Throughout the Bible, one of the most profound ways God interacts with His people is by giving them a new name. This act signifies a spiritual transformation, a new mission, or a deeper relationship with Him. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God and Jesus rename individuals to reflect their new identity in God’s divine plan. These name changes are not just about a shift in title—they represent something far deeper: adoption into God’s family, a renewed purpose, and a life transformed by His grace.
Name Changes in the Old Testament: A Covenant Identity
In the Old Testament, God renames several key figures as part of His covenant and plan for humanity. These name changes signify a spiritual transformation and often mark pivotal moments in their lives:
- Abram to Abraham: In Genesis 17:5, God changes Abram’s name (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of a multitude”). This new name reflects God’s covenant promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations. It symbolizes not just a personal transformation but also Abraham’s role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
- Sarai to Sarah: Alongside Abraham, Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah (“mother of nations”) in Genesis 17:15. Her new name signifies her role as the matriarch of God’s chosen people, despite her initial doubts about God’s promise.
- Jacob to Israel: In Genesis 32:28, after wrestling with God, Jacob (“supplanter”) is renamed Israel (“he strives with God”). This name change reflects Jacob’s spiritual growth and his new identity as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel—a people set apart for God.
These moments reveal that God does not change who these individuals are at their core; rather, He transforms their spiritual identity and purpose. They remain the same person physically, but their relationship with God marks them as new creations.
Name Changes in the New Testament: A New Mission
Jesus continues this practice in the New Testament by renaming individuals to signify their calling and transformation:
James and John to Boanerges: In Mark 3:17, Jesus gives James and John the nickname “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder.” While we don’t know exactly why Jesus chose this name, it likely reflects their passionate nature and boldness—qualities that would later serve them well as apostles spreading the Gospel.
Simon to Peter: In John 1:42, Jesus renames Simon to Peter (“rock”), saying, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). This name change reflects Peter’s role as the foundational leader of the Church (Matthew 16:18). Though Peter would struggle and fail at times (e.g., denying Jesus), his new name pointed to his ultimate purpose as a steadfast leader in God’s kingdom.
“To the one who is victorious… I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” – Revelation 3:12
These examples show that Jesus sees beyond people’s flaws and limitations. He gives them names that reflect their potential and purpose in His kingdom. The renaming process signifies not only transformation but also adoption into God’s family and inclusion in His mission.
The Promise of a New Name for All Believers
The theme of receiving a new name extends beyond specific individuals—it applies to all believers. In Revelation 2:17, Jesus promises this to those who overcome:
“To the one who is victorious… I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. “Similarly, Revelation 3:12 speaks of writing God’s name on those who are victorious, signifying belonging and eternal fellowship with Him. These promises remind us that our identity is ultimately found in Christ. When we come into relationship with Him, we are spiritually transformed—we are no longer defined by our past but by our adoption into God’s family. Paul echoes this idea when he writes about believers being adopted as children of God through Christ (Ephesians 1:5). This adoption gives us a new identity as heirs of God’s promises.
Living Out Our New Name
As Christians today, we inherit this legacy of spiritual transformation. While we may not receive literal new names like Abraham or Peter did, our identity is renewed when we come into relationship with Christ. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”This means:
- We are no longer defined by our past sins or failures.
- We are adopted into God’s family and given a place in His eternal kingdom.
- We have a new mission—to live out our faith boldly and share the Gospel with others.
The story of how Christians received their name reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. Like Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Peter, James, John—and all those who have gone before us—we have been given a new identity through our relationship with God. Our “name change” reflects not just who we are but whose we are.So let us live boldly under this new name—Christians—knowing that it signifies both our adoption into God’s family and our calling to be His representatives here on earth!
