In the bible we see quite a few people renew their characters and become anew once they start putting God first in their lives.
For some, not only do they gain a new character and heart they also receive a new name. Below is a list of biblical icons who received new names through their diligence to Christ:
Abram to Abraham
Genesis 17:1-5 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” 3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him,4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.
Abram = exalted father, Abraham = father of a multitude
Sarai to Sarah
Genesis 17:15-16 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.”
Sarah = Princess
Jacob to Israel
Genesis 32:28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have wrestled with God and with men, and you have won. That’s why your name will be Israel.”
Israel = one who wrestled with God
Simon to Peter
Matthew 16:16-17 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
John 1:42 Andrew brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas”.
Cephas = Rock in Hebrew, Peter = Rock in Greek
Adopted his Greek name, Peter.
In Abram, Sarai and Jacob’s situations their new names signified their covenants made with God.