DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- A NEW NAME

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

"To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it" (Revelation 2:17).

"My name is now Christian, but my name used to be Graceless."

Pilgrim made it past the lions and came to the House Beautiful where we was greeted by the porter of the house, Watchful. He was asked by Watchful, "What is your name," to which Pilgrim responded, "My name is now Christian." He used to be called Graceless, but he has had a change of name.

Pilgrim is no longer just a person on a journey to the Celestial City. He has a new identification. He is a Christian. He has truly experience the grace of God in his life that has transformed him. This is not just an external change, but an internal one as a person who has found freedom from the bondage of sin in his life.

Thereare examples in the Bible of people who have had name changes. There was Abram (exaltedfather) to Abraham (father of man nations) (Genesis 17:5). There was Jacob (supplanter or deceiver) who, when wrestling with God, had a name change to Israel (one who prevails with God)(Genesis 32:28). There was Simon who was called Cephas (stone) (John 1:42), but was changed to Petros (rock) (John Mark 3:16). There was Joses (exalted) who was called Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) (Acts 4:36). And of course Saul (desired) of Tarsus became Paul (small or little) the Apostle (Acts 13:9). These name changes all reflect a substantive change in their being.

At a block party a few years ago, neighbors were introducing themselves, giving their name and a short biography.  I said to the group, "My name is John, but I want to be called Christian because that is what I want to be."  I do have a new name. Not just the change from the Alvin of my childhood to John, but a new name that reflects my new life in Christ. Jesus said that to those who overcome, He will give a new name (Revelation 2:17). "There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine – oh, yes it's mine." I am not a just a seeking Pilgrim – I am a Christian – a new person in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).

Love, Dad