CHRISTENED AT DEATH

Jesus changed everybody's names (Saul to Paul, Simon to Peter, John/James to Boanerges, etc.). Their new name had nothing to do with their past or heritage, and everything to do with who they were in regards to Jesus.
 
One verse that I find powerful and freeing is in Revelation 2:17. Jesus, through the prophet John, admonishes a church to 'persevere' in the face of much trial and tribulation, and says that if and when they prevail, he will give to each a 'new name written on a white stone, that is known only to them'.
 
There is so much in this, but one factor of interest is that the name comes at the end. Jesus calls us to action first, to know his name most clearly here and now, and to act on it. And we will be given our truest, deepest name as a result of this.
 
This gives us something to shoot for, most definitely, but also frees us from having to be 'clear' about who we are at this time. We need to be most clear about who he is. Who we are, will be made clear by him on that final day.
 
(1 Corinthians 13:9,12; 1 John 3:2; Hebrews 4:11; Philippians 3:12-14)