New Names in Heaven
The Bible tells us that Christians will be given new names in heaven. In the Scriptures a person’s name often stands for his character or personality. So, a new name means a new identification. The new doesn’t follow the old, but takes its place and is different from the old.
Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we read of this new name in the book of Isaiah: “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name” (ch. 62:2). The prophet also adds, “For the Lord GOD will … call His servants by another name” (ch. 65:15).
In the old days, a new name was given to remember an event of major significance (Genesis 17:5; 32:28; Ruth 1:20; Hosea 1:6, 9; 2:1). In the new kingdom, God’s people will receive a new name appropriate to their new experience.
New Testament
In the New Testament, we read the same message in the book of Revelation: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
And the apostle John adds, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Revelation 3:12).
The promise of a new name will be given to those that overcome sin in their lives. The redeemed will triumph over sin by God’s grace that is made available to all that ask for it in Jesus’ Name as they yield daily to His transforming power (John 14:13,14; 1 John 5:14).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team