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What’s in a Name?. Bible scholars believe names given to Biblical persons at birth reflect a “fact.” For instance, the name Jesus means “God saves.”. When a Biblical person is called by a new name, the new name represents a “promise” and an expression of a new creation.
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Bible scholars believe names given to Biblical persons at birth reflect a “fact.” For instance, the name Jesus means “God saves.”
When a Biblical person is called by a new name, the new name represents a “promise” and an expression of a new creation. Look up the following Biblical passages:Isaiah 62:1-122 Corinthians 5:17
The new name (promise) is preceded by a life changing event and signifies a new identity.
Let’s take a look at 5 Bible characters who underwent name changesand the significance of these name changes.
Abram • Is he from the Old or New Testament? • Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passage:Genesis 17:1-8
Abram is from the Old Testament. • God established a covenant with Abram and his descendants. • Abram’s name was changed to Abraham. Abraham “father of many”
Sarai • Is she from the Old or New Testament? • Do you know what new name was given to her? Look up the following Biblical passage:Genesis 17:15-19
Sarai is from the Old Testament. • Sarai is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. • Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah. Sarah “princess”
Jacob • Is he from the Old or New Testament? • Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passage:Genesis 32:23-33
Jacob is from the Old Testament. • Jacob is the son of Isaac, has a twin brother named Esau, wrestles with an angel, and the twelve tribes of Israel are named for his sons. • Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Israel “triumphant with God”
Simon • Is he from the Old or New Testament? • Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passages:John 1:35-42 Matthew 16:13-20
Simon is from the New Testament. • Simon and his brother, Andrew, are among Jesus’ 12 Apostles. • Simon’s name was changed to Peter. Peter “rock”
Saul • Is he from the Old or New Testament? • Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passages:Acts 9:1-22 Acts 13:9-12
Saul is from the New Testament. • Saul persecuted and killed early Christians before an extraordinary event led him to convert. • Saul was called Paul after his conversion. Paul “humble”
After Confirmation you will have new life in Christ: • you will be united more closely to God • the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be increased in you • you will have special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith through word and action Confirmation is a life changing event.
It is fitting, then, that you would take a new name as a confirmed member of the Catholic Church. This Confirmation name does not replace the name given to you by your parents at birth, but acknowledges your choice of a saintly patron. When writing your full Christian name after your Confirmation, you include: First name – Middle name – Confirmation name – Last name
It’s time for you to begin the process of choosing your Confirmation name! Return to the “Choosing My Confirmation Name” sheet and continue with Step 2.