Q: #14. Is it true that we will receive a new name in Heaven?
A: Personally, I believe it is true. There are at least four verses in the Bible that speak of receiving a new name in Heaven (Rev 2:17)(Rev 3:12)(Isa 62:2)(Isa 65:15). In addition, we have a number of examples of people in the Bible who were given new names by God:
Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5)
Sarai to Sarah (Gen 17:15)
Jacob to Israel (Gen 32:27-28)(Gen 35:10)
Simon to Peter (Mt 16:17-18)
Lucifer’s (Isa 14:12) name was changed to Satan.
These new names were given by God to reflect a change in a person’s character and life. For instance, Jacob, which means “supplanter” (tries to take the place of or replace) was changed to Israel, which means “he strives with God,” after he wrestled or struggled with God and prevailed (Gen 32:24-31). Abraham, which means “father of many nations,” was given his new name by God to reflect the covenant He made with Abraham. Peter was given his new name, which means the “rock,” because he was going to be used by God to build the church. Lucifer was one of God’s chief angels. His name meant “morning star” or “light bearer.” However, when he rebelled against God and was cast out of Heaven, his name was changed to Satan, which means “adversary.”
I believe that this points to what will also happen to us as believers when we get to Heaven. We will receive a new name to reflect a change in our character and life.
However, I should point out that if we do get new names, it is possible that it could be a future event since Moses and Elijah (Mt 17:1-8)(Mk 9:2-7) and Abraham and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31) appear in the New Testament with the same names they had while they lived on the Earth. But… had they BEEN to Heaven yet? Hmmm, I don’t believe they had, but were instead in Sheol until after Jesus had died. 🙂
For more on Heaven, see:
Q: #12. Will we remember people and events from Earth when we get to Heaven?
Q: #13. Wlll there be time in Heaven?
Q: #68. Will we work in Heaven?
Q: #105. What is the “third heaven” that Paul is speaking about in (2 Cor 12:2)?
Q: #189. Can people in Heaven see us?
Q: #190. Will we be able to sin in Heaven?
Q: #206. What will Heaven be like?