Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 1:1-3
In the passage of Scripture quoted above Paul tells us that believers in the Age of Grace are “sanctified . . . called to be saints”. The names and titles by which God identifies an individual or group give us great insight into the role that that person or group plays in God’s plan and purpose.
LUCIFER AND SATAN
One of the clearest examples of a name change indicating a change of role is in Lucifer becoming Satan. In his prophecy, Ezekiel describes the being that the Bible identifies as Lucifer.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezekiel 28: 12-15
These verses describe the purpose for which Lucifer (identified in this passage, in type, as a King of Tyrus) was created. The role that Lucifer filled in God’s plan was to be the “anointed cherub that covereth.” He was created to lead the angelic host in the praise and adoration of God. The “tabrets” and “pipes” which are part of his being were to be used to produce music that honored and glorified God. Lucifer was literally a one-man band designed with a specific role and place in God’s purpose. Satan led the heavenly choir in the worship of the Creator. However, that role changed dramatically when Lucifer became Satan
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14: 12-14
Lucifer’s heart was lifted up with pride and he fell from the lofty position and role that God had created him to fill. Since his fall, rather than leading creation in the praise and adoration of the Creator, he seeks to lead creation to worship and serve the creature. This great deception is known in Scripture as the lie.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2Thessalonians 2: 7-12
This most dramatic change in position and role was accompanied by a change of name. Lucifer “the anointed cherub that covereth” became Satan “a liar and the father of it”.
ABRAM AND ABRAHAM
The next name change we will consider marks a change, not away from God’s plan and purpose, but an inclusion in that plan and purpose. In the book of Genesis, we read of Abram becoming Abraham.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Genesis 17: 1-5
This name change is associated with Abraham becoming the father of the nation Israel. (It is interesting to note that Abraham’s wife also had a name change associated with becoming the mother of Israel). (See Genesis 17: 15-16). In addition to a new name, Abraham also received the sign of circumcision as a sign of the covenant that God had made with him. Thus, the physical descendants of Abraham become known as “the circumcision” (See Ephesians 2: 11-12)
And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you .Genesis 17: 9-11
As we read Paul’s account of the justification of Abraham in Romans 4, we see the great significance of the name change and the ordinance of circumcision that was instituted along with it.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Romans 4: 8-12.
In uncircumcision, Abraham (then called Abram) believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. Thus Abraham became the spiritual father of the Gentiles who believe. In circumcision, and with a new name, Abraham begot a son and received the physical sign of circumcision to mark Abraham’s role as the father of the Jews. This is in keeping with the fact that the Jews required a sign. (see I Corinthians 1:22) Once again we see a change in position and role accompanied by a change of name. Abram, the spiritual father of the uncircumcision who believe, became Abraham, the physical father of the circumcised nation Israel.
SAUL AND PAUL
Another change of name that represents an inclusion in the plan and purpose of God occurred at the very beginning of the Age of Grace. The book of Acts tells us of a man whose name was changed from Saul to Paul.
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, Acts 13:9
This name change is associated, not with Paul’s salvation, but with his setting aside by God for a special ministry. God chose Paul to take the message of grace to the Gentiles. In order to understand what a radical change this was in Paul’s life, we need to understand just who Saul was. In Paul’s writings, and in Luke’s account of his life before his salvation, we see a clear and very unappealing picture of who Saul was.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:4-6
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Galatians 1: 13-14
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: 1 Timothy 1:13a
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Acts 9: 1-2
From the verses above it is clear that Saul was a man who was totally caught up in his identity as a Jew and had made great profit in the corruption of that God-given religion. It is clear that more than anything else, Saul wanted to see the true people of God, the believing remnant in Israel, destroyed. It is from this life that Saul was gloriously saved and delivered. Notice the statements that come immediately after the verses quoted in the passages above.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3: 7
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace. Galatians 1:15
. . . but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1Timothy 1: 13b-14
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:3-6
God saved Saul, the chief of sinners, (see 1 Timothy 1: 15) and sent him to world of lost Gentiles with a message of grace and peace. Saul the “blasphemer” and “persecutor” became Paul the “apostle of the Gentiles”.
SINNER AND SAINT
The final name change we will consider is not a change for one individual, but rather a change for a whole group of people. All who are saved in this Age of Grace have a change in identity from sinner to saint. This change in name and title marks a glorious change of position in God’s plan and purpose for all that have come to him by faith in Christ.
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7
To fully appreciate the significance of being called a saint, we must realize the full implications of being called a sinner. In several passages Paul describes the chaaracter and nature of a sinner.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3: 10-18
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:1-3
Notice that being a sinner was our nature. Sin is something that comes from within us, not something that is put on from the outside. King David learned this lesson and recorded its truth in Psalms.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalms 51:5
Paul points out this truth in his letter to the Romans.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, Romans 5: 19a
This truth is perhaps best understood by realizing that we do not become sinners by committing acts of sin. Rather, we commit acts of sin because we are sinners. The only human beings who ever became sinners by committing an act of sin were Adam and Eve. The rest of us commit acts of sin because we are sinners by nature. As a baby in the womb, David had certainly not committed any acts of sin, yet he was a sinner. As any parent can testify, the sin nature that resides in a baby is soon manifested in acts of sin and disobedience. The glorious truth of Paul’s message of grace is found summarized in one statement in his first epistle to Timothy.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I Timothy 1:15
In saving sinners, God gives us a totally new identity and nature. Since the problem of sin is a problem in our nature, it can only be corrected by changing that nature. That is exactly what God does when he saves us. He makes sinners saints.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6: 9-11
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: I Corinthians 1:2
The terms “sanctified” and” saints” are closely related. One who is sanctified (set apart) is a saint. Paul makes clear that the believers in the church at Corinth were sanctified, although their actions did not indicate it (See 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 and 5:1) Paul is showing us that the believers at Corinth had a new nature and identity. They were saints. Not because of any acts that they did or didn’t perform, but because their identity and nature had been changed by God at the moment of their salvation. Just as we do not become sinners by committing acts of sin, we cannot become saints by performing acts of righteousness. At the moment we trust Christ as our Savior our identity is eternally changed. We who were “sinners” become “saints”.