A New Name

“For ye are dead (to sin), and your life is hid with Christ in God.”  Colossians 3:3

In Jesus’ letter to the church in Pergamos (Revelation 2:17), He promised to those who overcame the enemy a “white stone” with a new name written on it known only to the recipient.  Bible commentators don’t agree on the meaning of the “white stone” and “new name”, but they all agree that these two items represent Christ’s acceptance of the believer.  The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, wrote that the white stone symbolized justification from the guilt of sin.  There was an ancient custom of giving a white stone to one found not guilty in a court of law, while one who was found guilty received a black stone.

The new name is the name of adoption.  When I was adopted, my parents gave me a new name of their choosing.  No other can claim title to that specific identity but me.  When God adopted me into His family, He gave me a new name of His choosing.  He hid my life with Christ in God.  There is no better, safer, or more secure place to be.  Even though believers are hidden with Him, we are to be bold witnesses openly for Christ to the world.  One of the things that I like to say about myself is that I have been born twice, once physically and once spiritually, and I have been adopted twice, once physically and once spiritually.

Because of our close, personal, intimate relationship to Christ, He is the only One who knows all of our struggles, worries, thoughts, fears, and doubts.  While we may put on a smiling face, yet hide our burdens and concerns from others, there is nothing about us of which Jesus is not privy.  While for some that knowledge may cause fear and dread, but knowing that Christ cares that much about me gives me calm assurance that He “has my back”.  One more thing:  I can’t help but wonder what my new name will be.  I hope it is something cool, but since the Lord will choose it, it will be the right one for me.

(PS:  I enjoy reading Matthew Henry’s commentary because it was published over 300 years ago and shows that the word of God and God Himself is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).  Mr. Henry had a very good vocabulary, thus I need a dictionary nearby to occasionally look up words, but that helps to build my vocabulary.  He gives a lot of insight into passages of scripture that I might not see in my study.  There are several other good commentaries for those who are serious about their Bible study.)