A New Name, A New Identity: Resting in Christ’s Adoption

Reading John 1:42

“He brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone).”

When Jesus met Simon, He gave him a new name: Cephas, which is Aramaic for rock (translated as Peter in Greek). 

Reflecting on this moment, I think about how I often see myself—as still lost or “under-redeemed”. In my most honest moments, I might describe myself with names like coward, fearful, selfish, fraud, lonely, or uncertain.

But through Christ, my identity is no longer defined by sin or failure. He sees me as His child, clothed in the righteousness that only His grace can provide. Though I still battle the old self on this side of heaven, my identity has been irrevocably changed. I am no longer a slave to sin but an adopted member of God’s family, chosen and sanctified.

Today, I want to rest in that joy and peace—the peace with God and from God. I am reminded that I am not part of His family by birthright, but by His sovereign choice. What a humbling, freeing truth to hold onto: my adoption is secure in Christ.

May I rejoice in that today!