"WHAT IS HIS NAME?"...Proverbs 30:4

Arguments and Responses Concerning the Use of "Sacred Names" for God

Preface

Our first purpose should always be to arrive at truth, even if that means the pain of sacrificing precious (but false) understanding we have held, perhaps for many years. This degree of commitment to truth obligates us to consider every argument, even if seemingly trivial. This exhaustive approach is not unprofitable as, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Tim. 3:16). This study is no exception. It has given us an increased appreciation for the meaning of God's "shem" [Heb. name(s)] and a better understanding of several related topics. It required us to study and to meditate upon recorded conversations between God and men. In doing this, we discovered a richer understanding of the individuals involved and of what was being expressed. We pray that this article will also help the understanding of all who read it.

Writing to serve,
Mel and Guyna Horne
July. 1999

 

Introduction

Anyone can address the doctrine, of the use of Hebrew words for the names of the Father and the Son, either positively or negatively. Anyone can address it in a brief summary of arguments and scriptures. Many have felt that this was sufficient and gone on to other things. However, many articles and even whole books have been produced, setting forth numerous arguments and quoting more than a few scriptures to support this doctrine. Not all the pro-names groups use all of the arguments. In fact, one pro-names author publicly stated that, among these arguments, "a lot" are "peripheral topics" and that "others ... don't deserve to even be mentioned." However, the effects of the existence of the "names doctrine," including all of it's many arguments, have been significant for some.
We found very few who disputed that "yhvh" (or some variation of it) is a Hebrew name for "God," and no one who disputed that "Joshua" or "yeshua" (or some variation thereof) is a Hebrew name for "Jesus Christ." However, we found no end to the arguments over what constituted proof, over spelling, over pronunciation, and what is more important, over the significance of using or not using the Hebrew names for the Father and the Son, as a determinant for blessings and even for salvation. So the main argument is not whether "yhwh" and "yeshua" (or variations of them) represent names of the Father and the Son. The main arguments concern whether the use or non-use of the "names" is a matter of sin, and whether it is a matter of God's favor, blessings, protection and salvation. There are some who will even argue this point, insisting that the main dispute is merely a matter of spelling and pronunciation.

One pro-names group explained the high esteem in which they hold the doctrine of names in comparison to other doctrines. We found this to be typical of the majority of over 100 webpages from which we obtained doctrinal statements. "We teach the importance of the revealed, personal Name of our Heavenly Father Yahweh and that of His Son, our Redeemer, Yahshua the Messiah. This primary scriptural doctrine, setting us apart from other religious groups today, is strongly proclaimed by the Assemblies of Yahweh."
(Source: http://marvin.ecc.cc.mo.us/~rdimmett/aoy/intro.html.)
This webpage said nothing about the "gospel of Christ or Messiah".

Another group proclaimed it's importance this way, "In short, the Name God revealed to Moses is the most powerful religious truth in the world, a huge canopy under which all other religions and truths reside." (Source: The Foundation For The Name http://www.yhwh.com.)

Another pro-names group reflects a similar attitude by the content of it's on-line literature list. Judging from the titles of the 312 articles available, 58 are about "the names". There are possibly others but the titles are not specific. Based on the titles given (none of the articles are on-line), we have the following:
Qty. /Subject

58 "sacred names"
23 Passover
20 calendar
7 Sabbath
1 salvation
0 specifically, the gospel of Christ or Messiah

The other topics appear to have fewer than 10 articles per subject, based on the titles given. Rather than make judgments based on outward appearances, we will simply refer to a scripture that seems appropriate here.
"...for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
And why call you me, Lord, Lord, (Gk. kurios, supreme in authority, God, Lord, master, Sir) and do not the things which I say?" (Lk. 6:45-46).

Another pro-names website shows their priority is "names" while "salvation" is in second place (emphasis ours).

"Our Mission: Yahweh's New Covenant Assembly's purpose is to reach people around the world with the message of the revealed personal Names of Yahweh and His Son Yahshua the Messiah as well as re-teaching the salvation truths that have been neglected for centuries."

Their priority, as reflected in their literature list, is to offer 26 articles and booklets on "names", and possibly two on "salvation" (but the titles are not specific). They offer a total of 76 pieces of literature, so the ratio is 34% "names" to 66% for all other miscellaneous "salvation truths" combined.

Another group is even more blunt in the importance they attach to the "true personal name" (emphasis ours):

"Do you know that without the true personal name of the Family of heaven, Yahowah and Yaho-Hoshu-wah, you cannot receive the forgiveness for your sins? That's how serious it is. If you are still calling upon and using the false substituted names and titles_God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, Iesous, Iesus, Christos, Yahweh, Yahveh, Yahshua, Yeshua, Yahvehshua, and Jehovah_you do not have salvation and your sins have not been forgiven." Bishop Gordon Keith Pearce, The Assembly of Yahowah the Eternal "
(Source: http://www.bibleresearch.org/law/sacredname.html)

This emphasis on the knowledge and use of Hebrew names as a requirement for blessings, favor, protection and even salvation, is the primary distinguishing feature between those in the "names movement" and those who simply use the Hebrew names out of personal preference, or those who also use other names of God.
Arguments over words are not something new. In Acts 18:15, even the Proconsul over part of Macedonia was familiar with such disputes within the Jewish population of Corinth, and refused to involve himself in such issues.
The doctrine of "Hebrew names" has literally divided some congregations to the point of permanent separation. Among those we know personally, we heard from a mutual friend, about a "minister", who boasted of his plans privately and later succeeded in using the "names" to split another congregation to increase his own following. Some arguments used to support the "names" bring into question the credibility of the entire New Testament account, and the validity of Christ as Savior. It has led some to become so enamored of "Jewish" culture to the point of rejecting Christianity (as a belief in Christ or Yeshua) and accepting "Judaism". Christian scholars refer to "Judaism" as a "system of observance, not faith." [In other words, a faith in a system of physical "do's" and "don'ts" to obtain salvation, rather than, salvation by faith (demonstrated by good works).]

Belief that the Hebrew words are valid names does not require these radical changes in one's religion. To a lessor degree of acceptance, some use the Hebrew names in the belief that it somehow pleases God. Others believe that it is preferable to use the Hebrew names, but that non-use does not jeopardize one's salvation.

The arguments do involve some significant questions. What is God's name? What, if anything, does He command us regarding the use of His name? We would expect His name to be of significance, but what is that significance? Does He have more than one name? Are there "wrong" names for God? There are other questions and many arguments, as the length of this article suggests. We have attempted to address them all adequately, but without excessive commentary.

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