Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of having the name of God written upon individuals by Christ is a profound symbol of divine ownership, protection, and identity. This theme is particularly evident in the book of Revelation, where it is associated with the ultimate victory and eternal security of believers.Biblical Context The imagery of having God's name written upon believers is found in Revelation 3:12, where Jesus promises, "The one who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name." . This promise is given to the church in Philadelphia, symbolizing steadfastness and faithfulness amidst trials. Symbolism and Meaning 1. Divine Ownership: The act of Christ writing God's name upon believers signifies that they belong to God. In ancient times, writing one's name on an object or person indicated possession and authority. Similarly, believers are marked as God's own, set apart for His purposes. 2. Protection and Security: In the context of spiritual warfare, having God's name inscribed upon them assures believers of divine protection. Revelation 7:3-4 describes the sealing of the 144,000 servants of God on their foreheads, indicating that they are safeguarded from impending judgments. This seal is a mark of God's covenantal promise to preserve His people. 3. Identity and Transformation: The new name given by Christ reflects a transformed identity. Believers are no longer defined by their past or worldly affiliations but are identified with the new Jerusalem and the eternal kingdom of God. This transformation is a result of their faith in Christ and their victory over sin and the world. 4. Eschatological Hope: The promise of having God's name written upon them is eschatological, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It assures believers of their place in the new creation, where they will dwell eternally with God. Revelation 22:4 states, "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." , highlighting the intimate and eternal relationship between God and His people. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, this concept underscores the assurance of salvation and the perseverance of the saints. It affirms that those who are in Christ are secure in their identity and destiny, regardless of the spiritual battles they face. The name of God written upon them is a testament to their victory through Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33). Practical Application For believers, this promise serves as a source of encouragement and motivation to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations. It calls them to live in a manner worthy of their divine calling, reflecting the character and holiness of the One whose name they bear. The assurance of God's ownership and protection empowers them to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that their ultimate victory is secured in Christ. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 3:12Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write on him my new name. Nave's Topical Index Library The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself. The War in Heaven. Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known Seven "I Wills" of Christ. The War of Truth Summary view of the Pre-Existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and ... The Christ Child (Christmas Day. ) The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New The Last Siege of the Jews after Christ. The Battle of Armageddon. Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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