What is your name? Is it Susan? Is it Trevor? Is it Igor? Is it Ludmilla? Does your name mean something to you? Would you want someone to call you by a different name?
In the Bible, names were very important at times. We first read about Abram and Sarai in Genesis Chapter Twelve. In Genesis 17, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “for a father of many nations have I made thee.” Sarai becomes Sarah, because “she shall be the mother of nations.” Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had his name changed to Israel, because “as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).
The followers of Jesus have a name. It was prophesied that they would have name. In Isaiah 56:5, it is stated, “I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” Notice that the name would be given by God. In Isaiah 56:4, it is said that the eunuchs would also be included in this new name and that the name would be “better than sons and of daughters.” Then in Isaiah 62:2, we read, “…and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.”
In Acts 11:26, we read, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Notice that the disciples of Jesus are named after him. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We are told to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). If we suffer as a Christian, we are not to be ashamed (1 Peter 4:16).
Some people say that the church was not planned by God. They say the church was established because Christ did not fulfill his plan. But God prophesied that those following Jesus would be called Christians. It seems silly to say that Jesus failed in God’s plan. If that is true, then God also prophesied of Jesus’ failure, because he stated that the followers of Jesus would be given a new name. That name is Christian.
When each person is old enough to understand and to take on the responsibility for his sins, he must choose whether or not to become a Christian. I am glad that God gave us a way to salvation. I am glad I can be called a Christian. I follow Christ, the Messiah. I follow the Son of God, who fulfilled all righteousness.
Read your Bible. Keep studying it every day. Learn what is necessary to be a Christian, and if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
