Your New Name in God

[SarahsKnight]

A thought occurred to me just now. That one verse in Revelation, 2:17, where it says: “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it”

I'm not going to take any kind of theological stance here on what this verse means - if it is actual, literal proof that when we are first allowed into God's coming kingdom He will actually give each of us a new name, or if the verse has any other number of meanings (it is Revelation, after all), or if the verse even pertains to all believers period in the first place - because a couple of years ago when I wanted to broach the topic of what Revelation is really supposed to be about and started with Steve Gregg's book "Revelation: Four Views", I somehow just didn't get any closer to deciding on which of the four main views seems the most Biblically sound, and I got discouraged rather easily and shelved the topic ever since.


Still, let's just assume Revelation 2:17 is saying in no uncertain terms that the Lord will present each of us with a new name to live by forever, perhaps according to the dominating personalities He determined for each of us to possess as unique individuals, or according to what all has happened in each of our lifelong walks of faith with Him - both the good and the not so good - during our mortal lives. He gave a name "Sons of Thunder" to James and John, yes? Perhaps that title is just one of many examples?

So, would anyone here like to theorize on what name they might receive (with humility, of course, as we do not want to seriously be presumptuous on something like the good that God may see in us , even if that good comes only by the power of the Spirit and not our own complete efforts)?

I kinda hope my new name might include the word Protector somewhere in there, to be honest.

 

[Toro]

Well...... honestly doesnt matter what God calls me... the fact that the creator of the universe has my name...... new or worldly on His tongue will be awesome.

Even if He gives me the name pink fluffy bunny slippers monkey face.............. what am I going to do, argue?

I wouldnt complain if it were Toro though.

Strong like bull, screwy like a cornnut.

 

[ViaCrucis]

A thought occurred to me just now. That one verse in Revelation, 2:17, where it says: “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it”

I'm not going to take any kind of theological stance here on what this verse means - if it is actual, literal proof that when we are first allowed into God's coming kingdom He will actually give each of us a new name, or if the verse has any other number of meanings (it is Revelation, after all), or if the verse even pertains to all believers period in the first place - because a couple of years ago when I wanted to broach the topic of what Revelation is really supposed to be about and started with Steve Gregg's book "Revelation: Four Views", I somehow just didn't get any closer to deciding on which of the four main views seems the most Biblically sound, and I got discouraged rather easily and shelved the topic ever since.


Still, let's just assume Revelation 2:17 is saying in no uncertain terms that the Lord will present each of us with a new name to live by forever, perhaps according to the dominating personalities He determined for each of us to possess as unique individuals, or according to what all has happened in each of our lifelong walks of faith with Him - both the good and the not so good - during our mortal lives. He gave a name "Sons of Thunder" to James and John, yes? Perhaps that title is just one of many examples?

So, would anyone here like to theorize on what name they might receive (with humility, of course, as we do not want to seriously be presumptuous on something like the good that God may see in us , even if that good comes only by the power of the Spirit and not our own complete efforts)?

I kinda hope my new name might include the word Protector somewhere in there, to be honest.

The concept of a "new name" is, I believe, the basis for the tradition of a baptismal name--a name taken upon baptism and/or conversion to Christianity.

To that end I have generally understood the "new name" referring to the Christian's identity in Christ. It's not about getting a literal, new name; it's about who we are washed in the waters of Holy Baptism, joined to Christ, clothed with Christ, being a new creation in Christ.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Hawthorne]

As it happens, I've been doing some background reading on Revelation and read some material pertaining to this passage only a few hours ago.

Apparently each of the seven letters begins with part of the description of Christ in chapter one (in Pergamum's case, the two-edged sword) and ends with an allusion from chapters 19-22, in this case it is the hidden manna and marriage supper of the Lamb. The white stone is an allusion to a token for entrance into invitation-only gatherings, or the wedding supper, cf. Matthew 22:1-14. I would guess the new name serves as both the passphrase as well as the new identity of Christians.

 

[OcifferPls]

A change of identity is a subject that has come up for me on occasion, coincidentally, in working out my understanding of "theosis" and the incarnation. I suspect that the key to understanding the subject, is not derived from philosophy or even the texts pertaining to the subject, as it was intended to be:

"Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation." (Dan 5:12)

It's a recurring theme in scripture, that the "gift of the Spirit" is accompanied by understanding, or some ability to understand mysteries of the faith, but, according to Revelation, these are things which even angels desire to look into, implying that even "gifted" persons are not always permitted to understand.

Regardless, there are points raised by the texts, pertaining to the subject which are interesting:

• Many saints in the OT, and in the NT are given new names at some point.
• Besides receiving new, unique names, in the OT people are said to be called by God's name (e.g. Jer 15:16, Isa 43:7)
• God's name is said to be "in" people (Exd 23:21)
• In Rev 3:21 we have an interesting example where the "Alpha and Omega" and "the Almighty" is saying that "he who overcomes" will be written upon, with the name of the Speaker's God, and also His own new name.
• Whatever it is the author has in mind, we might see an example of its application in the correlation between the betrayal of Christ for 30 pieces of silver and Zechariah 11:13, where YHWH is said to be priced at that amount.

If there is a contiguous understanding which explains these points, I suppose it's anyone's guess.

 

[Hawthorne]

A change of identity is a subject that has come up for me on occasion, coincidentally, in working out my understanding of "theosis" and the incarnation. I suspect that the key to understanding the subject, is not derived from philosophy or even the texts pertaining to the subject, as it was intended to be:

"Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation." (Dan 5:12)

It's a recurring theme in scripture, that the "gift of the Spirit" is accompanied by understanding, or some ability to understand mysteries of the faith, but, according to Revelation, these are things which even angels desire to look into, implying that even "gifted" persons are not always permitted to understand.

Regardless, there are points raised by the texts, pertaining to the subject which are interesting:

• Many saints in the OT, and in the NT are given new names at some point.
• Besides receiving new, unique names, in the OT people are said to be called by God's name (e.g. Jer 15:16, Isa 43:7)
• God's name is said to be "in" people (Exd 23:21)
• In Rev 3:21 we have an interesting example where the "Alpha and Omega" and "the Almighty" is saying that "he who overcomes" will be written upon, with the name of the Speaker's God, and also His own new name.
• Whatever it is the author has in mind, we might see an example of its application in the correlation between the betrayal of Christ for 30 pieces of silver and Zechariah 11:13, where YHWH is said to be priced at that amount.

If there is a contiguous understanding which explains these points, I suppose it's anyone's guess.

Some of the above points would coincide with divinisation: man partaking of the divine nature. What's interesting is that this is identified (in part) with the Eucharistic 'hidden manna' of the Lamb's feast.

 

[OcifferPls]

Some of the above points would coincide with divinisation: man partaking of the divine nature. What's interesting is that this is identified (in part) with the Eucharistic 'hidden manna' of the Lamb's feast.

Something which I think is also interesting here is the reference in Hebrews 9:4 to the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies, which reiterates that manna was placed within it -- so, this was relevant for some reason to the early christians.

Further, as it pertains to the eucharist (specifically the blood of Christ), the ark itself has interesting uses under OC blood sacrifice. IIRC, it is the eastern-most end (and presumably upon the cherub located there) on the ark which is sprinkled with blood, if there's anything to be drawn from that. The relevance of the "east" in the temple design, and OT texts in general, is another bag of enigmas altogether.

So, from a more secular viewpoint, as interesting as it is, there could be nothing there and all of these "riddles" are nothing but an accumulation of the mystical inclinations of people who enjoy that sort of stuff. On the other hand, from a more religious perspective, I like to think that they are there for a reason, and I suspect that (at least in the mind of the author(s)), these riddles are meant to be explained. Whatever the case, reading into these little points of interest always seem to produce wild imaginations, in both religious and secular minds, but I still enjoy digging things up, almost as if it were lost treasure.

 

[Hawthorne]

Something which I think is also interesting here is the reference in Hebrews 9:4 to the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies, which reiterates that manna was placed within it -- so, this was relevant for some reason to the early christians.

In its context, isn't the author outlining elements of the Old Covenant in preparation for discussion of Christ in chapter 10; note especially Hebrews 9:5: ...Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

However, that the holy of holies and its accoutrements held a place in the early church and their expectations is certain. If the church collectively is that New Jerusalem of Revelation (a thesis which numerous passages may be brought to bear), then Christians are restored the the nation of priests, serving in the New Jerusalem whose shape is that of the holy of holies. It follows, then, that we would have intimate fellowship with Christ, the antitype of the Rod, Tablets, and Manna. Along these lines, Ephesians 2:11-22 and Ezekiel's vision of the temple come to mind.

The relevance of the "east" in the temple design, and OT texts in general, is another bag of enigmas altogether.

Genesis 3:21 and 24?

 

[OcifferPls]

In its context, isn't the author outlining elements of the Old Covenant in preparation for discussion of Christ in chapter 10; note especially Hebrews 9:5: ...Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

However, that the holy of holies and its accoutrements held a place in the early church and their expectations is certain. If the church collectively is that New Jerusalem of Revelation (a thesis which numerous passages may be brought to bear), then Christians are restored the the nation of priests, serving in the New Jerusalem whose shape is that of the holy of holies. It follows, then, that we would have intimate fellowship with Christ, the antitype of the Rod, Tablets, and Manna. Along these lines, Ephesians 2:11-22 and Ezekiel's vision of the temple come to mind.

While I don't find that particularly disagreeable, I'm not a huge fan of medieval typology here, in case you couldn't tell, but have at it.

Genesis 3:21 and 24?

Yes, that would certainly fall into the general category, along with many others: the eastern gate of the city, the tabernacle facing east, the glory of the lord coming from the east, the river flowing eastward of eden, etc., etc..

 

[Hawthorne]

While I don't find that particularly disagreeable, I'm not a huge fan of medieval typology here, in case you couldn't tell, but have at it.



Yes, that would certainly fall into the general category, along with many others: the eastern gate of the city, the tabernacle facing east, the glory of the lord coming from the east, the river flowing eastward of eden, etc., etc..

I don't want to derail the thread too much, but recently I came across the book, Hebrew Myth and Christian Gospel by Thomas Fawcett, and I get the impression it might be of at least passing interest to you. It's currently in transit, so I can't say how much medieval typology it may contain.

 

[Cearbhall]

I'm not going to take any kind of theological stance here on what this verse means - if it is actual, literal proof that when we are first allowed into God's coming kingdom He will actually give each of us a new name

I think this was the reasoning behind why I had to choose a Confirmation name.

I wasn't Christian anymore at that point, much less a dedicated Catholic, so I just chose a saint whose story I liked.

 

[Greg J.]

There are many places in Scripture where name is a reference to all that a person is. In the following passage, we see that a name can be something that can't be understood (in this life).

Then Manoah inquired of the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?” He replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.’” (Judges 13:17-18, 1984 NIV)

If this were a valid meaning for the use of name in Revelation 2:17, it would indicate God is going to give us a new nature, history, and future compared to what we have now. (New history: the past not coming to mind, Isaiah 65:17)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1984 NIV)

While we are a new creation now, we do not fully experience it. In this life we experience it according to our faith. In the next life we will experience fully (by "sight").

So, I have no idea what my new name will be. It's going to be brand new! In keeping with the theme of the original post, though, I think a part of all our names will be love and joy.

 

[Greg J.]

By the way, the following verse is consistent with the idea that we will be complete in Christ in the next life.

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. (Revelation 3:12, 1984 NIV)

 

[TheWhat?]

Curious... interesting subject.

 

[shineyourlight]

Sasquatch

 

[bèlla]

He named me well.