Chapter 1. 7
Names of God
I
have made you known to them,
and
will continue to make you known
John 17:26 NIV
First Word
I must confess that some teachers of the Word,
teach in error, that there is not a Trinity, but there is just one God that has three
different OFFICES with three different TITLES.
So get ready to
get upset.
The Father is God,
but the Father is not the Son, nor the Holy Spirit.
The Son is God,
but the Son is not the Father, nor the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is God,
but the Holy Spirit is not the Father, nor the Son.[1]
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three
distinct persons of God. The Trinity. Sometime it’s hard to separate their names as
they all are pointing back to the same “I AM”.
But for the sake of argument, I am separating them here, but in the end,
they all describe God and His attributes from Power to Compassion. I think the Lord’s Prayer sums up God’s name
the best when Jesus said,
“HALLOWED be your Name”[2]
Reverence
In the first book of the Bible, God divinely names
himself, “The I
AM”.[3] God’s name in Hebrew is 
YHWH. The Tetragrammaton components of YHWH are;
Y meaning roughly "He", and the root HWH,
which is connected with acts of creation or "He creates”, or "He causes to be".
The Hebrew
letters are read right to left; He Waw He Yodh, meaning;
“To Be”
or “He Is”. The Latin translation
of YHWH or YHVH and the vowels from “Adonai” gives
us JeHoVaH which we pronounce as YAHWEH
or YEHOWAH or YEHOVAH which is translated LORD.
Most of God’s names describe his attributes.
Adonai (master); El (mighty one), El Shaddai (almighty); Elyon (highest), Elohim (The plural form of
god, not referring to other gods, but to honor and lift up the magnitude of
God’s authority and majesty as creator and sustainer of the world.) For
us as Christians the name or names of God are quite common place and in fact
are used quite flippantly with terms we hear such as “O My God”. [4]
This was not so in the beginning, the name of God was held in such high
esteem that they would not even pronounce it, in fear of death.[5] Out of respect, the scribes using
circumlocution and alternate names would substitute Adonai or Elohim for the
name of God or instead of saying “Kingdom of God” they would use another term
like “Kingdom
of Heaven”.
Seven
Reverent Names
God’s name is to be reverenced and
glorified. Twice God glorified His name;
once at Jesus’ baptism and once again at His Crucifixion.[6]
There were seven names of God that particular care and reverence was
given by Israel;
1) Adonai My Lord… 2) Ehyeeh-Asher-Ehyeh, I am that I
am… 3)
Eloah
God… 4)
Elohim
God 5)
El Shaddai
God Almighty… 6)
YHWH,
I am that I am… 7)
YHWH Tzevaot, Lord of Host.
Names
Describing God
There is a “Natural Revelation” of God; observing all that He
has made; His acts. Then there is “Special Revelation”
which is “the
Bible”, where we learn who God is and His deity. Except for God naming Himself “I am that I am”,
the names are a description of Him or His character or His work. He said he was
the Alpha and the Omega the first and the last. He said His name is “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”.
He said His name is Love.
The name of the Lord is hallowed; a person that comes in the “Name of
the Lord” walks blessed. To the Hebrews,
God was understood to be both hidden and present. The term El stressed
the distance between God and man, His might and His Deity. Yahweh translated Jehovah seems to mean “He who is truly
present”; HIS PRESENCE, hear and now, active among men.
* Abba Father,
“Daddy” *
Adir, "Strong One" * Adon Olam, "Master of the World" *
Aibishter, "The Most High" * Adonai, “My Lord” * Ehiyeh sh'Ehiyeh, "I Am That
I Am" *
EL, “God” *
Elah-avahati, “God of my fathers”, * Elah Elahin, “God of gods” * El elyon, “God Most High” * Elah
Yerushelem, “God of Jerusalem” * Elah Yisrael, “God of Israel” * Elah Shemaya, ”God of Heaven” * El Roi, “The God who sees” * El Shaddai, “God Almighty” * El
Shadday, “Sustainer” * Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak ve Elohei
Ya`aqov,"God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob" * Elohei
Sara, Elohei Rivka, Elohei Leah ve Elohei Rakhel, "God of Sarah, God of
Rebecca, God of Leah, and God of Rachel" * El ha-Gibbor, "God the
Hero" or "God the Strong" or "God the Warrior" * Emet, "Truth"
*
E'in Sof, "Endless, Infinite"- Elohim Sebaot, “God of Sabaoth” – El
Berit, “God of the Covenant”. * HaKadosh, Barukh Hu (Hebrew); HaRachaman -"The Merciful One" *
Jehovah Shalom, The Lord is peace * Jehovah Jireh, “The Lord will provide” – Jehovah
Nissi, “The Lord is my Banner” – Jehovah shammah, “The Lord is there” *
Jehovah Tsebaoth, “The Lord of host” – Jehovah Elohe Israel, “Lord God of
Israel” *
Kadosh Israel, "Holy One of Israel" * Kudsha, Brikh Hu (Aramaic), "The Holy One, Blessed Be
He" *
Melech HaMelachim, "The King of Kings" or Melech Malchei
HaMelachim, "The King; King of Kings" * Makom or HaMakom,
"The Place" * Magen Avraham, "Shield of Abraham" *
Mechayeh Metim, "Life giver to the Dead" * Mechayeh HaKol, "Life giver
to All” *
Matir Asurim, "Freer of the Captives" * Malbish Arumim, "Clother of
the Naked" * Oseh Shalom, "Maker of
Peace" *
Pokeach Ivrim, "Opener of Blind Eyes" * Ribono shel `Olam, "Master of the World" * Ro'eh
Yisra'el, "Shepherd of Israel" * Rofeh Cholim, "Healer of the Sick" * Somech
Noflim, "Supporter of the Fallen"
*
Tzur Israel, "Rock of Israel” * Uri Gol, "The New LORD for a New Era" * YHWH, “I am who I am”; “I will be who I will be”
(Yahweh, Lord) * YHWH-Yireh (Adonai-jireh), "The LORD Will Provide" *
YHWH-Rapha, "The LORD that Healeth" * YHWH-Niss"i (Adonai-Nissi), "The LORD Our
Banner" *
YHWH-Shalom, "The LORD Our Peace" * YHWH-Ro'I, "The LORD My
Shepherd" *
YHWH-Tsidkenu, "The LORD Our Righteousness" * YHWH-Shammah (Adonai-shammah), "The LORD Is Present" *
Yotsehr Or,"Fashioner of Light" * Zokef kefufim , "Straightener of the
Bent"
More Names describing God
*
The Highest *
Godhead * Righteous God * God of Gods * Strength * Rock * Shield * Deliverer * Savior *
Redeemer *
Mighty One *
Holy One *
Sovereign Lord * Lord of Lords * Lord of Hosts. [7]
Names of
Jesus
The Name of Jesus was
not selected by men, but divinely given by angelic messengers. The name comes from the Greek form of the
name Joshua which means Yahweh, “The Lord Saves”. Jesus was a common name therefore to
distinguish Him he is called Jesus Christ.
When you ask “In the name of Jesus” you are identifying the God to whom
you are praying. Reverence for the name
of Jesus was expressed by Paul as saying “Every knee should bow”.
The Title Christ translated
from Greek to Hebrew means “anointed one” as one anointed to be a king; thus,
what was a title became part of His name. The magi were seeking “The King of the Jews”. He was called Immanuel meaning “God with us;”
think about that; God stood among men.
The
Greek word Kyrious
appears over 700 times in the NT and means, “Lord or master and perhaps God”. Close
behind it is the word Mari which is an elevated polite term such as
“Teacher
or Rabbi”.
Yesua,
“The Lord is Salvation.” He is called Logos,
“The Word” from the creation of the earth in Genesis to its demise in
Revelation. Jesus; “The proclaimer” became “The proclaimed”.
Names and
titles of Jesus; Author of Life… Bright Morning Star… Day Star…
Jesus of Nazareth… The Nazarene… Son of David… Son of Man… Apostle… Wonderful
Councilor… Advocate… Mediator… Teacher… Rabbi… Rabboni… High Priest… Prophet…
Messiah…The Good Shepherd… Christ… The Holy One of God… Holy and Righteous One…
Son of God… Son of the living God… Lord and God… Mighty God… Lamb of God… Lamb…
Bread of Life… Light of the World… King of the Jews… King of Israel… King of
King… Lord… Lord of Lords… Savior… Servant… Suffering Servant… The Door… The
Gate… The way… The Truth… The Life… Word of Life… The True Vine… The Amen…
Faithful and True… Everlasting Father… Prince of Peace… The Lord our
Righteousness… Righteous Branch… Root of David… Lion of the tribe of Judah… The
Second Adam… Melchizedek… I am… The resurrection, and the life.[8]
Names of
the Holy Spirit
Teachings
concerning the Holy Spirit are woefully neglected and is a subject that
needs careful examination. In the
beginning, God was center stage and Jesus and the Holy Spirit were waiting in
the stage wings. Then Jesus was center
stage and God and the Holy Spirit were in the wings. Today The Holy Spirit is Center Stage. Were it not for the Holy Spirit, there would
not be a church on earth. This Church
age
The Holy Spirit is the “Life Principal”
in which the work of Jesus Christ and the Apostles were facilitated. Jesus was created a man and needed the Holy
Spirit in His life. The Holy Spirit is a
separate person of the Trinity, separate from Jesus and separate from the Father
and is subordinate to both. His work is to point the way to Jesus and to God.
There are many symbols
that represent the Holy Spirit such as; Water, Oil, Fire, light, Cloud, Dove, breath and wind.[9]
The Holy Spirit is also known as the
Holy Ghost, the Paraclete, the Counselor, and the Spirit of Truth. There are over 90 different references to the
Holy Spirit in the New Testament and three direct references in the Old
Testament and there are many references to just “The Spirit” that can be found in
Genesis at the creation of the world.
The Spirits purpose
is to comfort, inspire, support, guide, intercede and be an advocate for the
believer during hard times and to convict the unredeemed person of their sins. One could read the scriptures and conclude
that there are many Spirits of the Father… Not So. He just has different names. Sometime we have to go back into the Greek or
Hebrew to get translations of words such as “Spirit” which is translated Ruach (in Hebrew)
and Pneuma
(in Greek) both meaning “wind or
breath”. Just think of it; God
breathing the “Spirit”
of life into you. Jesus breathed on the disciples and said
“Receive the Holy Spirit”.
Man received his breath spirit from God
and when he dies the breath spirit will return to Him. This same Spirit gives life, convicts,
conserves, renews, enables, empowers, illuminates, guides and withdraws life in
a continuous process. He is the source
of man’s inspiration, reason, endowments, gifts and artistic skills. The Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ through us.
Our body is a temple in which the Holy
Spirit dwells and works. He is in
“oneness” with Christ, and when we are in oneness with the Holy Spirit, we are
also in oneness with Christ. When in
oneness, we exhibit the virtues and graces of the fruit of His Spirit; love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control;
it’s all just ONE
fruit.[10]
He penetrates our innermost being and
discerns the thoughts and intent of our heart.
There are nine qualities that characterize the person on whom the
Holy Spirit rest; Wisdom… Understanding… Counsel… Power/strength… Knowledge…
Fear of the Lord… Righteousness … Justice/fairness… and Faithfulness. [11]
There are three virtues
of those empowered by the Spirit; Prayer, Faith and Obedience. The Holy Spirit has the title; “The Spirit of
Truth” differentiating and contrasting between evil spirits on earth
that spew out “error” and confusion.[12]
Some description names;
Advocate… Breath of Life… Spirit of Life… The Comforter… The Councilor… Another
Councilor… Spirit of your Father… Spirit of Jehovah… Holy Spirit… Eternal
Spirit… Spirit of Grace… Spirit of Counsel and Might… Spirit of Wisdom and
Understanding… Spirit of Knowledge… Spirit of Truth… Spirit of Promise… Spirit
of Jesus… Spirit of His Son… Spirit of Christ… Spirit of Jehovah… Spirit of
God… Spirit of the Living God… Spirit of Holiness… Spirit of Judgment… Spirit
without Limit.
Descriptive names footnotes[13]
Seven
Spirits of God
Because
the Seven Spirits of God
are mentioned in Revelation, I felt like I needed to mention what it’s all
about. Three is the number of the Trinity and four is the number of God’s
handiwork. Three and four are seven. The number seven in scripture represents
completeness. The Seven Spirits are seven characteristics of
the Holy Spirit.
All together they represent the complete
Spirit of the Lord.
Wisdom,
Understanding, Counsel, Power, Knowledge, Righteousness and Faithfulness.[14]
I would love to talk to you
about Jesus Christ,
but I cannot until you
believe that there is a God.
The next step is belief in the ONE God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
YAHWEH
– JEHOVAH
Something to
ponder
In the beginning God turned on the lights.
In the end He will turn them off.
Ready or not.
[1] Matthew 28:19 – Father,
Son and Holy Spirit -- John 17:6 – God has revealed Himself to those that would
believe
[2] Matthew 6:9 – God’s name
is “Hallowed”
[3] Exodus
[4] Exodus 20:7 – Don’t use
the name of God flippantly.
[5] Lev 24:16 – Use God’s
name in vain and be put to death
[6] John
[7] John
[8] Philippians
[9] 1 Corinthians
[10] Galatians 5:22-23 – Love,
Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control.
[11] Isaiah 11:2-5 – Nine
qualities of the Spirit; Wisdom – Understanding – Counsel – Power/strength –
Knowledge – Fear of the Lord – Righteousness – Justice/fairness – Faithfulness.
[12] John
[13] Genesis 1:1-2 – In the
beginning – The Holy Spirit -- John
[14] Isaiah 11:2-5 – Seven
Spirits of God -- Revelation 1:4 - Seven Spirits before the Throne --
Revelation 3:1 - The Seven Spirits of God --
Revelation 4:5 - The Seven Spirits of God -- Revelation 5:6 - The Seven Spirits
of God
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