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The Sacred Name Movement
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod says to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3, I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, LORD, I was not known to them. The Bible's books were penned by about forty different authors, yet none of them hesitated to refer to God as Elohim in Hebrew, among other terms. In Mark 15:34, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is translated, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' This shows that even during the most excruciating time of His life, Jesus used 'Eloi,' an Aramaic term for God, rather than a specific Hebrew name.
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe Hebrew word elohiym (H430) represents a significant concept in understanding the divine. It is a term that encapsulates the essence of God's nature and power, often associated with the creative and governing authority of the Almighty. Through elohiym, we see the manifestation of God's will across the universe, permeating all things with His Spirit to accomplish His divine purposes. This term underscores the relationship between God and His creation, highlighting His role as the source of spiritual strength and understanding for those who seek to align with His will.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The term elohiym (H430), translated as "God" over 2,300 times in Scripture starting from Genesis 1:1, is a plural term meaning "mighty ones." It appears 35 times in Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing the creative acts of more than one being. Elohiym is the first indication of God in the Bible, establishing Them as the author of the entire Book. This plural usage, confirmed in Genesis 1:26 with pronouns like "Us" and "Our," reveals that Elohiym consists of at least two personalities working in perfect unity and harmony, both worthy of worship and honor. Understanding elohiym is essential to grasping the nature of God as a family, shaping the pattern and direction of our lives. It is not merely a name but a title indicating plurality, deliberately chosen over the singular form Eloah to convey this truth. In the context of creation, Elohiym encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, with the spiritual aspect fully revealed through Jesus Christ declaring the Father as a spiritual Father, distinct from the Jewish understanding of God as Father of physical creation. The concept of Elohiym as a family unit expands throughout Scripture, showing that God is reproducing Himself, inviting us to become part of this family. This is evident in teachings from Jesus and the apostles, indicating that we are being prepared to join Elohiym, sharing the same mind, attitude, and character. Beginning with two personalities in Genesis 1, Elohiym is expanding into a family of beings created in Their image, located in both heaven and earth, challenging narrow views of monotheism while maintaining unity as one Elohiym. Within Elohiym, the Father and the Son are distinct personalities, not co-equal, as Jesus Himself stated that the Father is greater than He is. Their relationship is one of complete agreement, with the Son always submitting to the Father, further clarifying the structure within Elohiym as a family of two, not three, personalities.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Eighteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The term "sons of God" in Genesis 6:4, translated from *elohiym* (H430), does not exclusively refer to the Creator. The Bible also uses *elohiym* to indicate human judges and magistrates, signifying humans in positions of authority leading other humans. In this context, the nephilim, described as sons of leaders, were dominant figures, often seen as despotic military or governmental personalities, akin to tyrants who were greatly feared and dominated as leaders of cities and nations.
The Nature of God: Elohim
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding elohiym (H430) is central to grasping the nature of the God family. The term elohiym, used in the Old Testament 2,570 times, is consistently plural, meaning "Gods" or "mighty ones," indicating more than one being or personality. From the very first verse of Genesis, where it states, "In the beginning Gods created the heavens and the earth," this plurality is evident, reinforced in Genesis 1:26 with the use of plural pronouns, "Let Us make man in Our image." This plural form appears 66 times consecutively at the Bible's outset before another term for God is introduced. The definition of elohiym, derived from el and eloah, translates to "strong ones" or "powerful ones," suggesting a group or assembly of powerful beings, not limited to just two but potentially an unlimited number. Despite its plural form, elohiym often takes a singular verb, as seen in phrases like "The LORD our Elohim is one LORD," reflecting a unity in plurality, much like how "United States" is plural yet used with a singular verb to denote a singular entity composed of many. Throughout the Bible, elohiym is described as the Lord of hosts, implying leadership over many, and is consistently presented as a family or institution. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies members of this family as the Father and the Son, placing Himself within elohiym, affirming His divine status alongside the Father. Scriptures reveal that elohiym is expanding, incorporating human beings who receive the Spirit of God, making them sons of God and part of this divine family, as seen in passages like Romans 8 and I John 3. This family nature of elohiym is further illustrated by its oneness in agreement and purpose, acting singularly despite comprising many members. Jesus emphasizes this unity in His prayers, desiring that His disciples be one with the Father and the Son, reflecting a shared mind and spirit. The ultimate purpose is for believers to be filled with the fullness of elohiym, becoming part of this ever-growing family or kingdom, which challenges narrow cultural views of a singular divine being and highlights the biblical revelation of a divine institution.
The Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term elohiym (H430) reveals a profound complexity within the divine nature. The Bible clearly indicates that elohiym encompasses more than one Person, forming an institution of multiple Personalities who speak with a unified voice. Their oneness is rooted in complete agreement of character, mind, and purpose, rather than a mysterious blending into a single ethereal spirit. Within elohiym, there exists a structure of government where the Son submits to the Father, acknowledging that the Father is greater in authority and responsibility. The Son carries out the tasks assigned by the Father, always acting in accordance with His will. Furthermore, elohiym is in a process of expansion, increasing its numbers. This growth suggests that individuals can be considered part of the divine family, as sons and daughters of God. The plural nature of elohiym is evident in various contexts throughout the Bible, where it can refer to God, angels, judges, or even human beings with the Spirit of God, always denoting beings of power within the specific context. This plurality underscores the multifaceted application of elohiym, highlighting a collective of powerful entities united in purpose and authority.
The Shepherd of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbePsalm 80 shows that the Shepherd of Israel sat between the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies, showing that Jesus Christ is the God who interacted with Israel.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
God the Father in the Old Testament
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.
'Like Father, Like Son'
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod gives His specific purpose statement less than one-tenth of one percent of the way into the Bible: 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.'
The Names of God
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsThe name of God is important—so important that He included its proper use in His Ten Commandments. However, His emphasis is on His character, not a pronunciation.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Father and the Son are two separate personalities, with the Father having pre-eminence. The Bible contains no evidence of a third person in the God family.
God the Father (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus reveals that the Father has always had supreme authority, and that He and His Father are absolutely at one in purpose. We must conform to their image.
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.
The Plain Truth About the "Sacred Name"
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDo 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?
A Pure Language
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe don't need to be experts in Hebrew or use Hebrew names to call on the name of the Lord, nor is Hebrew sacred. Pure language comes from an undefiled heart.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBeing God's Son was not enough to automatically qualify Him to be our High Priest. He was made complete and fully ready to be High Priest through sufferings.
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
Sermonette by John ReissLooking forward to the promises that God wants to give to billions of His human creations inspires us to keep on striving through the trials and struggles.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father is the source of everything and the Son is the channel through which He carries out His purpose. Jesus declared that the Father is superior to Him.
What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA culture that is far from God has a debased language, but the real problem with the Jews of Isaiah's day was that they were going astray in their hearts.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 75 reveals that God both promotes and removes individuals from positions of power and He has the final say as to how power will be administrated.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Nineteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The nephilim were not the offspring of angels cohabiting with humans; these 'giants' were apostates from the true religion who decided not to follow God.
Our Divine Destiny
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's called-ones have been given the ability to decipher the scattered concepts, revealing the purpose of their destiny throughout the Scriptures.
Micah 6:1-8 and Our Self Evaluation
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterMicah 6 presents God's faithful acts of deliverance, providence, and protection, urging Israel and us to remember His largely unseen work in our lives.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerI AM, the surname of the God family, applies to God the Father and Son who desire to share that glory with their called-out saints (John 17).
Psalm 51 (Part Two): Psalm 51:1-4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe phrase, 'a man after God's own heart' modifies God rather than David's carnal character. God chose David because He discerned a heart He could work with.
The Commandments (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.