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A Name's Significance

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In a compelling narrative, a wise woman declared that a name ties a person down, anchoring their identity and loyalty. In a tribal society, individuals were bound by their tribal designation, which formed the first part of their name, ensuring their allegiance to their extended family and chieftain over any broader unity. To forge a new national identity, a chieftain was advised to give the people a new name, binding them to him as their sole leader and eroding tribal loyalties. On the day of his coronation, a high priestess named them "subjects," signifying their loss of freedom and complete subjection to the new king, who would hold ultimate authority over all aspects of their lives. This new name tied them irrevocably to his rule. The principle that a name ties one down extends to personal identity as well. A name carries expectations, history, and reputation, linking individuals to a place, time, or principle. It binds them to familial legacy and societal roles, shaping how they are perceived and what is anticipated of them. In the context of divine authority, names hold profound significance. He names things according to their essence, reflecting their true nature. The act of naming often flows from superior to inferior, as seen when He granted Adam the authority to name the animals, teaching him leadership and headship over creation. Similarly, Adam named his wife Eve, establishing his role within the marriage union. This demonstrates that naming, when done with wisdom, reflects a deeper understanding and perspective. The sanctity of His name is paramount, demanding utmost respect and reverence. Bearing His name properly is a critical responsibility, far surpassing lesser concerns. His many names and titles reveal aspects of His character and expectations, requiring diligent study and honor in how they are carried. A good name is to be desired above wealth, equated with loving favor or grace. The greatest aspiration is to find grace in His eyes, to uphold His name, which is the highest of all. It is far more valuable to have one's name written in the Book of Life than to wield any earthly power or authority. The spiritual transformation and favor He grants are of greater worth than any physical feats. His name, bestowed upon Jesus Christ, holds unmatched authority and power, surpassing all others in creation. Earned through His humility and sacrifice, this name stands as the ultimate aspiration. Every person among His elect, the bride of Christ, will share in this new name, receiving His character, reputation, and power—an honor beyond merit, given out of His love. Already, His name rests upon His followers, identifying them with Him, His character, His church, and His Kingdom. This name ties them down with great responsibility, constraining them to bear it with honor, loyalty, and obedience. Yet, it also lifts them up, separating them from the rest of humanity and granting strength to reflect His essence amidst worldly challenges. Possessing His name binds them closely to Him, their very God, as a source of unending support and identity.

What's in a Name Anyway?

Article by David F. Maas

At birth, a person's name is merely a label, carrying little significance beyond family ties. By the time of death, however, a person has built a reputation, either good or bad, through a lifetime of actions, and this reputation becomes a legacy that can help or harm future generations. A name associated with honor, like that of Abraham or Job, brings inherent respect, while a name tied to infamy can burden descendants with grief. The value of a good name is evident in how it can ease transitions and create trust, as seen when a respected mentor's recommendation smoothed the path for a new role, carrying expectations to uphold that same standard of excellence. Bearing the Family name of God imposes an awesome responsibility to honor its nobility and dignity. The reputation we build within our church, businesses, or institutions becomes the legacy we pass to our brothers, sisters, and children. When individuals who share this Family name act in ways that bring disgrace, it tarnishes the collective honor, as seen in instances where misconduct by a few damaged the standing of an entire group. It takes years to build a reputation, but only moments to destroy it. God's name, now shared with us, is worth far more than all the riches of the world, and we must live in a way that upholds its sanctity, ensuring that our actions reflect the honor of bearing His name.

The Plain Truth About the "Sacred Name"

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

The contention of the so-called Sacred Name teaching is that the names of the Creator-Father and of His Son, the Savior, are sacred only in the Hebrew language. Advocates of this belief claim it is wrong, even sin, to use the names of the Father or the Son in the English language. They allow the use of English translations of the Bible, but insist that when it comes to the names of the Father and the Son, one must speak or write them in Hebrew. There is no scripture that supports the idea that the names of the Father or the Son must always be written or spoken in the Hebrew language. The truth is, the names of God or of Christ are as sacred in one language as another, and no scripture states otherwise. Their basic premise is a false supposition that the name "God" is of pagan origin, leading them to argue that using it is a pagan custom and sinful, even in naming the true Church. However, this contention is not substantiated by the Scriptures, nor does it align with the usage of Christ, the apostles, or the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Godly Character

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

None of us is born with godly character; we develop it over a lifetime, working with God to develop right habits, conforming to God's holy characteristics.

Character and Reputation (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by James Beaubelle

We can never destroy another's standing before God, but we can easily injure his or her standing before other people. We truly are our brother's keeper.

Our Reputation, Our Character

Article by Staff

What is the difference between reputation and character? Which is more important? Ultimately, our character should be the foundation of our reputation.

The Third Commandment

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The third commandment may be the most misunderstood of all. This commandment covers the quality of our worship — how we bear God's name before others.

Character and Reputation (Part One)

CGG Weekly by James Beaubelle

Obedience to God's laws brings great benefits. By living within the framework of what God has revealed, we receive the reward of developing godly character.

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 Ninth Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot measure how much evil the tongue has perpetrated, for falsehoods disguised as truth have destroyed reputations and even nations.

Character and Reputation

Article by James Beaubelle

Obedience to God's instructions brings a Christian excellent benefits, and one of the greatest of these is working with God to grow in righteous character.

Shane and Integrity

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If the past is good, the present can't hurt you, and if the past is bad, it will haunt you. In Wordsworth's words, 'The child is the father of the man.'

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.

The Ninth Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The world is so full of lying and other forms of deceit that 'bearing false witness' has become a way of life for the vast majority of humanity.

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.

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 Commandments (Part Eighteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

A community can only be established upon a foundation of stability and truth. Our relationships must be based upon God's truth, producing faithfulness.

The Ninth Commandment

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.