A New Name

The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.

Isaiah 62:2

Names matter. We want to believe the meaning of our given names imparts significance to our identities. Likewise, this is true of the identity of a nation. The prophet Isaiah describes the captivity of Israel after they forsook God. Then he shares how God planned to redeem Israel—not merely from Babylonian/Assyrian captivity—but for Himself—for all time. God cannot overlook rebellion, but He never deserts us or abandons us. Israel was called “Forsaken” and “Desolate” (Isaiah 62:4), but when salvation came, their new names became, “The holy people”, “redeemed of the LORD”, and “Sought out, a city not forsaken” (Isaiah 62:12).

A similar name change takes place under the new covenant. The book, Pilgrim’s Progress, is an allegory that clearly relates the name change of the pilgrim as he converses with the lodge porter as follows:

Porter:  What is your name?

Pilgrim:  My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless.

Couldn’t the same be said for all of us who confess the glorious name of Jesus Christ as our Savior? Our new name is Christian, but it wasn’t always so. “Christian,” in its original context means “little Christ.” Over time and cultural changes it’s been diluted to include anyone who thinks God exists. Sadly, we no long treasure being called a Christian.

The name is bestowed on us the moment we believe and accept the gift of eternal life, i.e., Jesus.  

It’s time to rip off the old nametag, “Graceless,” and boldly don our new nametag: “Christian”, “Holy”, “Loved”, “Redeemed.”

Father God, Help us, I pray, to receive and live according to our new name in Jesus Christ. Accepted. Forgiven. Secure. We belong to You!

Karen Sims