In a recent project with a publishing company I was asked to write about the various names of God found throughout the bible. My research led me to interesting findings I felt called to share through this ministry.
Did you know there were more than 21 names for God in the bible? In deed, those who wrote the many texts of the word of God refer to Him using Adonai, Jehovah Jireh, El, Jehovah-Mekaddishkem, El Elohe Yisrael, Jehovah-Nissi, El Elyon, Jehovah-Rapha, Elohim, Jehovah-Rohi, El Olam, Jehovah-Sabaoth, El Roi, Jehovah-Shalom, El Shaddai, Jehovah-Shammah, Immanuel, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah, Yah or Jah and YHWH.
Meant to describe specific attributes of God, each name derives of the original Hebrew tetragrammaton for the divine nature of God or “YHWH” pronounced “Yahweh” in English. Often replaced with Lord (or Adonai in Hebrew), Yahweh is often avoided since it’s actual pronunciation has been lost in antiquity.
Though the Holy Trinity, a single expression describing God in three persons, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son and God the Father. The English word “God” originated from pagan deities long before it was used to describe Yahweh, our supreme Lord.
Looking at the different mainstream world religions we see that many of them recognize the same God as both the creator and ultimate judge.
Jews pray to the same God as Christians. The Torah describes God through numerous names (listed above) in an effort to describe the various attributes of יהוה (translated YHWH, pronounced Yahweh).
Muslims use the Arabic word “Allah” when making reference or praying to God which translates to “God with no other beside Him”. Contrary to popular belief, it is a fact Muslims believe in the same God as Christians and Jews.
Generally viewed as a cult without a supreme being, Buddhism involves solar divinity based on eternal essence achieved through works. Buddhists refute the concept of God’s divinity, His creations and his word found in the bible.
As English speaking Christians, what is most important is that we remember to use His name with utmost respect. As commanded by scripture, disciples of Jesus Christ are called to obey commandments carved on the stones brought down by Moses.
“2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3)
There is no doubt about the meaning of the verses above. God has no flexibility for those who deviate from the truth or the fact there is only one divine being to be referred to as the only and only God. Those who obey this command will be greatly rewarded.
“7 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. ” (Exodus 20:7)
The verse above illustrates the judgment of God upon those who use His name in vain. In this commandment, God clearly warns against misuse of the name of the Lord. While proper use of the various names of God are certainly pleasing to the Lord, thoughtless use is not, even in worship.
Many believe using the name of the Lord in repetition during worship or prayer is acceptable and pleasing to God. Carelessly using God or Lord in every sentence during prayer not only takes away from the act of worship but denotes obvious disobedience of the Lord’s commandment found in Exodus 20:7. True disciples of Jesus Christ speak from their hearts without misusing god’s name.
“17 Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:17-19)
Misuse of God’s names have become disgustingly habitual and unfortunately, part of every day life. It should not be so! Disciples of Jesus Christ are commanded to take a stand against misuse of God’s names.
Too often, we find ourselves witnesses of such abuse and choose to ignore it turning our backs on God given mission. Along with faith in Jesus Christ and salvation made possible through God’s grace come great responsibility. Believers are called to do many things in the name of the Lord, one of which involves facing persecution from those living in darkness. Let us never allow evil to conquer our faith of prevent us from spreading God’s light onto the world.
An even bigger responsibility involves provoking other believers to rid themselves of misuse of God’s names. The bible features a perfect verse that illustrates exactly that: “17As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
I invite you to call on this ministry for prayer and guidance how to rid yourself of misuse of God’s names. We offer answers to commonly asked questions and are ready to assist you in your walk along the narrow path that leads to eternal life in heaven. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for all the blessings you bestow upon us
And all the rewards that await us in heaven where we will rejoice with you,
We thank you for your word and for the guidance we find through it
And for the mission you give us in this life, in this body.
Lord we pray you will continue to look after us
And our families, our friends and those in need,
We ask for more of you in our lives
And less of the world and the distractions found in it.
Holy Father let there be a Heaven and a Hell
And your promise from above fulfilled,
Lay upon the earth the second coming of Christ Jesus
Returning to lead His children home.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
