WHAT IS GOD'S NAME? (7)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) Does God DEMAND we refer to him using a special or "sacred" name - or does he even care? Do people sin when they refer to our Creator as GOD? Do requests and pleas for help go UNHEARD if a particular Hebrew word referencing the Almighty is NOT used in prayer? Is it sinful and disrespectful to call the Savior of the world Jesus or Jesus Christ?
There are many arguments supporting the doctrine that, like a unique key, God is reachable only through a SPECIAL name whose spelling or pronunciation is correct. One of the most popular set of names used to refer to God revolves around what is known as the Tetragammaton. The Tetragammaton is composed of four consonants, usually YHVH or YHWH, that are used in the Hebrew language to refer to God. When ancient Hebrew was written it was done so without any vowels. Those who read the consonants referring to God were forced to supply the vowel sounds that were missing.
1. Fundamental error
a) Fundamentally, the error committed by the doctrine that Christians must use Hebrew names when referencing the Godhead is an idea that is read into several scriptures in the Old Testament. When those who have such beliefs confront New Testament Greek text that contradicts their position, the text is said to be wrong.
b) What is almost entirely forgotten is that, in God's sight, it is not what we say but what we do while serving him that matters (Matthew 7:21). Let us look at one last scripture.
i) In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God . . . Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. (Hebrews 5:7)
c) Note that Jesus was heard not because He used a special reference to his father. He was heard because his was humble and feared God.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) Does God DEMAND we refer to him using a special or "sacred" name - or does he even care? Do people sin when they refer to our Creator as GOD? Do requests and pleas for help go UNHEARD if a particular Hebrew word referencing the Almighty is NOT used in prayer? Is it sinful and disrespectful to call the Savior of the world Jesus or Jesus Christ?
There are many arguments supporting the doctrine that, like a unique key, God is reachable only through a SPECIAL name whose spelling or pronunciation is correct. One of the most popular set of names used to refer to God revolves around what is known as the Tetragammaton. The Tetragammaton is composed of four consonants, usually YHVH or YHWH, that are used in the Hebrew language to refer to God. When ancient Hebrew was written it was done so without any vowels. Those who read the consonants referring to God were forced to supply the vowel sounds that were missing.
1. Fundamental error
a) Fundamentally, the error committed by the doctrine that Christians must use Hebrew names when referencing the Godhead is an idea that is read into several scriptures in the Old Testament. When those who have such beliefs confront New Testament Greek text that contradicts their position, the text is said to be wrong.
b) What is almost entirely forgotten is that, in God's sight, it is not what we say but what we do while serving him that matters (Matthew 7:21). Let us look at one last scripture.
i) In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God . . . Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. (Hebrews 5:7)
c) Note that Jesus was heard not because He used a special reference to his father. He was heard because his was humble and feared God.
2. Conclusion
a) To the Eternal, disputes over what is his 'real' name and how to pronounce it are trivial by comparison to us learning more about His magnificence, power, and authority, which the meaning of his titles and names point to. Using one name or pronunciation over another in reference to God does not affected our prayers are heard or not. In the final analysis, if God want us to use a special name for him, he will no doubt tell us in the resurrection.
a) To the Eternal, disputes over what is his 'real' name and how to pronounce it are trivial by comparison to us learning more about His magnificence, power, and authority, which the meaning of his titles and names point to. Using one name or pronunciation over another in reference to God does not affected our prayers are heard or not. In the final analysis, if God want us to use a special name for him, he will no doubt tell us in the resurrection.
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