Question
Gramps,
Hi. Thank you for taking the time to answer questions.
I received my endowment a year ago and also received my name. But ever since that time, I have been wondering why we received a new name and does the name mean something. What is the purpose behind it? Hope you can help me understand.
May-Elin
Answer
May-Elin,
Receiving a new name during the temple endowment is a transformative experience that signifies the beginning of a new spiritual journey. It reflects the inherent belief within Latter-day Saint doctrine that through Jesus Christ, individuals can experience rebirth and renewal. Members who participate in this sacred ordinance take upon themselves a new identity—one that reflects their commitment to follow Christ and align their lives with His teachings.
According to Hugh Nibley, a prominent scholar in Latter-day Saint theology, the new name represents “a new identity in Christ” and emphasizes the transformative power of the temple ordinances. In the temple, members are reminded of their divine potential and the significance of their covenant relationship with God, reinforcing the idea that the temple is a sacred space for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
The practice of receiving a new name is deeply rooted in scripture. One of the most prominent references is found in the Book of Revelation, which states, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Revelation 2:17). This verse highlights the promise of a new name as part of the blessings reserved for the faithful, symbolizing victory over trials and a unique relationship with God.
Additionally, Doctrine and Covenants 130:10-11 articulates the significance of the “white stone” that represents the new name given to those who are faithful. This stone serves as a symbol of personal progression and divine potential, reinforcing the idea that every individual has a unique path and purpose in the eyes of God.
Church leaders have emphasized the sacredness of the temple and the importance of the ordinances performed therein. President Gordon B. Hinckley articulated this idea when he stated, “The temple is a holy place, a house of the Lord. It is a place of peace and tranquility, a place of revelation and inspiration;” This underscores the importance of the new name as part of the transformative experience within the temple, where members can receive personal revelation and inspiration.
Moreover, in the teachings of the Church, the new name is not merely a ceremonial title; it symbolizes a commitment to live according to the principles of Christ’s gospel. As members receive this new name, they are reminded of their sacred covenants and the responsibilities that come with them. It is a call to live a life of holiness and to strive toward the divine potential that is inherent in each individual.
The new name received in the temple is integral to the endowment ceremony, which is viewed as essential for exaltation. This ceremony equips members with the knowledge and keys necessary to progress in the afterlife. The act of receiving a new name is a step toward eternal life, where members are reminded of their divine heritage and potential.
The new name serves as a reminder of the individual’s commitment to uphold their covenants with God. It reinforces the belief that through Christ, individuals can obtain a new identity rooted in divine grace and purpose. This connection between identity and covenantal commitment is foundational to the faith journey of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Receiving a new name in the temple has profound implications for members navigating their daily lives. It serves as a constant reminder of their spiritual identity and the commitments they have made. Many members reflect on their new name as they face challenges, using it as a source of strength and inspiration. The new name becomes a personal emblem of their faith, guiding them in their choices and interactions with others.
In addition, the new name encourages members to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ. As they strive to embody the principles associated with their new name, they find opportunities to serve others and share the light of the gospel. This active participation in the community and the Church expresses their commitment to live as disciples of Christ.
Receiving a new name in the temple is a deeply significant ritual within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It symbolizes spiritual rebirth, covenantal commitments, and a new identity in Christ. Rooted in scripture and supported by the teachings of Church leaders, this ordinance emphasizes the transformative power of the temple and the importance of covenant relationships with God.
As members reflect on the meaning of their new name, they are reminded of their divine potential and the sacred commitments they have made. The new name serves as a guiding principle in their lives, inspiring them to live with purpose and faith as they navigate their spiritual journeys. Ultimately, receiving a new name in the temple is not just an event; it is a profound declaration of faith and a commitment to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gramps
