The Divine Institution of Marriage

Today, the concept of marriage has drastically changed from what God instituted. Marriage, in most places, is no longer restricted between a man and a woman, but is permitted between any gender (which is an abomination to the Lord). The roles the man and the woman are to play have in many cases flipped, have been blurred, or have been completely removed, leading to confusion and trouble in the relationship. Even those who call themselves “Christians” have departed from the original framework, claiming that God’s rules on marriage are “outdated” or were written only for those times and are therefore not relevant to today – a great and terrible error.

In this article, we will seek to illustrate the Scriptural definition of what marriage is, review some of the responsibilities of the parties involved, consider the guidance that the Lord gives us in dealing with the troubles that will inevitably arise along the way, and contemplate the beautiful and everlasting meaning of marriage as expounded in the Word. While the world views God’s laws on this subject as “cruel” or “sexist”, the exact opposite will be found. God’s way produces the happiest, most rewarding, and fruitful union between a man and a woman.

Marriage was instituted in the very beginning of man’s existence:

Genesis 2:18-24 – “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

God sought a help meet for Adam, meaning a help or counterpart that was sufficient for him as none was found among the animals. As man was given a higher intellect than the beasts of the earth, it’s only reasonable that a sufficient counterpart was not found among them. He required a companion with an intellect like unto his; one capable of comprehending the higher things of God and appreciating His handiwork in creating the earth and the flourishing beauty that surrounded Adam in the Garden of Eden. God then took a rib from Adam, and out of it formed the woman. She was thus a part of him, enjoying a relationship with him that no other creatures on earth could know. We do not read that the female animals were derived from their male counterparts. It is only with mankind that we see the female created out of the substance of the man. Truly, a much superior bond!

Though unfortunate events can and do occur as we are mere mortal and fallible flesh, marriage is intended for life:

Malachi 2:14-16 - “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”

1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 39 – “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife… The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”

Matthew 19:4-6 – “… Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

The only permissible reason given for ending marriage not due to a spouse’s death is detailed for us by Christ in Matthew 5:32 – “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”

Marriage is for the long haul. The man and woman become “one flesh.” As Adam said of Eve, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” Though it was literally true for Adam and not so much for us today, it is nevertheless how we are to perceive this most special relationship. The two are one. Adam and Eve were then given the commission to “replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28). Marriage, then, between one man and one woman became the basis of the family, the means of procreation.

We are familiar with these things, but it is profitable to go over them as we often forget or subconsciously minimize them. Do we think of us and our spouse as ONE? Do us husbands look at our wives and see one created specifically to be sufficient for us? Do the wives look at their husbands and think similarly? They are to complement one another so that together they create a comprehensive whole.

Roles and Responsibilities

What does the relationship of marriage look like? Once married, how are the man and woman to act? What are they to do? Are they to carry on with their lives as before? Again, these things are basics, but they are basics that we often tend to forget and/or neglect. The world is ignorant of these responsibilities, and the sad effects of this are apparent upon a quick glance. Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. Why? The reasons are nearly endless, but it seems the main culprit is unhappiness with the relationship. One or both parties are not satisfied or are not getting what they need - whatever that might be. Though we won’t go into more detail, we can safely say that most, if not all, of these problems are fixed when the Lord’s way is followed. What does God say about the roles of the man and the woman?

Ephesians 5:21-33 – “Submitting yourselves one to another (our Brothers and Sisters) in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

The message of verse 22 is vehemently protested in this age of humanism. The submission of a wife to the husband is considered outdated and sexist. This view, however, completely misses the point and puts the concept of “submission” in the wrong light. Why is the wife to submit to the husband? The question is answered in the next verses, here reproduced for ease:

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

It is absolutely critical to understand that marriage is a figure of Christ and the ecclesia. It is the reason for the roles assigned to each party. We see the reasoning of this husband-wife relationship further explained in 1 Corinthians 11:

1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-9 – “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”

The Scripture is clear. These commandments are not “suggestions” as many might like them to be, but are Divinely prescribed roles. Wives, respect and submit to your husbands. BUT, husbands, that means we must be loving and respectable. This is something that is perhaps spoken of less, but is of equal importance! We must be Christ-like husbands that our wives want to submit to and follow. Man must remember that he is not the highest authority. As we just read, “The head of every man is Christ.” He cannot do all that he pleases, but he too has a Master to submit to

The husband must imitate how Christ treats his Bride - the ecclesia. Think for a moment: Does Christ oppress us? Have we any account of him speaking down to his disciples at any time? Did he ever hit or harm them? Did he ever take advantage of them for any reason? Was he ever out of touch with their fears and feelings? Did he make fun of them and belittle them? Do you and I ever have wonder if we can trust Christ? Do we doubt that he is leading us in the right direction? Has he ever given us any reason not to trust or submit to him? All the other way!

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” He cared so much for his Bride that he gave his own life for her salvation – for you and I. He is long-suffering and of tender mercy. He desires that we “cast our cares upon him” (1 Peter 5:7). We can approach God through him at any time. He has promised us, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). With Christ, you and I do not wonder if he will take care of us. He has proven his faithfulness through sacrifice. We do not fear whether he is guiding us in the right direction or not. We are not given reason to regret our decision to be espoused to him, but gladly and lovingly follow him.

It is in this wonderful light that the wife should be able to look at her husband. His thoughts must be directed to the well-being, and most importantly, the salvation of his wife. This should be what guides his decisions for their household. These are the attributes that the husband should exemplify. The role of a husband is therefore a lofty and great responsibility that should not be assumed lightly. He should be a spiritual leader that his wife can trust and follow.

If we keep this aspect in mind, we will never want for the right course of action. In short:

Husbands: We need to always ask ourselves whether the things we do and say are things that Christ does and says to US. If not, then we need to correct this error as it is harmful to our wife.

Wives: Consider if you would treat and respond to Christ as you do your husband. If not, then it too suggests a change of course.

Both: Perhaps this is something that the couple should talk about to see what they can do to better fulfill their God-given roles. It should not be a contentious issue, but one that should be done heartfully and lovingly as both parties are seeking to take better care of one another. Not only this, but both seek to know how they can best fulfill the Divinely established and wonderful roles intended for the husband and wife, and therefore please God in doing so. Like Christ and the ecclesia, it is a relationship that goes both ways and is shared by a strong bond of love and sacrifice.

It is of PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE to emphasize that such dispositions toward one another are only profitable and reasonable if both parties assume their responsibilities to one another. Consider,

-        How can a wife submit to a husband that is mean, bitter, ungrateful, unmerciful, dull of hearing, or does not show regard for her well-being and salvation? You and I would not want to follow Christ if those were his attributes, and we can expect no more of our wives.

-        Likewise, how can a husband lead and care for a wife who is rebellious, will not communicate, is bitter, angry, or untrusting? How do we think Christ responds to us when we act like this – when we disobey his commandments, do not trust in his guidance, deny him before men, etc.?

Both parties must assume the lofty roles assigned to them by the Lord. Though we are merely flesh, we cannot do this perfectly, and so we husbands must ask our wives to be patient with us as we must also be with them. If, however, the efforts of both parties are in this direction and share the same ideal, granting such patience will be no issue at all. And in doing so, not only will the marriage be a happy and fruitful one, but it will make the proper impress upon children and play a critical role in their upbringing, providing them with the proper image of a spouse to aid them in their search when the time comes. It will also help them see the loving relationship of Christ and the ecclesia! And, too, think about how this will enrich OUR relationship with OUR Bridegroom, for we will constantly be ruminating upon his care and love for us as we pattern ourselves after him. Like all of God’s ways, the blessings and benefits of keeping them are without end. It is merely a matter of humbling ourselves and setting our minds and hearts to do them.

The love between the two can and should be manifested in all parts of life. Oftentimes, it is the smallest of things that can mean the most (like helping with chores, a simple ‘thank you’ for doing something to show appreciation). It can be shown by communicating frequently and honestly with one another, seeking strength and comfort in one another, bearing with one another in trials and frustrations, showing care and concern, long-suffering, seeking each other’s best interests, and making time for each other.

Verses on Marriage - Further Guidance and Blessings

Below are a variety of verses that either speak about marriage or offer guidance in conduct to ensure a happy and fruitful marriage:

Titus 2:3-6 - “The aged women likewise… That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”

Proverbs 12:4 – “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”

Proverbs 18:22 – “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”

Proverbs 19:13 - “A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.”

Proverbs 19:14 - “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Proverbs 21:9 - “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”

Proverbs 21:19 - “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”

Proverbs 27:15 – “A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”

Proverbs 31:10-11 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” 

Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

The Challenge of Marriage

As we have previously mentioned, we are merely flesh. As such, there are naturally obstacles that will arise in marriage. Paul makes a special point to “warn” all of this inevitability:

1 Corinthians 7:28 – “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.”

Most problems arise from our speech: what we say, how we say it, what we do not say, etc. COMMUNICATION is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. Problems and arguments will arise, it is only through communication that the issue will be resolved.

Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”

Proverbs 14:29 – “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Proverbs 15:18 – “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”

Proverbs 17:14 – “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”

Proverbs 17:27-28 – “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 18:13 – “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Proverbs 19:11 - “The discretion (prudence – see mg.) of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

Proverbs 21:23 – “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

James 1:19-20 – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

The Meaning and Figure of Marriage

We have seen the bearing of the figure of marriage on how the husband and wife should act, how they should perceive themselves, and how they should perceive one another. There is, however, more to be learned from the figure.

Choosing a Spouse

For the believer seeking a spouse, it is important to keep the figure of Christ and the ecclesia in mind. We, God’s “called out” ones (“ecclesia”) have chosen to espouse ourselves to Christ – a loving and merciful Lord. As marriage is figurative of this relationship, we should be careful to seek a spouse who serves the same Lord. Marrying someone who is not in the Truth has not only been shown to cause numerous problems on a physical and spiritual plane, but it also puts a strain on the meaning of marriage and the responsibilities of both parties. The wife is to submit to her husband. If the wife is in the Truth and the husband is not, does this remove her obligation to submit to her husband? Scripture does not say so. The wife, in this case, is in the difficult position of having to submit to a husband that does not aspire to be Christ-like. She must submit, at least, in all ways that do not interfere with God’s commandments.

In like manner, a believing husband is to lead his house in a Godly manner. The question then arises, Will an unbelieving wife submit to and follow one whose aim is eternal life in the Kingdom of God when the wife does not seek this same thing? Will she comply with principles of obedience and glorification to God when she does not seek Him or desire to please Him? It is unlikely that she will, though not impossible.

We desire to emphasize that such a relationship can exist where the Believer and unbeliever live an enjoyable life together, but such is not Scriptural, nor is it ideal as it has many pitfalls and troubles. Should the couple have children, they will inevitably wonder why one parent stands for memorials and why one doesn’t. Depending on the disposition of the unbelieving spouse, there might also be the contention of whether the children learn about the Truth or not: a very serious issue.

Consider this also: one spouse has the hope of eternal life, the other does not. Personally, we would not want to live an entire life with a spouse knowing that once they die or Christ returns, we will likely never see them again. Paul, however, offers his thoughts on the issue of the unbelieving spouse:

1 Corinthians 7:12-15 – “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord (note that these are not words that Paul was told by God to speak, but was given permission to say): If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”

This speaks of a marriage where one person is in covenant and the other is not. It’s important to note, however, that this appears to be talking about a particular situation where both people are outside of the Truth and one of them learns of it at some point, eventually taking on the name of Christ. This person, then, might wonder if they should remain with their unbelieving spouse or not. This appears to be the situation Paul is talking about; not someone who is already in covenant deciding to marry outside of the Truth. That being said, the point still remains: “the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy” (verse 14).

This does not mean that the unbelieving spouse is considered to be in covenant, but it does show that they are in a peculiar position. We believe it means that when Christ returns, the unbelieving spouse and the young children of the believer who is “alive and remains” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) will be protected from the troubles to come and allowed to live in the millennial age as mortals, given the opportunity to come to repentance and serve the Lord. There is no “hard evidence” of this stance, but it is our understanding of the verse and makes the most sense to us, particularly considering that the unbelieving spouse is said to be sanctified in the same way as the children who young and not mature enough to understand and take on the name of Christ.

What about if one person is baptized and their partner has shown a sincere and persistent interest in the Truth, but has not yet been baptized? Should they marry? It has been done before, and we personally know of a few cases where this occurred and thankfully resulted in the unbaptized spouse eventually taking on the name of Christ. Please note, though, that one of these people, after having been baptized and maturing in knowledge of the Truth, told their spouse later on that they should have waited until they were baptized to marry them. Though the baptized person was completely confident in their partner’s interest in the Truth, the partner later came to the conviction that they should have waited. Though this does happen, we also know of examples where the partner showing interest in the Truth eventually lost that interest and remained unbaptized.

In summary, it is a great risk to marry outside of the Truth, and it should not be done. It is something that has been watered down in these latter days, but the Scripture is clear. 1 Corinthians 7:39 speaks of marrying “only in the Lord”. Considering the meaning of marriage, a believing wife marrying a man outside of the Truth correlates figuratively to marrying someone other than Christ. Likewise, the believing husband marrying an unbelieving wife corresponds to Christ marrying someone other than his called-out ones. It is wise to seek a spouse that is in covenant. 

This is, in our day, perhaps a discouraging thought as the Household continues to shrink, and therefore one’s “options” continue to narrow. It is important to understand that marrying in the Lord does not mean that one must only consider those in Christ as potential spouses. Oftentimes, seeking a spouse is how many from the world come into contact with the Truth. Though, too, perhaps more difficult in these last days as the hearts of man turn further and further away from God, one should not be discouraged! Though society continues to plummet deeper and deeper into moral filth, the Lord calls whom He will, and He will call men and women in like manner until the day of His Son’s return. We encourage all to not be discouraged in this, but to trust in the Lord. If it is the Lord’s will for one of His servants to marry, they will marry if they are faithful to Him.

A Personal Note

Here, we offer advice from our personal experience (for those readers who are young and presently looking for a spouse, please know that this writer is in his early-mid 20’s, so the world conditions that we sought a spouse in are the same conditions that exist now). We recall what seemed like endless years of discouragement and disappointment, though in reality it was perhaps only four or five years. We hoped in High School that we would find someone who would answer the call to righteousness, but found none with those qualities. Surely, we reasoned, we would find someone in college! This, too, however, proved a terrible disappointment.

As college was nearing its end, we felt no closer to finding a partner than before. We wondered if we would ever get married! All the while, however, we were always diligent to come to our Father and ask His guidance and comfort. As we did not know His will on the matter, we prayed that if it be His will we might find a spouse, but if not, that we might be content. One must be patient and trust that God will provide what He sees fit, remembering His great love and care for those who are His sons and daughters.

We then decided to set our mind to focus on the things of the Truth, knowing that God would provide all things as necessary. Then, while in our last semester of college, we felt the urge to contact the “girl of our dreams”, one that we always saw at the Arkansas Bible School and “liked” for as long as we can remember. After contacting her and corresponding for a few months having lived in different states, we were finally able to see one another at the 2019 Kentucky Bible School. Never did we think that we would even so much as be able to date her, but as we write this article, we call her our wife. The Lord’s blessings have abounded on every plane!

What does this mean for others? Everyone’s experiences, circumstances, and needs are different. Not all will find a spouse who is already in the Truth, not all will bring someone into the Truth to marry, and not all will marry. The lesson is: seek the Lord. Do not fret over what may or may not happen in the future, but “rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). Seek the Lord and let us give our full diligence to our eternal spouse – Jesus Christ. If this is where our hearts and desires are, we will never want. The Lord will provide all things as necessary in the lives of His servants. He simply asks that they recognize that HE is their greatest need, live this understanding, and be patient. We must TRUST in Him, for if we do so, we will never truly want.

Here are a few of the passages that comforted and guided us when in distress over the subject. Particularly for those seeking a spouse, ruminate upon these verses. Drink in their messages and draw nigh to our loving and caring Creator:

Romans 8:32 – “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” The message is, If God was willing to give His own Son as a sacrifice for those who seek Him, how much more so will He bless and give us now that His Son is at His right hand!

Matthew 6:8 – “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 27:14 – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Take courage and comfort, dear Brothers and Sisters. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). 

Now, back to the further lessons of the relationship of Christ and his ecclesia:

Whose Name to Take?

When a man and woman are married, the woman leaves her last name behind and takes on that of the man. Today, many challenge this way of things: either the man takes on the woman’s name or they use both names, though that does not seem as common (Tanner Hawkins-Bennett for example). Does it matter whose name is taken? Why is it that the woman always took on the name of the man?

The answer lies in the true meaning of marriage as found in the figure of Christ and the ecclesia. It by association with the name of Christ that men and women come into the scope of the everlasting covenant. It is by taking on his name that we become “alive” to God:

Romans 6:11 (referring to after baptism) – “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in(to) the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”

Acts 19:5 – “When they heard this, they were baptized in(to) the name of the Lord Jesus.”

John 20:31 – “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Galatians 3:27-29 – “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

1 Corinthians 15:22 – “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Whose name are we under? Adam or Christ? Our old name or the new one?

Romans 8:2 – “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

It is clear that taking on the NAME of Christ is imperative for our salvation. It is only in the name of Jesus Christ that there is the remission of sins and life. We even see this life aspect in the naming of Adam’s help: “WOMAN.” As it is written, “she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23). The woman owed her existence to the man; not in the sense that ADAM created her, but in that it was for the man that she was created. It was out of the man that she was formed. So it is with Christ’s Bride. After baptism, man is a new being created out of Christ just as Eve was created out of Adam:

John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Only after we are baptized, have taken on the name of Christ, and have come into the Law of the Spirit of Life IN CHRIST JESUS are we reckoned alive to God. Those who are never baptized are never “alive” to God, but are “dead in their sins” (Ephesians 2:1,5, Colossians 2:13).

This is why when a man and woman marry, the woman takes on the name of the man and not vice-verse, nor do they “meet in the middle” and take each other’s names. If Christ had taken on the name of the ecclesia or of any other person, or if he had stayed under the federal name of Adam, salvation would not be possible. It makes the difference of life or death for mankind. Who would have thought such grandeur and magnificence would be entailed in a custom that occurs every day all over the world! How few truly know and understand it!

Remaining faithful to our Bridegroom

Another lesson we will mention in this regard is that if we are espoused to Christ, we must remain faithful to him. We should not “cheat” on him.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3 – “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Falling away from the Truth is like a bride abandoning her husband. Mingling with the false doctrines and religions of the world is likened to harlotry. Recall the times when God spoke about Israel as “playing the harlot” in having departed from His ways (Hosea 1:2, 4:12-15). We must remain faithful and true to our spouse, just as we must to Christ. We have to remember that WE are espoused to HIM.

Christ as our Bridegroom

Do we think of Christ as our Bridegroom? Do we understand that we are as bound to him as we are bound to our spouse – even more so? Marriage a covenant that we have entered into.

Thinking of all the things the husband and wife should do for one another, let us think of those things in relation to Christ and us. Though our prayers are to God through Christ (not TO Christ), it is profitable to ask, Is our communication frequent and sincere? Do we make time for our Lord, to contemplate his life, his teachings, and learn of him? All of the love and care that we show toward our temporal spouse – do we give such love and care to our eternal one? As bitter-sweet as it might be, marriage in this life is a temporal thing, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).

From the point of resurrection and immortalization, ALL of the saints comprise the Bride of Christ. THAT is their role from then on. All of our temporal roles will no longer be in effect. Recall what Christ said when Mary and his brethren, his family after the flesh, sought him:

Matthew 12:47-50 – “Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

In the Kingdom of our Lord, we will not be considered fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives. We will be, as we are now spiritually, Brothers and Sisters of Christ, the Sons and Daughters of God! For those who are married, we should contemplate this blessing to be given such opportunity in the present to enjoy the wonders and comforts of marriage; to have the opportunity of a comfort and companion to “get us by” in the meantime, to share the impeccable bond of love and devotion – all of which, if done as the Lord commands, gives us a small taste of the perfect communion that we will enjoy with him forever and ever! Our marriage now should cause us to look forward to that everlasting union with our Lord who gave himself for us!

It is for this same reason that those who are not married at present should not fret, for all are espoused to Christ, and that is the relationship that will last forever (see 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 for Paul’s words on the unmarried and widowed).

At present, the Bridegroom is away from his Bride, preparing a place for her. He has promised, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). 

The question is, is she waiting and longing for him? Has his long absence caused her to lose hope and begin to doubt, saying “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:4). 

We are all familiar with the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The lesson is for us to ensure that we have plenty of oil, so that when the Bridegroom does come, we can then trim our lamps and go out to meet him! Let us do so while time remains!

We close with the picture of this eternal union of the Lamb and his Bride - a scene that, Lord willing, you and I will shortly see with our own eyes and be active participants in:

Revelation 19:6-9 – “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 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. And to her (yes, to YOU AND I) was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”