every Chapter
If this book has taught anything, let it be this:
Christ is not merely part of marriage.
He is its center.
Without Him, covenant weakens.
Friendship fades.
Homes become divided.
Prayer grows silent.
Stewardship loses purpose.
Service becomes exhausting.
Storms overwhelm.
Legacy disappears.
Hope fades.
Everything meaningful within Christian marriage finds its source, its strength, and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The Journey Continues
No book can strengthen a marriage by itself.
Only God can.
This study has offered biblical principles.
Scripture.
Encouragement.
Practical wisdom.
Yet every page ultimately invites husband and wife toward a deeper relationship with Christ Himself.
Continue reading His Word.
Continue praying together.
Continue serving faithfully.
Continue forgiving generously.
Continue walking side by side until He calls you home.
The journey does not end with the closing page.
It continues one faithful day at a time.
Looking Toward the Day of Reunion
Whether husband and wife grow old together...
Or one must temporarily walk the remainder of the journey alone...
Every believing Christian lives with joyful anticipation.
Christ is coming.
The dead in Christ shall rise.
The redeemed shall be gathered.
The Lord Himself will dwell with His people forever.
No faithful marriage ends in sorrow.
Every Christian covenant ultimately finds its fulfillment in everlasting fellowship with Christ.
A Marriage That Glorifies God
When history has reached its conclusion...
When earthly marriages have fulfilled their purpose...
When every redeemed believer stands before the throne...
Only one name will deserve all praise.
Jesus Christ.
Every faithful Christian marriage has always pointed toward Him.
Its greatest success is not measured by earthly happiness alone.
It is measured by how clearly it reflected the glory of its Savior.
Portrait of Hope
## The Church Awaiting Her Bridegroom
Throughout the New Testament, believers are repeatedly described as those who eagerly await the appearing of Jesus Christ.
The Church lives with joyful expectation.
Prepared.
Watching.
Serving.
Worshiping.
Longing for the day when faith becomes sight.
Christian husbands and wives simply join that great multitude of believers throughout history who continue praying:
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Promise Harbor Study Note
The Best Is Still Ahead
Every joyful memory.
Every answered prayer.
Every restored relationship.
Every peaceful home.
Every faithful marriage.
Every glimpse of God's goodness.
These are wonderful gifts.
They are not the destination.
They are signposts.
The greatest joy awaiting every Christian is still ahead.
Keep walking.
Keep trusting.
Keep hoping.
Christ is faithful.
Until We See His Face
The Eternal Hope of the Christian Marriage
Until We See His Face
Every Christian marriage eventually reaches a place where husband and wife realize that the greatest gift God has given them is not merely one another.
It is Christ.
He brought them together.
He sustained them through every season.
He forgave them when they failed.
He strengthened them when they were weak.
He carried them through every storm.
He filled their home with peace.
He answered their prayers.
He multiplied their service.
He shaped their legacy.
And one day, He will welcome them into His everlasting presence.
The greatest promise awaiting every Christian marriage is not simply that they have walked together.
It is that they will stand together before the One who loved them first.
A Final Word to Husbands
Love your wife.
Not merely because she deserves it.
Love her because Christ first loved you.
Lead with humility.
Serve with joy.
Repent quickly.
Forgive freely.
Pray faithfully.
Protect gently.
Encourage continually.
Finish well.
One day you will gladly place every earthly accomplishment at the feet of the Savior who entrusted His daughter to your care.
May He find you faithful.
A Final Word to Wives
Love your husband.
Encourage him.
Pray for him.
Respect him.
Strengthen him.
Walk beside him.
Point him toward Christ.
Offer grace as freely as you have received grace.
Persevere through every season.
Finish well.
One day every sacrifice offered in love for Christ's sake will be fully rewarded by the Savior who has never forgotten a single act of faithful obedience.
A Final Word to Every Couple
Do not measure your marriage by comparison.
Measure it by faithfulness.
There will be ordinary days.
Unexpected storms.
Joyful celebrations.
Quiet evenings.
Long conversations.
Tearful prayers.
Shared laughter.
Moments of weakness.
Moments of victory.
Receive every season as an opportunity to know Christ more deeply and to love one another more faithfully.
Marriage was never intended merely to make life easier.
It was designed to make Christ more clearly visible.
A Covenant Prayer of Dedication
If possible, kneel together and pray this prayer aloud.
Together
"Our gracious Father,
Thank You for the covenant You have established.
Everything we are belongs to You.
Everything we have belongs to You.
Everything we hope for rests in You.
Teach us to love as Christ loves.
Teach us to forgive as Christ forgives.
Teach us to serve as Christ serves.
Teach us to remain faithful until the end of our earthly journey.
May our marriage always reflect the beauty of the Gospel.
May our home become a refuge of peace.
May our prayers continually rise before You.
May our service strengthen Your church.
May our legacy point future generations toward Jesus Christ.
And when our pilgrimage is complete, receive us joyfully into Your everlasting kingdom.
Until we see Your face, keep us faithful.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen."