W____ wrote:
Hi Mike, I have read with deep conviction the articles ‘And The Two Shall Be One’ by Mark Toohey and ‘Pro 31: 10-31 Applied Today’ by Sandi Vinson, and must admit it’s a beautiful experience as you gradually move from darkness into light. I also came out from the Worldwide Church of God and can only now embrace the transforming power of God’s Spirit. I’m due to be married in August this year and have concerns about the modern day practice of women using a hyphen along with their husband’s name. Mike, this is my question: Is there any Spiritual significance in adopting this practice, while attempting to establish God’s government in the relationship and home?  You may feel I should already know the answer, but some may see this as a small matter, and I’m not sure. I look forward to your reply. W____ and D____

Hi W____ and D____,
Thank you for your question.
When God made a covenant with Abram He changed his name to Abraham:

Gen 17:4  As for me, behold, my [ marriage] covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram , but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. When God married Israel He was marrying a people who had taken the name He had given them:
Gen 32:28  And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

This is all in accord with what was made clear in Eden:

Gen 2:23  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.
Gen 2:24  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Hyphenated names and prenuptial agreements have no place in the doctrine of Christ. Just look at this verse of God’s Word:

2Co 5:16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [ him] no more.
2Co 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.

As the apostle Paul points out, marriage is but an outward symbol of Christ’s relationship to the church:

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31  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.
Eph 5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The last thing in the world Christ would tolerate is the idea of me being Mike Vinson, First Adam – Mike Vinson- Second Adam.
Paul’s chastening of the Corinthians was over this very subject. ‘Are we to consider ourselves Christians, or are we to consider ourselves Pauline – Christians?’
You have asked me, and I have answered with scripture. My advice to you, D____ is “Thy name shall be called no more [ D____ …] but [ D____ W____]:
May God have every reason to bless your marriage as you seek His mind in all things.
Mike