Names and Marriage and Christians
Oct
27
2022
Why does the woman change her last name when she marries? I in general like to see the big picture and how things all fit together and this is a case where that works.
People just blame traditional patriarchy, but there’s more to it than that. Let’s back up and look at more than just the people involved as husband and wife.
Big picture: what is marriage supposed to represent?
Marriage represents the relationship between God and the Church. The best example is in Ephesians chapter 5. Rather than trying to establish this statement, I’m just going to proceed as if we all agree that’s true – Jesus is the groom and the Church is the bride. Marriage is a physical representation of this spiritual concept.
If you look at what happens in the spiritual union, what happens when people believe? They then call themselves a Christian. In other words, they take the name of the groom. They are now identified as belonging to Him.
It also has implications for why marriage should not be anything other than one man and one woman. The spiritual meaning of two men would be saying that people are the same level as God, and the spiritual meaning of two women would be saying that there is no God.
Another thing: why does the man propose to the woman? I don’t know that it was meant to tie in spiritually, but it does fit in nicely, as God calls people to Him.
Last note on this topic: my belief is this also shows us that there is no life outside of Earth. Some people spend a lot of time and resources looking for intelligent life out in the universe, but that would not fit the picture that marriage shows of one God and one people.
The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the Lord will designate.
Isaiah 62:2