What's in a Name?

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it is explained that once we become saved we are made a new creation.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  This new creation is even given a new name by Jesus:

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 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.”  Revelations 2:17

I have often wondered what my new name would be.  In the Old Testament, Jehovah changed the name of Abram (אבדם) and Sarai (שרי).  I have often found it curious as to why he changed it.  Abram became Abraham (אבדהם) and Sarai became Sarah (שרה).  Notice in both names the character ה was either added to the name or it replaced the character.  In the New Testament, Saul’s name (Samlon) was changed to Paul (Pamlon).

He, Jehovah, completed their name by giving them a part of Himself using almost the same character which looks similar to the symbol for Pi.  This character appears twice in His own name in Hebrew.  Yahweh or Jehovah is spelled in Hebrew as יהוה, which literally translates to “He who causes to exist (or gives life)” or “He who is, who exists.” Yahweh gave Moses at the burning bush “I am” אהוה in Exodus 3:14’s Hebrew or “I am that I am” in the King James.  Jesus also revealed this same revelation to the woman at the well in John 4.

To Martha, Jesus revealed He was the resurrection and the life.  Jesus commended His spirit to the Father after dying on the cross and was raised to life on the third day, appearing to many disciples before ascending into Heaven.  Jesus also raised many from the dead, including Lazarus in John 12:9.  Jesus literally has the power to give life.

In the beginning, Jehovah God said after making a blood sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve in Genesis 4:23-24:

Behold! The man has become as one of Us, to know good and evil.  And now, lest he put forth his hand and also take from the Tree of Life, and eat, and life forever.  And Jehovah God sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground out of which he was taken.  And He drove the man out.  And He caused to dwell the cherubs at the east of the Garden of Eden, and the flaming sword whirling around, to guard the way of the Tree of Life.”

The Tree of Life to live forever.  Jesus provides hope for the saints in Revelations:

• ·         Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (2:7)
• ·         Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (22:14)

Jesus also gives this warning in Revelations:

And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. (Revelations 22:19)

Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” In Revelations, Jesus repeatedly says of Himself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (22:13, 21:6, 1:8) 

Jesus is יהוה.  He is Yahweh, Jehovah, Messiah.  Jesus literally is Immanuel, God with us.  He came to show us the way through Himself to bring us back into relationship with God the Father Almighty.  I can see why He describes Himself as “I am” for Jesus is the one who gives us life.  A complete life that is truly living which is achieved only through a relationship based on our personal faith in Him who is.