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The Names of God

'Ready Answer' by Martin G. Collins

The omnipotent God of the Bible is deeply concerned about how we use His name, commanding us not to take it in vain. Jesus instructs us to pray to the Father in His name, and the Psalms urge us to honor and glorify His name. The Bible refers to God by many different names, each describing a distinct virtue or characteristic of His nature, emphasizing the spiritual principle of fearing His glorious and awesome name as paramount to obeying Him. In Genesis, the name Elohim, a plural noun, is used repeatedly to describe the one true God Family, including God the Father and Jesus Christ, though it is also used over 200 times for pagan idols. This dual usage does not prohibit using the English word God for the true God Family, as it shows that such terms can apply to both true and false deities. In Exodus, God introduces His name as YHWH, translated as LORD, derived from a Hebrew verb meaning "to be," akin to "I AM," signifying "He exists" or "He causes to be," reflecting His everlasting nature. Scholars suggest YHWH was pronounced as Yahweh, though the exact pronunciation is lost, as Jews later substituted it with Adonai, meaning Lord or Master. The name Jehovah, a hybrid created in AD 1520, lacks biblical basis. The name El, meaning "mighty one," was used by Canaanites for their deities but is also applied to God in Scripture, showing no divine displeasure in its use. In Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, written by Daniel and Ezra, the name Elah replaces Hebrew names for God, demonstrating that translation into different languages is acceptable. In the New Testament, Greek terms like Theos for God and Kurios for Lord are used by writers like Paul, showing reverence for God's character rather than adhering to specific Hebrew names. The name Yahshua for Jesus is sometimes preferred over the Greek Iesous, but the power and authority of Jesus' name remain evident across languages, as seen in healings performed in His name. The Hebrew text contains numerous names for God, such as El Shaddai (Almighty God), El Elyon (Most High God), and YHWH Rapheka (The Eternal that heals), each revealing an aspect of His character. These names demand fear and reverence for the attributes they represent, like love, healing, and power. God allows His nature to be observed through creation, and His names affect how we worship Him. The proper attitude toward His name is crucial, far beyond mere pronunciation or spelling. Salvation does not hinge on how His name is pronounced, as Jesus never instructed on this, focusing instead on revealing the Father's name through character and obedience. Reverential fear and genuine respect through obedience truly honor God, not the repetitious or superstitious use of a name's sound. Jesus emphasizes that not everyone who calls Him "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of His Father. God is more interested in our obedience and growth in His way of life than in precise pronunciation. Whether we use Yahweh, Elohim, the Eternal, the Creator, God, or Lord, the reverence for the One behind the name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, is what matters most.

The Model Prayer (Part Three): Hallowed Be Your Name

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Hallowing God's name, part of Jesus' Model Prayer, occurs when Christians obey God's instructions and seek to transform into His character image.

The Plain Truth About the "Sacred Name"

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Do we have to refer to the members of the God Family as Yahweh, Jehovah, or other Hebrew names in order to be saved? Is this God's intent, or superstition?

What Is 'Son of God'?

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our concept of God determines how we will worship Him. The fact that so many misunderstandings about Him indicates His people didn't listen to Him.

The Glory of God (Part 1): The Shekinah

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Shekinah, the pillar of cloud and fire, depicts God's visible presence and protection. Yet His glory is manifested in many other ways as well.

The Third Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many think the Third Commandment merely prohibits profane speech. In reality, it regulates the purity and quality of our worship of the great God.

The Third Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.

The Commandments (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.

The Third Commandment: Idolatry

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.

Holiness (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.

Teach Us To Pray! (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A righteous life needs frequent times of prayer or communication with God. In one sense, Jesus Christ's life was one continuous prayer.

What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

God's people need spiritual lips, not carnal lips speaking Hebrew. The angel told Mary that she should call her son Iesous, which is not a Hebrew name.

Forbearance

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.

A Son Is Given

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The names of God reveal His character and attributes, and so also with Jesus. The reasons for Jesus Christ's incarnation are revealed in His names.

Keeping the Faith Once Delivered

Sermon by Kim Myers

Winds of doctrine continue to blow through the church, including Sacred Names, new moons, and Christ's eternal pre-existence before His birth as a human.

Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The second set of documents and events consists of Book Two of Psalms, Exodus, Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, relating to faith within trials.