Why do I ask? Because God is a "descriptive" title, never being a name. Similarly, in this context, if one is utilizing a descriptive title, then why not expose to others whom it is that you are calling God?
Further, we have all heard that God is love. And God is light -- the shining Light of the world. We also recognize that God is not a respecter of persons. God has not two laws, one for the rich and another for the poor. He has given us two commandments -- the first being to love Him (and seek Him by faith in His Word) with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then to serve as a flow through by loving one another.
But in order to know God, we need to read the scriptures. We need to study His Word so that He can reveal Himself to us. Therein, we will learn that God has a name. In fact, as a result of knowing His name and calling upon His name we shall know the truth that will set us free. So does that mean citing the phrase "in the name of God" or "Father God" -- as the religious circles state? Of course not. But note also that God is not the author of confusion.
So what is in a name? What do names represent? You as a individual would never let anyone misrepresent or discredit your name. Why? Because your name is who you are. In fact, to some extent, it dictates who you are. And in fact, your name will outlive you because even your offspring will bear your name. The same principle applies to God. He has a name.
Likewise, when you know God’s name, then you would not by any means desire to discredit or misrepresent His name. Note too that neither Jehovah or Yahweh are God’s name in this current dispensation of grace. Why not? Because God never revealed either as being His name in the new testament.
But there is a name, as the scriptures repeatedly point out, which is above every other name in heaven and on earth. And the one who bears that name is the One God who is before all things. He is also the One God who made all things. This One God who is Spirit has revealed HIMSELF to all of mankind as a Son. He did not reveal Himself as another person in the Godhead but as God Himself dwelling among us.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
God who is Spirit, inhabited a man’s body, endeavouring to reveal Himself to His people. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
" I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:13-14)
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts: I AM THE FIRST, AND I AM THE LAST; AND BESIDE ME THERE IS NO GOD.” (Isaiah 44:6)
“Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I AM THE FIRST, I ALSO AM THE LAST.” (Isaiah 48:12)
Indeed, this same Almighty God who gave Himself for us bears the name of JESUS! The only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. The only name in which we can be water baptized -- Acts 2:38. Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus.
How do we know this? God reveals Himself through the Word. He who knew no sin became sin for us. So much so that even the angels worship Him. So did the wise men worship Him. Yes, Almighty God's name is Jesus. The Jehovah of the old covenant being Jesus in the new testament. The greatest love story ever shared with mankind,
So next time you hear someone say, "in the name of God," you can whisper the precious name Jesus. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment