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Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:11 pm
by DRDS
Hey everyone, I've got a question concerning the afterlife for us believers. Does the Bible directly or at least indirectly teach that in heaven we will have brand new names? For instance if in this life my name was John Smith but after I die and be with God will I get a name change and have my name changed to.... I don't know, Nathan Haseleu , Chuck Hossfeld or some other kind of name other than the one I have? Or will I still be known as John Smith and my family and friends still be known by their names?

I can't think right off where the Bible talks about it but I think it's in Revelations. And being the kind of book that Revelations is this may be a thing that has multiple interpretations and or may be symbolic. If anyone here has good knowledge on the topic and has a good formulated view on what this area of scripture is referring to, please feel free to extrapolate on it. Anyway as always, thank you all for your time. GB.

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:21 am
by neo-x
its a metaphor indicating a new being, not a real name change but rather a change of identity...as in infront of God...more like being in the family of God, adopted, thus changed names.

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:45 am
by Sam1995
neo-x wrote:its a metaphor indicating a new being, not a real name change but rather a change of identity...as in infront of God...more like being in the family of God, adopted, thus changed names.
Aw :esad: I wanted a cooler name but I guess this one will have to do....


8)

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 4:59 am
by Silvertusk
Why wait till you die then - you can get your name changed by Depoll. Only cost a few quid.

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:28 am
by Sam1995
Silvertusk wrote:Why wait till you die then - you can get your name changed by Depoll. Only cost a few quid.

:mrgreen:

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 9:19 am
by theophilus
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.
(Revelation 2:17 ESV)

God has often given new names to his servants. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, and Simon became Peter. In the Bible names are intended to signify a person's character. When someone is born again there is a change in what his character is, so it seems logical that he should receive a new name to reflect that fact. It is possible that when someone is saved God gives him a new name but doesn't reveal the name to him until he reaches heaven.

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 3:18 pm
by DRDS
theophilus wrote:He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.
(Revelation 2:17 ESV)

God has often given new names to his servants. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, and Simon became Peter. In the Bible names are intended to signify a person's character. When someone is born again there is a change in what his character is, so it seems logical that he should receive a new name to reflect that fact. It is possible that when someone is saved God gives him a new name but doesn't reveal the name to him until he reaches heaven.

Ok, so are you taking this verse quite literally, that yes, everyone will receive literal new names or do you see it in some symbolic fashion, sort of like what Neo-x is saying?

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:25 am
by lexy
How do we look like when we are in Heaven? Can I change my look or racial background, say from White to Black, or Black to Asian or something like that . I havent decided which ethnic background I wanna be. ?

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 7:11 pm
by Philip
Hello, Lexy, welcome to the forum!

Why don't you introduce and tell us a bit about yourself here: http://discussions.godandscience.org/vi ... ns#p142648

Philip

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 7:53 pm
by Kurieuo
lexy wrote:How do we look like when we are in Heaven? Can I change my look or racial background, say from White to Black, or Black to Asian or something like that . I havent decided which ethnic background I wanna be. ?
Well... I'd like to remain male thanks. :P

Re: Question concerning heaven and getting new names

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 12:38 am
by 1over137
Kurieuo wrote:
lexy wrote:How do we look like when we are in Heaven? Can I change my look or racial background, say from White to Black, or Black to Asian or something like that . I havent decided which ethnic background I wanna be. ?
Well... I'd like to remain male thanks. :P
I could be some substance with my mind. That would suffice me. Or wait, with hands too. I like hugs.

:grouphug: