|
|
Proverbs 30:4
We are not safe when we take a position that we will not accept anything else than that upon which we have settled as truth. We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for ourselves." R & H, Vol. 2, page 311. 1889.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
This is a controversial doctrine, as is true with many Bible doctrines. All that we ask our readers is to read with an open mind, free from prejudice, and wait until you have read the last page of this book before making up your own mind on this doctrine. In our quotations from the Scriptures, we have restored the revealed Name of the Almighty where the word "GOD" and "LORD" are capitalized, and where "Lord" and "God" are not capitalized, we have either used the original inspired titles or translated these titles into a more appropriate and fitting one due the dignity and honor of our Creator, rather than the titles that reflect a pagan origin.
We have also deleted the Shakespearean terminology, which has died to common usage hundreds of years ago.
The Savior taught us to pray: "Our Father which are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name." Do you know the Name of the Father? If you do not - How can you Hallow it? These are important questions that demand an answer because in the End Time, our salvation will depend upon knowing His Name, using His Name, and living our lives in conformity to the standard of that Name so that we will not take it in vain (Falsely).
Solomon once asked a series of 5 questions, which bring us to this same important question. His questions were:
1. "Who has ascended up into heaven or descended?
2. "Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
3. "Who has bound the waters in a garment?
4. "Who has established all the ends of the earth?
5. "What is His name, and what is His Son's name, if you can tell?
Proverbs 30:4
When we answer that last question we automatically answer the previous 4 questions. So the purpose of this study is not only to answer the last question: "What is His name, and what is His Son's name", who did all these wonderful things, but to show why it is not commonly known, and to show why it is important to know that Name.
It is a fact that the great majority of those who profess to serve The Almighty, refer to Him in sermon, song, and prayer by either indefinite titles or by erroneous names.
You will notice that Solomon does not ask the question: What are His Names, but "What is His Name?" The Father has only ONE NAME, but many titles. The same is true with His Son. It is this ONE NAME in which all the families in heaven and earth will be named that we should be interested in knowing, because it is with this ONE NAME of the Father and this ONE NAME of the Son that the 144,000 living saints will be sealed. A special angel instructed the 4 angels to hold back the "4 winds" or the great tribulation "till we have sealed the servants of our Mighty One in their foreheads" Revelation 7:3. John was instructed to write: "And I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had His name and His Father's name written on their foreheads" (Revelation 14:1). Since the 144,000 saints are sealed in their forehead, and since the Father's and the Son's Name is written in their forehead then the seal of the Almighty must be this Family Name "of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is Named" (Ephesians 3:15). Therefore, if the seal contains this Family Name - Don't you think the saints will know this Name, will use this Name, and live their lives in accordance to the character of that Name? I believe you can see the logical force of this argument.
In contrast to the sealing of the 144,000 with the Lamb’s and Father's Name, there will be millions sealed or marked with the name of the Man of Sin. (Revelation 13:8,16,17) Since the Man of Sin or "Beast" has a mark, and that mark consist of "the name of the beast, or the number of his name," we can also see that the controversy in the last days will be over a Name. It will be a question of whom will you believe, whose name or banner will you enroll under. It will be fundamentally the same old controversy that Elijah had with the prophets of Baal when he asked the people, "How long do you halt between two opinions? If Yah is the Ruler, follow Him: but if Baal be the Ruler, then follow him." ( Kings 18:21) The controversy again will be between the Baal or Babylonian system of religions and the true Israel of Yah. We may not know the name of this coming "Man of Sin", who will sponsor and head this modern Baal system, but a thorough study of the Scriptures will unmask him. We do know, however, the Father's Name - the Blessed Family Name by which the 144,000 saints will be sealed. That seal or Name is represented by 2 Hebrew characters - hy - (YH-reading from right to left). These 2 letters make up the revealed Family Name of The Almighty and is used approximately 7000 times in the Old Testament Scriptures, along with the 2 letters - hw - (VH) which means Eternal, self-existent One, the Life Giver. There are some who teach that we should not use this Name because it is too sacred or because they believe that the pronunciation has been lost. When you search the Scriptures you will find His name in Psalm 68:4. "YAH". Every time you say "Hallelujah" you are praising Yah. (Halleluyah means "Praise Yah").
It is not only interesting to note that the 144,000 have the Father's and Son's Name sealed in their foreheads, but the "Philadelphian" Assembly is mentioned as a people who "Have kept My word, and has not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8). Again, it is stated of the Philadelphian believers: "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you." (Revelation 3:9). The term "Jew" in this verse means more than nationality, because The Creator is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) Men are not saved on the basis of race, but on the basis of faith. "Know therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." (Galatians 3:7) The Hebrew word for "Jew" is those of Judah, and means those who praise Yah. So who then is a real Judean? Those who take upon them the name of Yah, and who by faith accept the Savior, and live their lives in conformity with the Law of Yah. In other words, those who "say they are Jews and are not", are those who are not praising Yah. Those who do not praise Yah, which is the real meaning of "Judean", are not really true believers in a spiritual sense. The Son of Yah came in the Name of Yah. A real spiritual believer will accept the Son that came in that Family Name. But there is a world of difference between knowing that Name, and failing to exalt, and use that Name in prayer and praise. When we fail to live in obedience to the character of that Name, it is the same as forsaking that Name. In Psalm 68:4, His name YAH is written as "JAH" in the modern KJV. The original 1611 KJV says "IAH". Why then do we have "Jah" now when originally His name was YAH? The letter "J" was first introduced into the English language by a printer by the name of Gille Beys in 1565. Before that time, there was no letter "J" in the English language. The Hebrew language does not have a letter "J"; neither does the Greek language have a "J". Because of the Latin influence in the 15 century, we have the "J" instead of the original "Y", " y " the Yod, of the Hebrew. (See the 1957 ediction of The World Book Encyl., page 3947, under "J") So the Name of the true Creator was "Yah", and was printed as "Jah", but pronounced as "Yah" as in the word "hallelujah." Notice the reading of Psalm 68:4 NKJV where the Inspired Name of The Almighty is used. It reads as follows:
"Sing unto God, sing praises to His name: extol Him that rides upon the heavens by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him."
If we are commanded to sing praises to His Name as in the great Halleluyah chorus of Handel; and if we are to "extol" or honor "His Name Yah" then how can we do this - unless we use this Name by speaking, singing, and praying in this Beloved Name?
This Name (hy) pronounced "YAH" is used 7000 times in the Old Testament, with the addition of (hw) which means Life Giver, Eternal, Self-existent One. But only in a few passages have the translators used the 4 characters together as "Jehovah." They have substituted, in many cases, the term "LORD" or "GOD" in capital letters in place of this Memorial Name. One reference to this fact is in the Preface page v of the RSV; "A major departure from the practice of the American Standard Version is the rendering of the Divine Name, the "Tetragrammaton." The American Standard Version used the term "Jehovah"; the King James Version had employed this in four places, but everywhere else, except in three cases where it was employed as part of a proper name, used the English word LORD (or in certain cases GOD) printed in capitals. The present revision returns to the procedure of the King James Version, which follows the precedent of the ancient Greek and Latin translators and the long established practice in the reading of the Hebrew Scriptures in the synagogue..."
There are a few versions of the Scriptures, such as Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, the Jerusalem Bible, and the Anchor Bible, which have used the Name - "Yahweh" to all of these passages of Scripture. It is time the religious world awakes to this attempt of Satan to deceive the world as to the real Name of The Almighty Creator of the universe.
Many use the name Yahweh or Yahvah, which means "Yah, the Life Giver". In a good concordance, such as Strongs, you will see that Yah- vah is a compilation of #3050 and #1961. Yah is #3050 and is said to be "the sacred name". There is no "W" in the Hebrew language as shown in #2053 of Strong's Hebrew dictionary. The sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet is a 'vav' 'V'.
In the American Peoples Ency. page I-649, it reads, "In some respects the Roman alphabet was closer to the original Semitic than to the Western Greek. In its completed form it had 23 characters as compared with 22 in the parent Semitic and 24 in the adapted Greek. The other three characters, which brings our alphabet to 26 letters, were added in the MIDDLE AGES by splitting "I" into "i" and "j", giving "i" a vocalic and "j" a consonantal function; by splitting "V" into "u" and "v", giving "u" a vocalic and "v" a consonantal function; and by doubling the "u" ("uu") or "v" ("vv") to create the new character "W". The origin of the "W" was indicated by its English name of "double u" or its French name of "double ve." Its addition to the alphabet was a necessity for the Germanic people, since that sound existed in their language..." As you can see, the "w" could not be original, just say the letter, "double u", it doesn't even have its own name.
All translations are the mere works of men. There is no such thing as an infallible translation of the Bible. The Scripture is a Hebrew book, and written in Hebrew and Aramaic (which is a dialect of Hebrew). The Scriptures have been translated into Greek, Latin, English, and other languages from the Hebrew and Aramaic languages. Most translators have made the mistake of translating the Personal Family Name of The Almighty into insignificant Gentile titles, such as "God" or "Lord". These titles may be proper in their place, but because of their pagan origin should never be attached to the Mighty Name of Yah or used in reference to Him. They certainly do not convey the true meaning of the Family Name of The Almighty. It is best to never translate the proper name of anybody, but to transliterate it (sound for sound) into the language being thus translated; especially is this so, when the Name of the Heavenly Father and His Son is used. Any translated attempt is bound to lose its original meaning and significance in the translation. Yah revealed the meaning of His Name to Moses. Moses wanted to know when he returned to Egypt to liberate his people, by what name should he give his people when they asked him who gave him the authority to lead them. The answer was "I AM THAT I AM." (Exodus 3:14) Authorities agree that the revealed personal Name of the Father means 'I AM WHAT I WILL TO BE".
In the Holy Name Bible, from the Scripture Research Association, Inc. of College Park, Md., they translate Exodus 3:14 as:
"And Elohim said unto Moses, AYAH-ASHER-AYAH. And He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I WILL BE hath sent me unto you."
They have shown that the original name given by The Almighty is "Yah".
The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition quotes from the Talmud this statement. "The Talmud (Sanhedrim 10:1) explains that the Name of The Almighty is written hy [Yah] but pronounced rt [Adonai]."
The Pesanim in the Babylonian Talmud states, "(In) this world (the blessed name) is written hy (Yah) and read as hrt (Adonay, Lord); but in the future world it shall be one: it shall be written hy and read hy (Yah)."
There is no doubt but that the name of Yah conveys the meaning of Creator - Eternal - Everlasting - Endlessness, but even more; it conveys the causative "I will be what I will to be" or "I will cause to be what I will to be." I cannot help but ask - How can we expect to receive everlasting life from the One who has the power to give it, unless we call upon the NAME which has in its definition this meaning of everlasting life. His people must know His Name and call upon it for salvation. The prophet Joel wrote: "And it will come to pass, that whoever will call on the name of Yah will be delivered." Joel 2:32.
There is no substitute name by which He is to be known and called that carries with it the significance of this Blessed Name. Seven thousand times we find - hy -hw - [YH VH]. We have formally believed that the Memorial Name comprised the four letters, because that is what "scholars" have said. But, is that what Scripture says?
The Hebrew language is written all together. "Neither of the original languages distinguished between upper and lower case letters. The original manuscripts lacked any punctuation. At times it was necessary to supply words in the English translation that have no Hebrew or Greek words behind them" (The Interlinear Bible, Hebrew, Greek, English in the Preface) According to Psalm 68:4, His name is Yah as in Halleluyah. In Jeremiah 15:16 the prophet tells us he is called by the Creator's name - Yeremiyah.
Yah is His name. Any suffixes are only descriptive words. Thus, Yah is who He is and when a suffix is added, it describes what He is. Since there are no capital letters in Hebrew, the letters -y- [yod] and –h- [hey] form the YA sound in all languages. The –w - [vav] and -h- [hey] form descriptive words and are not set apart as is Yah.
It was because of a mistaken notion of the Hebrews that this Personal Revealed Name should not be spoken, except on rare occasions (as on the Day of Atonement) that they began to substitute the Hebrew word "Adonai" whenever they would come across the Personal Name of The Almighty. This substitution did not take place until after the return from the Babylonian captivity.
In Malachi 3:6 we read "For I am Yah, I change not." Yet the scribes and translators have changed that Revealed Name of Yah to such titles as "God" and "Lord". Are we at liberty to change the Name of the Father and the Son to a title? Is it right to substitute a title for the One and only Family Name of The Almighty? Certainly not!
When our newscasters mention the names of foreign dignitaries they do not translate those names. They are very particular in transliterating those names (sound for sound) in the English language so that they will be understood by all people of all languages. They don't endeavor to translate the meaning of their names as our Bible translators have done with the Name of the Heavenly Father and His Son. Solomon's name is not translated in the Bible. If it was translated into English it would be "Peaceable". We refer to him as King Solomon, and not as King Peaceable. Why can't we show the same courtesy and respect to the Name of The Father and The Son by calling them by their given Names rather than translating their Name or substituting titles that do not convey the significance of those Names. It is time that we should honor our Creator with no less honor than the radio and news commentators accord to our earthly rulers by pronouncing the Family Name of The Almighty by the Name given us in the Inspired Scriptures with accuracy and with awe, for that Name is "Holy and Reverend." (Psalm 111:9)
But what about the Name, JEHOVAH?
Jehovah is a hybrid Name, and it has only been a few years back that scholars discovered this fact. Any large dictionary or Encyclopedia, and especially any Bible dictionary or encyclopedia will show that the term "Jehovah" is no older than the 14th or 15th century, and is not an accurate transliteration of the blessed Name. Many authorities can be quoted to prove this, but I will quote the statement made by James Moffatt, in his translation, he admitted that he translated the Inspired Name instead of transliterating it, and that he did it "with some reluctance." On page 20 and 21 of the introduction to Moffatt's Bible he says:
"...Several of the most characteristic Hebrew terms . . .have no English equivalent which exactly corresponds to their original meaning. Something is dropped as they are passed from Hebrew into English ...One crucial instance of the difficulty offered by a Hebrew term lies in the prehistoric name given at the exodus by the Hebrews to their God. Strictly speaking, this ought to be rendered "Yahweh," which is familiar to modern readers in the erroneous form of "Jehovah." Were this version intended for students of the original, there would be no hesitation whatever in printing Yahweh. But almost at the last moment I have decided with some reluctance to follow the practice of the French scholars and of Matthew Arnold (though not exactly for his reasons), who translate this name by "the Eternal." ...There is a distinct loss in this, I fully admit; to drop the racial, archaic term is to miss something of what it meant for the Hebrew nation ...I trust that in a popular version like the present my choice will be understood even by those who may be slow to pardon it."
If you will read Exodus 3:13-15 you will see it was The Almighty who gave His name to Moses, not the other way around. He uses the words "racial, archaic" possibly because of his misunderstanding of Scripture.
Rotherhan says: "...the question arises whether there is not something essentially presumtuous, however little intended, in substituting for it (LORD for Yahweh) one of the commonest titles, seeing that there are on earth 'lords many,' and the master of the humblest slave is his 'lord'? There is surely nothing very grand or gracious or mysterious in that! It is therefore the most natural presumption that the suppression of The Name has entailed on the reader, and especially upon the hearer, irreparable loss." The Emphasized Bible (Rotherham) "The Incommunicable name" p. 23.
Again Rotherham says on page 24, parg. 1: "Because its suppression was a mistake, so grave a mistake cannot be corrected too soon. An unwarrantable liberty has been taken; the path of humility is to retace our steps."
This is an admission on the part of these translators that they do not wish to break tradition by adhering to the original and more correct form Yah; but like so many others, use titles in the place of the blessed Name because it is more popular to do so. These translators have been presumptuous in substituting titles for the Infinite Name. The prophets never commanded the scribes to substitute the title "Lord" or "God" where the Infinite Spirit dictated the Inspired Name. To do so is disobeying the command of Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 by adding or diminishing from His Word. In Exodus 3:15, KJV, The Almighty plainly told Moses, "Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, Yah the Ruler of your fathers, the Ruler of Abraham, the Ruler of Isaac, and the Ruler of Jacob, has sent me unto you: This is My name forever, and this is My memorial unto all generations." The term "all generations" would include the generations of all nations, and not just Hebrews. The answer is clear from the Scripture then that the Father's Name or the Family Name of The Almighty as given in the Hebrew language corresponds to the English consonants YH, and spelled Yah after inserting the proper vowel. The (H) is silent, so the actual pronunciation would be (YA) as in the word "Halleluyah."
Now let us consider the other part of Solomon's question. Solomon also asked this pertinent question:
"WHAT IS HIS SON'S NAME,
IF YOU CAN TELL?"
(Proverbs 30:4)
Quite often when driving on the highways we see signs on rocks, old buildings, or we meet cars with signs on their bumpers that read: JESUS SAVES. Many people have lived and died believing that this is the real Name of our Savior, and I do not doubt that in spite of their ignorance, their faith in this translated Name has been honored. But, will it always be so honored when there is opportunity to learn His true Name and people fail to study to find out the truth. Would it not be well for us to imitate the Bereans and find out for ourselves the truth of any doctrine? (Acts 17:11) I believe so! We are approaching the End - when all Biblical truths will soon be made available to the honest of heart. One of those truths we can now rediscover for ourselves by research, is the Blessed Name of the Father, the Family Name of The Almighty " Yah ". The revealed Name for the Son of Yah for this present dispensation is "Yasha". Yes, it is Yasha, not Jesus that saves His people from their sins, because that Name means " Yah is Savior" He will save to the uttermost because our Savior is bearing His Father's Name which signifies "eternal life". "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
Revelation 9:20, 21 indicates that the majority of the people in the last days will be worshipping devils or demons. (Revelation 13:4) The Man of Sin that comes in his own name is certainly not going to praise the Name of Yah or Yasha. (John 5:43). Anyone who does not honor the Name of the Father and the Son, the "Mighty Ones" of Israel is worshipping a false deity. Why not now, before the issue becomes a test, gather around the SEAL and MARK - the Name that actually saves. "Save us, O Yah Our Ruler and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto Your Blessed Name, and to triumph in Your Praise. Blessed be Yah, Ruler of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: ...Halleluyah" (Psalm 106:47, 48, restored)
The Savior told us "You search the Scriptures because in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) Do the Scriptures tell us the name of the Savior? "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12) The Savior has told us that when He comes He will bring the rewards with Him. Those who have been righteous will receive Eternal Life; those who have done evil will perish. (John 3:16) What does the Old Testament say about His coming? "Behold, Yah has proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your Salvation comes; behold His reward is with Him, and His work before Him." (Isaiah 62:11) When you look up the original Hebrew, you will find the word for "Salvation" is "Yesha" #3468, which goes back to the prime root #3467 "Yasha". There is His Name in the Old Testament Scriptures!
Also in Zechariah 9:9, the prophet was inspired to write "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey, and upon a colt the foal of a donkey". The word for "Salvation" is #3467 "Yasha". We all know this is a description of our Savior's triumphant ride into Jerusalem.
"I am come in My Father's name." (John 5:43) Those are the exact words of our Savior. His Father's Name is recorded 7000 times in the Old Testament as Yah or Yah vah. So if He is to come in His Father's Name, YAH would be a part of that Name. Since the Savior's mission was to save mankind from eternal death - the Hebrew word "Yasha" means "Savior, Deliverer and Salvation".
Many believe that the Hebrew characters were inspired and therefore our Savior could not have been called Yasha, because the Father's name Yah is not a part of it. To a blind person it doesn't matter whether there is an 'H' in Yasha or not, it is the sound that matters. In English we could say 'Ya' without the 'H' and it sounds the same. But in Hebrew there must be a silent character to give the vowel sound. Therefore, when the Creator told Moses "tell them Yah has sent you", Moses wrote it in Hebrew like it sounded.
Our Savior came in His Father's Name, and used it, and instructed His disciples to use it. It was because He did use it, that He was charged with blasphemy by the Pharisees and sentenced to death. (John 10:3; Matthew 26:63; Lev. 24:16)
One of the criticisms brought against the Inspired Name is that we should not necessarily be concerned in its use because the New Testament writers never used the Name "Yah", nor did the disciples address Him as "Yasha". Let us examine this argument.
During the 40 days that our Savior was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He quoted from the Old Testament to defeat the devil. Do you imagine that He quoted these passages from the Old Testament to the devil in the Greek language, and used the Septuagint translation in His reply? Certainly not! He was a Judean of the Hebrew race, and He quoted from the Hebrew Scripture, and used the Blessed Name. In Matt. 4:4 in reply to the devil, and as recorded in the King James translation, He said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." This is a quotation from Deut. 8:3. If you turn to that text you will see that instead of the word "God" there is the word "LORD" in capital letters. Wherever you see the word "LORD" in capital letters, the original Inspired Name YH or Yah was used. Can you imagine our Savior substituting the word "God" for the Inspired Name of His Father, Yah? We cannot! So here is one instance in which the inspired Name Yah should have been used, but which the translators substituted a title. Take another passage. In Matt. 4:7 it reads: "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." But in Deut. 6:16 from which this is a quotation you will find again "LORD" in capital letters, which means that the translators again substituted the word "LORD" for "Yah or Yah veh."
Many similar quotations such as:
Deut. 6:13 in Matt. 4:10;
Psalm 118:23 in Matt. 21:42;
Deut. 6:5 in Matt. 22:37;
Psalm 110:1 in Matt. 22:44;
Isaiah 61:1, 2 in Luke 4:19;
Isaiah 54:13 in John 6:45
In these we find that the translators have substituted titles for the Inspired Name.
Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This is a quotation from Joel 2:32. Again, if we turn to this Old Testament text we will find the word "LORD" is in capital letters which indicates that the Inspired name has been replaced by a title. Here is the way it should read.
"And it will come to pass whoever will call on the name of YAH will be delivered." (Joel 2:32)
There are many other mistranslations, but those given should be sufficient to show one why we do not see the Infinite Name in the New Testament. Even Rotherham, and a few other translators who have used, what they believed was the Revealed Name in the Old Testament, refuse to use the Revealed Name in the New Testament. They would rather adhere to tradition and custom than to be consistent.
We do have a record in the New Testament of the disciples addressing their Master as Yasha in personal conversation, if we go back to the Hebrew, for everytime they said "Savior" they were actually saying "Yasha", and they did use that Name in casting out devils, and in prayer and praise after His death. It is quite certain that the angel, Gabriel, did not address Joseph in the Greek language and tell him to use the Greek name Iesous, but rather the Hebrew Name Yasha. If you look at Matthew 1:21 again you will notice that the Angel told Joseph "you shall call Him..." In Verse 22 he quotes Isaiah 7:14 and says "they shall call his name Immanuel". He was given the name Yasha, because He would save His people from their sins, but everyone else would call Him "Immanuel". Immanuel means "El (Mighty One, Ruler, Strength) with us." The word "Yasha" in the Hebrew means "Saves, Savior, Deliverer and Salvation". You cannot find any corresponding meaning of "YA is Savior" in the meaning of the Greek, "Iesous," and the translated English/ Latin word, "Jesus."
Read Matthew 1:21 and then find Jesus in Strong’s Greek Dictionary. It is number 2424. The mission of our Savior is to save His people. His name means Savior. Jesus does not mean savior. If Matthew and the entire New Testament was written in Greek, then why didn’t the Greek writers use the Greek word for Savior, ‘soter" # 4990? The letter "J" did not exist in any alphabet until around the 14th or 15th century A.D., so we can know for certain that our Savior’s name was never Jesus. And, our Father’s name was never, Jehovah. The only Hebrew word for Savior is #3467.
Where did Joshua come from?
We must remember that many of the translations were taken from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew, rather than going back to the original Hebrew. Therefore, when you go back to the Hebrew, you receive a better understanding about all things pertaining to the Scriptures. The original name for the "son of Nun" was Hosha #1954, in Strong's Concordance, which means "deliverer" and comes from the prime root #3467, Yasha. (Numbers 13:8) Why would Moses change Hosea's name? His name meant "Deliverer", Moses changed it to mean "Yah is Deliverer". When you look up Joshua in Strong's it is #3091. The second name there is the one found in Numbers 13. Without any man-made vowel marks, the name translated into English is "Yahosha". The only change Moses made was to put the Yod (-y-) (Y) in front of his name. Remember what our Savior said in Matthew 5:17, 18 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot (originally "Yod") or one tittle (a hook to the Hebrew characters) shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (or completed)." Heaven and earth has not passed away, therefore the law still stands just as the Lawgiver wrote it with His finger!
Look closely at this word Joshua and you will discover that it is a correct translation of the name "Jesus". In explanation of this, read the following quote from one of our relatives who is married to a Jew and is attending a Messianic Congregation. We say this to show that she is well read and understands the Jewish thinking.
"The Greek word for Yeshua is "Iesous" which is a transliteration of the Hebrew word Yoshua meaning "God saves". The word "Jesus" is actually an English Transliteration of the Greek word "Iesous" as there is no "J" in the Greek language. The "I" of "Iesous" is pronounced more like the "Y" of "Yoshua". In other words, the name Jesus does not "mean" anything in the English or Greek languages; but is merely the English spelling of how the Greek word "Iesous" sounds to an English speaking person and likewise, "Iesous" is merely the Greek spelling of how the Hebrew word "Yoshua" sounds to a Greek speaking person. However, most persons, if asked the meaning of the word Jesus, would immediately respond, "Savior".
This quote from our relative is very confusing to the person who has studied Hebrew. In the first place "Iesous" does not mean Savior in Greek. In Greek it would be "Soter". And in the second place Yeshua does not mean "Savior" in Hebrew, as we have explained. Therefore, the only correct name for our Savior, according to the reference material available, is Yasha.
In the New Bantam-Megiddo Hebrew & English Dictionary under "Jesuit" they have the same Hebrew characters that are used for #3442 [Yeshua] except for the yod on the end which we have found is used to make the "t".
One of the main purposes of the Coming of the Savior was to represent the Father, to act with the power of attorney to do things in His Name. This He did, as a reading of John 17:26 indicates: "And I have declared unto them your Name, and will declare it." It was prophesied many centuries before that He would do this. Psalm 22:22 states: "I will declare Your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I praise You." The very fact that He carried His Father's Name as part of His Name is good evidence that He was given the power of attorney to act in His Father's Name.
So regardless of what you have been taught; the angel, Gabriel, did not tell Mary and Joseph "You shall call his name "JESUS", but rather "You shall call His name Yasha: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:26-31).
WHERE DID THIS NAME JESUS
COME FROM?
Why do religious people today call our Savior "Jesus"? There is no authority for it, only custom and tradition. Apostasy was developing in the congregations in Paul's day. (2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 6:21) After all of the apostles were dead, a new leadership gained control of the assembly which were composed chiefly of heathen converts from the Greek and Roman communities. Even in Paul's day there was strife between the Greek and Hebrew converts as is evident from his epistle to the Corinthian church. (1 Cor. 3:3) This animosity between the two groups widened after the death of the apostles. Anything pertaining to Hebrew institutions were down-graded by the Gentile leadership because of the anti-Semitic feeling against those whom they considered responsible for the death of the Savior. This animosity toward the Hebrews led them in time to abandon the keeping of the Sabbath, and substitute in their place the weekly pagan Sunday and all the other yearly pagan festivals such as Easter, Lent, Christmas and others not substantiated in the Word of Yah. Many of the Greek converts who came out of paganism were only partly converted. They never fully gave up some of their old pagan ideas and superstitions. They succeeded in time in changing the Seventh-day Sabbath, that Yah gave at creation as a perpetual institution, to the day the heathens had been accustomed to honor - the festival day of the SUN, known as SUNday. They transferred the honor that should have been given to the Sabbath to the 1st day of the week. In like manner they changed the Hebrew Name given to our Savior by His earthly parents, and which was commanded by the Angel of Yah from Yasha to Ie-sous. As you probably know, the Greek's savior god was called "Zeus". This idol "Zeus" was the god that the pagans had worshipped before they accepted the faith once delivered to the saints. Look at the close similarity of "Iesous" with "Zeus", pronounced (suz), it is quite apparent that the Greeks substituted the name of their savior-god Zeus, for that of the Inspired Name, Yasha. Then the Romans changed it again in the 15th century to the Latin form "Jesus", that the world has accepted today. [For proof of this substitution, you will find in the original 1611 KJV under Luke 4:27, and I quote, " And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elizeus the Prophet: and none of them was cleansed, sauing Naaman the Syrian." (Elizeus was a substitute for the prophet Elisha)]
You can depend upon it that our Savior was never known as "Jesus" or "Iesous", and that the angel of Yah did not tell Joseph to name Mary's son, JESUS or Iesous as recorded in the English and Greek New Testament. Paul did not call His Master "Iesous," but by the Hebrew name "Yasha". We know this to be true because Paul was a Hebrew, and spoke the Hebrew language fluently as a reading of Acts 21:40; 22:1, 2 proves. When our Savior called Saul on that memorable journey to Damascus he says he "heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And he said, who are you, Master: and the Master did not say, "I am Jesus" or "Iesous" as the translation reads: but "I am Yasha whom you persecute..." (Acts 9:4, 5) How do we know this? Because when Saul was later telling of his conversion of this same incident to King Agrippa he says that the voice spoke to him "in the Hebrew tongue." (Acts 26:14, 15) This being the case, Saul heard the words: "I am Yasha who you persecute." That is His precious Name, and every time we use the pagan translated name "Jesus" we are blaspheming that Name, whether in ignorance or not.
History indicates that it was this same long-haired Zeus that the Greek, Antiochus Epiphanes, set up a statue of in the temple at Jerusalem, to which he sacrificed a hog's head on the consecrated altar. Many people today are worshipping, unintentionally as a rule, but nevertheless worshipping in their minds, which should serve as the living temple of our bodies, (1 Cor. 3:16) this picture of the long-haired abomination idol, Zeus.
1st and 2nd Maccabees is an excellent record of history. When you read 1 Maccabees 1:41-59 and 2 Maccabees 6:1-3 you will see how this history will be repeated in our day.
It is time we refrain from using the Name of "Jesus" which does not contain the meaning of "Yah is Savior." Our Savior carries the Name of His Father, but we know that when the Man of Sin comes he will carry his own name. We know this because our Savior said, "I am come in My Father's name and you do not accept Me: when another shall come in his own name, you will accept him." (John 5:43) In this passage of Scripture the Savior was referring to this coming Man of Sin. What name will he take? We are not told, (from Scripture) but we believe he will come in the very name that is on the lips of every so-called "Christian" - the name of "Jesus Christ". Why should he come in that name? For the simple reason that it is his name and he has deceived the world by putting himself on the throne, which he said he would do. (Isaiah 14:13,14) If this be the case which Savior then are you going to worship? There are not two Saviors. In fact, there never was a Savior called "Jesus" by the Father. Worship of Him under that name has only been accepted because men, in their ignorance, have not known better. [Acts 17:30.] There will be a time coming, however, when to use this term will be considered blasphemous in His sight. When all truth is restored under the mighty power of the Spirit of Elijah, the use of this term will be considered a violation of Exodus 23:13, "And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth."
No man on earth has the right to degrade or change the Name given to our Savior by His Father. The Father stated "my name is in Him," (Exodus 23:21) and we should honor that Name. Now our Heavenly Father gave His own Name to His own Son, and with a definite charge that He be called by the name "Yasha," (Matt. 1:21) a Name that reflected His own character and purpose. Don't you think it would be some concern to Him, as well as to His Son, for someone else to give Him a different name, a Name that reflected the honor of some pagan heathen god or this coming Man of Sin? (Isaiah 42:8) That is exactly what the world is doing today, in their ignorance, by calling our Savior "Jesus" rather than the Name that His Father gave Him. People are willing to accept the salvation offered by the Hebrew Messiah, but they would rather call Him "Jesus" than the Name Yasha that Joseph was told to give Him by the angel sent from heaven. We cannot refrain from adding here also, that they had rather honor a day dedicated to the worship of the Sun, and call it the Lord's day, rather than the 7th day Sabbath instituted as a memorial of creation by the Creator Himself. They would rather worship a tradition, than a "Thus says the Scriptures."
Before leaving this study there is one thing that should be made plain because some are confused over it. The question that needs to be clearer:
WAS NOT THE SON, ACTUALLY THE
FATHER OF THE OLD TESTAMENT?
If so, why would He be called Yah in the Old Testament, and Yasha in the New Testament? It is true that the Son was the Spokesman of the Old Testament as He was of the New Testament. The Scripture is plain, that no man has seen the Father, nor heard His voice. (John 5:37) The Son spoke only in the Name of the Father, and wherever the Inspired Name (Yah) is used, it has reference to either the Father or the Son or both. For example in Jeremiah 23:5 we have a passage in which the Inspired Name is referring to both the Father and the Son. The translated passage reads:
"Behold, the days come, says Yah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, YAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:5, 6)
This Inspired Name in this last phrase has reference to the Son, who in the Millennium will be given this new Name, "YAH Our Righteousness." The first use of the revealed Name in verse 5 has direct reference to The Father. So in these two verses we find the Memorial Name applying to the Father in verse 5, and to The Son in verse 6.
Another example where the Infinite Name 'Yah' applies definitely to The Son, is found in the 40th chapter of Isaiah. When John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness, certain priests and Levites came to John and asked him if he was the promised Messiah. His reply was that he was a voice "crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Matt. 3:3) Here again, the translators used the title "Lord" instead of the family Name of The Almighty - "Yah." This is a quotation from the 3rd verse of Isaiah 40 in the Old Testament, and the Memorial Name Yah is used. So it is easy to see from this that John was referring to the Messiah, and calling Him "Yah". As a son always goes by the name of his father, so we find this family Name "Yah" applies to both. The Son has the right to use it, because He is the " Only Begotten Son." (John 3:16) In the incarnation the Son carried the Name of the Father YA, in Yasha which means "save" "Savior" "salvation". It was the Son of Yah that made all appearance and communications to man. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yah, and the Word was Yah." (John 1:1) "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) The Son was "The Word" or the Spokesman for the Father in all incidents of the Old Testament. The Father was the original authority behind all that His Son did in His Name. When the Memorial Name was used it implied the original source of all authority, as well as the Spokesman with whom this authority was delegated. The Memorial Name was used by the Son with the permission of the Father in all dealings with Israel in the Old Testament. Since no one has ever seen the Father, it is certain that the One who spoke the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai was speaking under the authority of the Father, and had the right to use this Family Name as the Spokesman for the Father. It was the Son, who spoke to Moses in the Father's Name, who said: "Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you into this place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions; for My Name is in Him." (Exodus 23:20,21) Both the Father, and the Son bear this Name which means, "I AM" or "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE." The Son carried not only the Father's or the Family Name "YAH" in the New Testament. (Matt. 1:21) Not only was this true, but all the families of the redeemed in the New Earth will have prefixed to their own name this Blessed Name - "Yah". (Ephesians 3:14,15) The Scripture reads: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Master Yasha the Messiah, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."
The Name of Yah was the seal of the Old Testament Covenant, and it is the seal of the New Testament covenant. It is this very Name that is used in the seal, as found in the 4th commandment of the Decalogue, and serves as the mark that distinguishes the saints of the last days. This seal of the revealed Name will protect the 144,000 as the mark of blood on the door post protect-ed the children of Israel that Passover night. (Exodus 12:22,23) Joel in speaking of "the terrible day of Yah" states that in that day "it shall come to pass, that whoever shall call on the name of Yah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Yah has said, and in the remnant whom Yah shall call." (Joel 2:31,32) David wrote under inspiration this wonderful promise of Yah to all His saints during the Time of Trouble. "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My Name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." (Psalm 91:14,15) In order to call upon Him, we must know His Name. Malachi wrote under inspiration these wonderful promises:
"Then they that feared Yah spoke often one to another: and Yah hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared Yah, and that thought upon His Name And they shall be mine, says Yah of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him." (Mal. 3:16,17)
It should not be forgotten that the reason the 144,000 are sealed with the Family Name is not because they know and use that Name, although that is important, but it is because they reflect His image, His character, and are worthy to be sealed with that Blessed Name. The Name is important, because as the Scripture states: "Neither is there salvation in any other person, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) But this implies the acceptance of all that this NAME stands for. It is not to be used as a fetish or a charm by the unconsecrated believer. The name Yasha means "YAH SAVES", and that Name has deep significance. In their ignorance people in the past and present who have accepted the Greek and English translation of that Name have no doubt been saved. For the Scripture states: "He that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) It is not our purpose to judge the motives of others, but in those countries where religious knowledge is available, and people refuse to study these things; especially in these last days when religious knowledge is increased, it seems to us that one may be held accountable for what he should have known, and failed to find out. This is primary reason as to why the 5 foolish virgins had no oil in their lamps. "Because of the savor of your good ointments Your Name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love You." (Song of Solomon 1:3) The Scripture teaches us to "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12) Are you one who studies these things for yourself or do you depend upon some preacher or some church or assembly to work out your salvation for you? The proper answer to that question could possibly decide your destiny, as well as mine, if I fail to investigate and you fail to investigate new truths.
Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would be misled by "prophets of deceit" and would cause "My people to forget My Name." (Jer. 23:26) But as we approach the Time of the End we are told that His people "shall know that I am Yah." (Ezek. 34:30) This calls for a knowledge of His Infinite Name in the last days. "Elijah shall surely first come and restore all things," states our Savior (Mark 9:12) . He is to "restore all things."—meaning "all truths." The very meaning of the name Elijah gives us a clue to one very important truth that Elijah will restore and that truth is the Memorial Name of the Father and the Son. When Elijah was here, he challenged the 850 prophets of Baal to prove who alone was the one and only true and living Supreme One. "For whoever shall call on the name of Yah shall be saved." (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13) Elijah means "Yah is my Yil." So we can expect those who shall come in the spirit and power of Elijah to reiterate that important truth - that the Almighty One is "Yah" and not Baali, the name given to the many pagan deities, and translated "Lord" by many translations of the Scripture.
While we can use "Lord" and "God" as a title in reference to heathen deities, let us not substitute these titles, which can also mean Baal (Jer. 23:27) in the place of the blessed Name of The True Mighty One. For in so doing, we are guilty of taking away more than "one yod" or "one tittle". (Matt. 5:18) The -y- or "yod" is the first letter of the revealed Name. Do not mutilate this Blessed Name!
So in answer to Solomon's question: "What is his name?" The answer is "I am Yah, that is My NAME: and My honor will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) By this Name "Yah" we are to "praise Him." (Psalm 68:4).
"What is His Son's Name?" The angel told Joseph "You shall call His name Yasha." (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31) Why was He called that Name? Because the Father initiated the Plan of Salvation, and it was through His Own Son that the Plan was carried out. It is only by the power in this Name that we can be saved. No other Name will save. (Acts 4:12) Therefore, the Son must bear the Father's Name, and the pronunciation "YA" must be a part of His Name. Not only did His Father state that "His name is in Him," (Exodus 23:20-22) but our Savior states, "I have come in My Father's name." (John 5:43)
When the "Man of Sin" comes in the name of "Jesus Christ", and counterfeits the Saviors second coming, his mannerisms, and every other behavior expected by the "Christian" world - will this "Jesus, savior" be your salvation? Then why use a term now which he will use, and which certainly does not mean "salvation," neither can be applied to our Savior in any sense of the word. Yasha is the true Name of our Savior, and not "Jesus". So as for me and my house, we will call upon Yah, in the Name of His Son, Yasha; for it is written, "Whoever will call upon the name of Yah will be delivered." (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13; Acts 2:21)
HALLELU - YAH!
YAH OR BAAL?
A little more than 2800 years ago there developed in ancient Israel one of the most dramatic, significant, and crucial tests in her history. It was as if the fate of the nation was at stake, and in reality it truly was, because from that time a Name became increasingly the crux that settled the destiny of Israel. If ones eyes could have been opened as Elisha's servant was opened on the fields of Dothan, there could have been seen the invisible forces of evil and good arraigned against each other in this contest over a Name. There upon the historical mountain of Carmel over-looking the valley of Esdraeon, where many a conflict had taken place, stood 850 prophets of Baal on one side and one lone prophet of Yah on the other, with Israel as the spectator. (1 Kings 18:19) It was a life and death struggle; for the victorious it meant—life, for the vanquished it meant—death. The issue was all over the question of whose mighty one should Israel follow. Some 7000 worshippers of the true Mighty One had been hiding for fear of their lives. (1 Kings 19:18; Rom. 11:4) Here on Mt. Carmel, Elijah, that grand old prophet, stood representing the remnant of Israel and Yah whom they worshipped. The people of Israel were worshipping the Invisible One, the one that brings the rain, the sunshine, the harvest, and all the good things of life, but they represented him by an idol that they called Baal. In other words, all the honor and praise that the 7000 had been giving to Yah, the majority were giving to Baal-Hadad, the storm god of the Cananites. It was the same old apostasy that had developed among the Israelites only three months after they had left Egypt. While Moses was receiving the Law from the hand of Yah, His people were at the foot of the mount giving their honor to a golden calf as a symbol of their deliverer. With one accord they shouted before it --"These be your Ruler O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 32:4) They did not really believe, in a literal sense, that this idol which they had just fashioned with their own hands had delivered them, but they thought they had to have a visible representative of their deliverer. It mattered not to them by what name they called their deliverer. Such was the case in the days of "Elijah. The great majority of the Israelites worshipped the Invisible One under a different name than Elijah and the 7000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal. This controversy that came to a climax in the days of Elijah was not only over a difference of a NAME, but a difference of a standard, a difference of moral conduct. There on Mt. Carmel this grand old prophet threw out this challenge to his people:
"How long do you halt between two opinions? If YAH be the Ruler, follow him: but if Baal be the Ruler, then follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)
It was a question of whose banner or NAME should they honor. This same test will be revived in the last days, because when our Savior was questioned concerning the coming of Elijah again, He was not referring to John the Baptist, only, when He said: "Elijah truly shall FIRST COME, and RESTORE ALL THINGS" (Matt. 17:11), but to those also who will come at the last days in the power and spirit of Elijah.
Elijah's coming is prophesied in the last verses of the Old Testament, and since he is to come "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yah" –we know that this is a prophecy that is now being fulfilled, for we can see that the signs of the times show he is working now. Here is how it reads:
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yah: And he will turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Mal. 4:5,6).
The very name of Eli-jah carries significance. It means Yah is the Almighty Ruler. That will be the burden of those who "cry aloud and spare not" -[Isaiah 58:1] to show the importance of that NAME. The book of Revelation indicates that the last day controversy will be between the Name of the Beast, or the followers of Baal (the Lord)—Babylon, and the Name by which the Remnant are sealed—The Father's and Son's Name. (Rev. 13:6-8,17 and Rev. 14:1; 22:4).
With this in mind, let us continue to point out the importance of this
Blessed Name
There are many descriptive name titles in the Scripture that apply to the character of Yah. His titles are many. Among a few are:
"The Mighty One of hosts, (Amos 5:27);
"Jealous," (or more accurately "Zealous") (Exodus 34:14);
"Wholly (Consecrated) and Reverend", (Psalm 111:9);
"King-dreadful," (Mal. 1:14);
"Yil Olon (The everlasting Yil), (Genesis 21:33);
"Yil Shaddai (The Almighty Yil), (Exodus 6:3);
"The Shepherd of Israel", (Psalm 80:1);
"The Rock," (Deut. 32:4);
"King of Israel," (Isa. 44:6).
These are only a few of many such titles, but none of these many descriptive titles should ever take the place or supplant His One Personal Family Name in which all the born-again (born from above) believers in the Messiah will be adopted into. Just as each of us carries the name of our earthly father, so did the Son of Yah carry the Name of His Heavenly Father. (John 5:43) So likewise, will all born-from above believers (The Bride) carry the Name of the Bridegroom. The Assembly, His congregation will carry the Family Name of Yah. (Eph. 5:23-27; Rom. 7:4; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 22:4; Revelation 14:1) Definite proof that this will be the case is clear from the reading of Ephesians 3:14,15. It reads:
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Master Yasha the Messiah, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."
Since we will be sealed with that Name, we will carry the Name as Yasha carried it. (Revelation 14:1) There is only One Family Name, and that fact is made clear in several passages of the Scripture. Here is one such passage:
"That men may know that You, whose Name alone is Yah, are the Most High over all the earth." (Psalm 83:18)
Another such passage is Exodus 3:15, which reads: "And the Almighty said moreover unto Moses, thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, Yah the Ruler of your fathers, the Ruler of Abraham, the Ruler of Isaac, and the Ruler of Jacob, has sent me unto you: this is MY NAME FOREVER, and this is MY MEMORIAL unto all generations."
The descriptive title to the meaning of this Family Name is given in verse 14 as "I AM THAT I AM," or "I WILL CAUSE TO BE WHAT I WILL." ("I AM YAH") is only a descriptive title name for the meaning of Yah, His Personal Name by which He wishes to be known.
As stated previously, our Almighty Father, has many titles, but only ONE personal Family Name. In the translation of the Old Testament into the languages of other nations, many of these titles were translated into the corresponding names that were used in worship previously by these nations. Some of these translated titles are proper; whereas, others are of pagan origin and were used as names for their heathen idols, and thereby improper and unfitting to be used as a title, especially as a substitute name for our Mighty One as they are being used today. I am referring, especially, to the title names of "Lord" and "God". The English title "God" is a substitution of the Hebrew title "El" and "Elohim." "Lord" comes from Baal" or Adonai".
It is argued by those who see no light in the Inspired Name doctrine, that since "El" and "Elohim" were also used as titles to heathen deities by the prophets that therefore their translated meanings into the English "God" may also be correctly used to describe Yah. They maintain that if association with heathen idols pollutes the Name, then these Hebrew names are also polluted because the prophets did employ these titles in reference to heathen idols.
This reasoning, at first thought, might seem logical, but they are overlooking two very important points.
The first point that they are overlooking is that --whereas the Hebrew titles "El" and "Elohim" were appropriated by the heathens and used as names for their idols which Israel could not prevent, we do have the choice of refusing to use pagan titles that originated with the heathens.
These Hebrew letters when transliterated, sound for sound, spell "El" or "Elohim", and not "God" and really do not mean "God", although the translators have given it this meaning. When we translate a word into the meaning of another language, one is bound by the translation, to lose much of the deeper meaning attached to the word in its original. A more accurate translation of "El" and "Elohim" would be a "Ruler", "Mighty One" or "Powerful One" or "Strength" --and not "God". The English "God", the German "Gott," the Greek "Theos," and the Spanish "Dios" is really a substitution of a title that these foreign nations were acquainted with, and in which were used in times past by their ancestors in their worship of idols. Any dictionary will prove that these substitute titles have their origin in pagan worship. When these barbarian tribes accepted the true faith, and the Bible was translated into the language of the people, these old barbaric titles were substituted in the place of these Hebrew titles of "El" and "Elohim", and the very Family Name --"Yah". The very fact that these titles that the majority of the "Christian" world use today, have their origin in pagan worship, should of itself—cause us to refrain from using them. The command is still binding: "And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect; and make no mention of the name of other gods, (Elohim) neither let it be heard out of your mouth." (Ex. 23:13) This, of course, means in worship. We should now endeavor to cultivate a pure lip in the light of this and the teachings of the prophets. Zephaniah was inspired to write: "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of YAH, to serve him with one consent." (Zeph. 3:9) Our standard should still be: "Be therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48)
The second point that they are overlooking is that -- these titles "Lord" and "God" are used today, exclusively, as a substitute in place of the Personal Name of the Almighty. So much so, that the world never hears His Name, and in many cases are totally ignorant that He has a Family Name.
This second point is of very vital importance. Even a Hebrew title, should never be used exclusively to such an extent that it supplants the Personal Name of The Almighty, and that is exactly what many of the priests and scribes of Israel did after their return from the Babylonian captivity. We have in mind, in particular, the two Hebrew titles "Baal" and "Adonay". At one time in the history of Israel these Hebrew titles were used in the general sense of meaning "owner, master, husband, lord," and were considered legitimate terms that could be used in reference to The Elohim; but never, of course, as a substitute for His Name. The term "Baal" was not always a shameful word. King Saul named one of his sons "Merib-Baal." (The Lord contends); and David named one of his sons "Bee-liada" (originally, Baal-yada) meaning "The Lord knows." (1 Chron. 14:7) On page 391 in the new Schaff-Herzog Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge under the heading "Baal" we find this statement: "There can be no doubt that in ancient times, the Hebrews called their god, the Baal."
Therefore, "Baal" as well as "Adonay" as a descriptive title to mean a husband, an owner, master or lord—one possessing authority as a ruler, certainly would not be wrong to use, because truly Yah was considered "our Maker" "our Master," "our Owner," "our Husband," and "our Lord." This is exactly how "Baal" is used in Isaiah 54:5. "For your Maker is your husband (Bah-al); Yah of hosts is His name..." (See Strong's Concordance No. 1167) Later in the history of Israel the use of Baal became toboo, a "no-no' word as a title in reference to Yah by the more devout. What brought about this change? It involved this very last point, point number two, that we mentioned. The name "Baal" increasingly began to be used exclusively, not as a general title descriptive of one possessing authority, but as a Proper Name substitute by the people of Israel in place of the Personal Family Name of the Almighty. So much so that Jeremiah was inspired to write:
"...Yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget My name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten My name for Baal." (Jer. 23:27)
It was not until in the time of Elijah and Hosea that the use of Baal became a testing truth for Israel. It was upon Mt. Carmel that Elijah shouted this challenge to Israel:
"How long do you halt between two opinions? If Yah be The Ruler follow him; but if Baal (the Lord) then follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)
So we can see from this that even a Hebrew title, even though once considered proper to use, can become a shameful term if it supplants by its use --the Personal Family Name of The Almighty.
What was true concerning the use of "Baal" became also true of the use of "Adonay." Both "Baal" and "Adonay" were used by the pagan nations as a Proper Name for their idols, as there was an idol called "Adonis" which the heathens worshipped, as well as a "Baal-Gad" and a "Baal-Hadad". This associated use of these titles by the heathens in reference to their gods, however, is not the primary reason why we should reject them because Israel had no control over their use by the heathens. The main, and primary reason for rejecting them is the same reason why we should reject their translated English equivalent of "Lord" and "God", - and that reason is that they were and are used today exclusively as a substitute for the Inspired Name.
Like "Baal", "Adonay" was once used as a general term, meaning one possessing authority. Evidently, it was so used by Daniel in his prayer to Yah; that is, if the scribes did not substitute in this instance (See Daniel 9:3-19). After the Babylonian captivity the priests and scribes began to accumulate their traditional writings. Both the Babylonian and the Jerusalem Talmuds became authoritative interpreters of the Scripture.
The Judaica Encyclopaedia, Vol. 15, page 763 states: "Once the Talmud was completed, it became the authoritative text of the teaching; as such it was taught in the Babylonian schools and spread to all the Jewish communities the world over."
One of these rules was that the Personal Name "Yah" was too sacred to be used by the common people, and in place of that Name they substituted the title "Adonay" wherever it occurred in the Scripture. Thus the Personal Name was lost to the people as it is today, and as the Judaica Encyclopaedia states that "...later, "Adonia" was taken to be the name of God, the "Lord." (Vol. 7, p. 680)
Just as "Baal" was used by the common people to supplant the Personal Family Name of the Almighty; so likewise, "Adonay" was being used by the priest and scribes to supplant the Blessed Name of Yah. Like ancient Israel, Modern Israel are using today the same translated words as a substitute for the Personal Name of the Almighty, to the extent that the Name is seldom used, and in most cases not even known. By using these translated titles of "Lord" and "God", terms which in the first place has its origin in heathen worship as all authorities state, as substitute names for the Personal Family Name, we are, by this act of substituting, giving our honor to Satan, even though it is done innocently. Our Mighty One says He is "jealous for His Blessed name." (Ezek. 39:25) In Isaiah 42:8 it is stated: "I am Yah, that is MY NAME, and my honor will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images."
So may we reiterate again, for emphasis sake, the two important reasons why we should not use the titles "God" and "Lord".
FIRST: These translated titles have their origin in pagan worship.
SECOND: These translated titles are used today by the so-called "Christian" world as substitute names for the Family Name of Yah, just as "Baal" and "Adonay" were used by ancient Israel for the same reason. The worshippers in most of the churches of today have forgotten His real Name and are worshipping a false deity under the impression that "God" and "Lord" is His Name.
The principle upon which the above conclusions is based was not only stated by Jeremiah in 23:27, and by Elijah in 1 Kings 18:21, but also by the prophet Hosea.
We will examine this statement by Hosea, for it points to a reform that is to take place in regard to the use of these substitute names in the last days. We will quote more verses than is absolutely necessary in order to get the time element involved in this prophecy.
You will find this prophecy in Hosea 2:14-18. It reads:
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be at that day, says Yah, that you shall call me Ishi; and shall call Me no more Baali, For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they will no more be remembered by their name."
Now we will examine closely this text. First, notice the time when this reform will take place. That it is yet a future event is quite evident. "IN THAT DAY" has reference to the time when the remnant of His people is gathered. "IN THE WILDERNESS" has reference to the "BARN" of safety. (Matt. 13:30) This is the same "wilderness" that the "Woman" [His people] flees to in the time of trouble. (See Revelation 12) During this tribulation period the world will receive its last message of warning as outlined in the Three Angel's Messages of Revelation 14. Under his leadership, we believe, once more the testing truth will be over a NAME. "If Yah be the Elohim follow Him, but if Baal (Lord or God), then follow him." We would like to take the liberty to paraphrase this text.
"If Yah be the Elohim, follow Him, but if Jesus Christ then follow him."
Now before you label us blasphemous let us remind you of our Savior's words:
"I am come in My Father's name and you receive me not: If another comes in his own name, him you will receive." (John 5:43)
JESUS CHRIST was never Our Savior's name. Satan's (formally known as Lucifer) "said in his heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of El: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:13, 14) He wants to be like the Most High, to be worshipped. John tells us the world worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast. (Revelation 13:4). Who is the dragon? "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). Realizing that the devil will counterfeit the second coming of Yasha in order to deceive the world—it is well that we also keep this possibility in mind, that he will use the NAME that he has supplanted for our Savior, the one that the "Christian" world uses today in worship. Just as Elijah's message was given with a loud cry to separate from heathen names and heathen worship; so likewise, once again a loud "strong voice" will proclaim the same message "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every evil spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird...Come out of her My people" (Revelation 18:2,4).
The very fact that the 144,000 are sealed with this Family Name is plenty of evidence that it will be the testing truth of the last days. That seal, with His Name, is the most important part of the seal of the Ten Commandment Law of our Creator. All the important elements of the seal are found in the Sabbath Commandment of that Decalogue, but if you tear out the Name of that seal -- you have no seal.
Now we will go back to our study of Hosea 2 again. Notice verse 16. "And it shall be AT THAT DAY" - the day when the remnant of Israel (His people) shall understand -- "that you shall call me Ishi; and shall call me no more Baali." If you have a Bible with the reference notes, you will notice that the English equivalent for "Baali" is "my Lord". In other words, "IN THAT DAY" the remnant will no more call Him "Lord" Why? Because these titles "God" and "Lord" are not only of heathen origin and used in idol worship, but mainly because these titles today have supplanted the Family Name of The Almighty to such an extent that these titles are considered as the name of The Almighty, as Baal and Adonay were once so considered. It is true that both "Baali" and "Ishi" can mean "My husband". Why then is one term acceptable and the other term forbidden? The difference between the two terms underlies a principle deeper than the meaning of the two terms. Whereas, "Baali" and its English equivalent "Lord" has had an idolatrous association with pagan idols, and by its exclusive use has caused His people to forget His Name, (Jer. 23:17) this has not been true with "Ishi". "Ishi" or its English equivalent "husband" has never been associated with idolatry. It is also a more affectionate term, and has never been used as a term to supplant the Family Name of Yah.
Now we will examine the last verse:
"For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth (the remnant), and they shall no more be remembered by their name."
"Baalim" is the plural word for "Baali". So the names of "Baalim" would include all those names, Hebrew or their translated equivalent in other languages, where origin is steeped in paganism or associated with idolatry, and have been used in the past to supplant the Family Name of Yah under which all true followers will be sealed.
We know the question which will arise in many minds. You are thinking, since this is a future testing truth when Yasha will take the reins in His own hands, and when the judgment of the living is taking place—is it a sin to use these pagan terms today in reference to Yah? We are reminded of what the Apostle James says: "Therefore, to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) We do know that we are told to "sing praises to His NAME; (and) EXTOL HIM... by His NAME--Yah." (Psalm 68:4) We would think that the true and sincere believer would want to do His will concerning this command, now! We would rather think that this should be a case of the principle of not what is good or permissible to use, not even what is better, but what is the best, and most appropriate and acceptable term to use in the worship of Yah. We would think that this principle should be our rule in whatever we do, as Paul says:
"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, `do all to the honor of Yah" (1 Cor. 10:31).
If we are really sincere in wanting to sing that song of praise to YAH on the Sea of Glass, [Revelation 15:2] we would think that we ought now to have the desire to please Him by "extolling" Him by His Name "YAH" today. Especially, in the light of the fact that the redeemed will be sealed with that Name. We don't take that attitude toward the weekly Sabbath. We don't argue that because we will keep the Sabbath in the earth made new, that therefore we need not keep it now. So why wait until it is a test in regard to His Name, any more than the Sabbath truth? Both will be testing truths in the last days. They cannot be separated. They are bound together in the seal of the 4th commandment. [the 3rd in Catholic catechism books] In fact, you cannot keep the Sabbath perfectly without honoring the Creator's Name, the Author of the Sabbath. Be honest, are you really honoring your Creator, your spiritual Husband by a refusal to accept His Name? Only in the 4th commandment will you find all the three vital parts of the official seal of His Law which gives authenticity and binding force to His Decalogue. One might keep all the Ten Commandments, but break one point of it, and according to the Infinite Spirit through the Apostle James, be guilty of breaking all of them (James 2:10). The devil has endeavored to hide this most vital part of the Seal. You will not find that seal in the fourth commandment as it reads in the King James Version, or for that matter in many of our modern versions.
You are probably well aware that in order for a document to be legal and binding it must have an official seal. Any federal document issued by our government would be void if it did not contain the name of the President of the United States. If it contained only the title "President"—people would want to know—which President? By removing the Name of the Lawgiver and inserting a title in its place, we have interfered with the Seal of that Law, and by that act, come under the very condemnation of that Lawgiver, who states: "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one yod (jot) or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (completed). Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:18,19).
This is the judgment pronounced in the kingdom of heaven. Some have thought that the commandment breaker will be there, but will occupy the lowest place. This is a mistake. Sinners will never enter the abode of bliss. The commandment breaker, and all who unite with him in teaching that it makes no difference whether men break or observe the Eternal law, will by the universe of heaven be called least among the human agencies. For not only have they been disloyal themselves, but they have taught others to break the Law of Yah. The Messiah pronounces judgment upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the law, but who, by precept and example, lead souls into confusion and darkness.
This seal must include three vital parts—the Name of the Lawgiver, His official title, and His jurisdiction. The translators, however, have taken out the most vital part of this seal—His Name, and have substituted pagan titles in the place where His Name should be. In the place where it reads: "The LORD thy God"—it should have read: "Yah your Elohim". "Lord" is not His Name.
There are many "Els," many "Adonais," many "Kurios," many "Theos," many "Gods" and "Lords" as the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 8:5.
Why should people think that "Lord" or "God" is His Name? Which "Lord"? Which "God"? The Translators are responsible for the substitution of these titles in place of His Family Name. They have done so some 7000 times in the Scriptures.
Look at Isaiah 42:8 in the King James Version. It reads:
"I am the LORD: That is my name."
In the Polish it reads:
"I am Boh: that is my name."
In the Greek it reads:
"I am Kurios: that is my name."
In the Latin it reads:
"I am Dominus: that is my name."
The original Hebrew reads:
"I am YAH: that is my name."
Only in a very few places in the Scripture has the revealed Name been retained without substitution. Such as Exodus 3:14; Psalm 68:4; Isaiah 12:2. In Psalm 83:18 they have placed the 4 characters hw hy together and have come up with the hybrid name "Jehovah". This passage in Psalm 83:18 should read:
"That men may know that You, whose name alone is Yah, is the Most High over all the earth."
The three main parts of the seal of the Law of Yah are found in Exodus 20:11. Those three parts are:
NAME OF THE LAWGIVER - "YAH"
TITLE OF LAWGIVER - CREATOR ("MAKER)
JURISDICTION - "Heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is."
By a refusal to extol or praise Him by using His Precious Name as found in this seal of His Law we reveal a defect in our own character—a desire to insert our own will rather than His Will. Regardless of how religiously we keep His Sabbath, by refusing to honor the Name of the Author of that Sabbath—we have broken one of the vital parts of the seal. Not only that, but by using substitutionary names of idols for His Name we are violating the first commandment of this Decalogue that reads:
"I am Yah, your Ruler which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You must have no other Rulers besides Me" (Exodus 20:2,3).
THINK ABOUT THAT!
It has been held by some that it is disrespectful to use the sir name of our Father, as though He was our equal. Children, they say, who show respect for their earthly father; don't call him by his sir name. They just call him "Daddy" or "Father" with no sir name attached. Therefore, they reason that when they use the affectionate term "Heavenly Father," that in itself, shows our true spiritual family relationship, and no other term is necessary to indicate this relationship.
Of course, that is what they say, but it is not what the Bible says. Anyone that wants an excuse for not using the revealed Name can find it in this argument, but it is absurd reasoning at its very best. In the first place, they are over looking the very fact that Yah named Himself, as a memorial, (Exodus 3:14, 15; Psalm 135:13; Hosea 12:5) and desires to be identified by the use of this Memorial Name. (Zech. 13:9) We are told to praise Him by this Name. (Psalm 68:4) We are told to call upon Him in the time of trouble by the use of this Name. (Joel 2:32) We are told that those who refuse to use this Blessed Name prior to His Second Coming will be destroyed with the wicked. (Jer. 10:25)
In the second place, this is not an ordinary Name. It is not a sir name or given name as we ordinary humans would use. It is the Family Mark. We might think of it as a Code of Arms, a Standard Bearer, the Banner around which all the saints will rally, because it is the symbol of the Character of our Infinite One—His eternal goodness, mercy, and power; the One who has life in Himself, and has the power to give everlasting life.
Surely, this Name is set apart, and should be used with respect and awe. No one should use it in an excessive flippant manner. What would you consider excessive? Would you say David made an excessive use of it? David wrote 150 Psalms, and only 15 of these do not contain the Inspired Name. In many of these Psalms, the Family Name is used many times. For example, in Psalm 29 which contains only 11 verses, we find the Blessed Name mentioned 18 times. If it is disrespectful to use it—then we are charging not only David with disrespect, but all the other prophets.
Many now think that this "name business", as they call it, is a quibble over nothing. They reason, what difference does it make? The answer to that is—the difference between obedience and disobedience. His way is the WAY of Salvation. His WORD is the truth of Salvation. His example is the MODEL of Salvation. (John 14:6) Yasha came in His Father's Name. (John 5:43) Yasha kept His disciples in the Name of His Father. (John 17:12) His people will be sealed by His Name. (Revelation 7:3; 14:1) Just as Yasha carries the Name of His Father, so the Bride must take the Name of her Husband. If we are married to the Messiah we will be called by the Name of our Messiah (The Bridegroom) and the Name of the Bridegroom's Family Name. (Revelation 14:1) A refusal to use that Name-amounts to a rebuff, and a denial of the family relationship. That this is a testing truth we draw from the very fact that His saints are sealed with the Family Name, and also from the inference which can be drawn from what is said concerning the Philadelphian Assembly—that they had kept His Word, and "has not denied MY NAME." (Revelation 3:8) Malachi was inspired to write: "Then they that feared YAH spoke often one to another: and YAH hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared YAH, and that thought upon HIS NAME." (Mal. 3:16)
Joel was inspired to write:
"And it will come to pass, that whoever will call on the Name of Yah will be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem will be deliverance, as Yah has said, and in the Remnant whom Yah will call." (Joel 2:32)
David was inspired to write this beautiful promise of deliverance to all of Yah's saints in the time of trouble:
"Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My Name." (Psalm 91:14)
This whole issue is a matter of principle or attitude, as it has always been. It was the difference of attitude that brought the acceptance of Abel, and the rejection of Cain; the acceptance of Jacob, the rejection of Esau, the acceptance of David, the rejection of Saul. May we never forget what Samuel told King Saul: that "to obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15:22) There is a definite command to "extol Him...by His Name YAH, and rejoice before Him." (Psalm 68:4) Now we can ignore that command, and say it is of little consequence, but Bible history goes to show that what man considers a "little thing" is of great importance to Yah. What is the condemnation of those who do not honor His Blessed Name in the last days? Jeremiah gives us unmistakingly the answer to that question. He was inspired to write:
"Pour out your fury upon the heathen that know You not, and upon the families that call not on Your Name." (Jer. 10:25)
Do you want that to happen to you?
The disobedient in the last days will be enrolled under the banner of the Anti-Messiah, the Man of Sin, and will worship under the banner of his own name; whereas, the righteous will be enrolled under the banner of Yasha the Messiah, and the Blessed Name of His Father. It is as simple as that!
If the Name is all that important—Why was it not known before, many will ask? That is a good question. You know it has been said that the wrath of man works out sometimes in the end to fulfill the purposes of Yah. [Psalm 76:10] It is certainly true that man can do nothing unless Yah wills or permits him to do it. Without a doubt, the Devil has been behind the attempt to hid the Family Name of the Almighty, and that of His Son. Yet , at the same time, this has worked out in the providence of the Almighty for His purpose at the End Time—that it might serve as the testing truth—banner under which all the righteous will gather. But you say, I don't think the Heavenly Father would permit anyone to change or substitute the names of idols for His Name. In answer—may we ask a question. Why did He allow the Sabbath to be changed? Why did He allow the Devil to tempt Adam and Eve? Why do we find in our congregations today the tares mixed with the wheat? The same answer to these questions, will answer the question as to why Yah permitted the Devil to interfere with His Blessed Name.
His name has never been completely covered up. It has always been there in Psalm 68:4 and in the names of the prophets. Even though they were spelled differently, the pronunciation of their names still contains His name. Such as Jeremiah (Jer. 15:16), Zechariah, Zephaniah. Yah has not allowed it to be completely erased, but it is there to be found ONLY by the diligent seeker for truth.
Another objection that is often raised relative to the importance of the use of the Blessed Name—is that it is His Word or His Character or His Promises that is really important, and not the pronunciation of a Hebrew word. Therefore, under that excuse they not only do not study how to pronounce it—they never pronounce it, and frown on those that do. We are not aware of any condemnation in the Scripture for a failure to pronounce His Blessed Name correctly, but there is a definite—judgment coming against those who have substituted an idolatrous name and thereby polluting it (Ezekiel 20:39). Wouldn't it be far better to attempt a pronunciation, than to deliberately refuse to use it under such a silly pretense? Now relative to His Character or His Word. No Name believer doubts the importance of Character, but to use this argument to degrade the importance of the Inspired Name is flimsy and fallacious reasoning.
Their reasoning goes like this: "If we know the Father's nature, His justice and holiness, His love and mercy, His saving grace, and His keeping power—if we know all this, therefore we know His Name, and we know Him whom to know is life eternal." True, His Character must be reflected in our life, but this argument over looks one very important point, and that is: That our Heavenly Father wishes us to use the Name that signifies His Character. It is His desire that we call on Him by this Beloved Name, and a refusal to use it is a disregard of His wish, and shows a desire to follow our own will in this matter rather than His Will.
The text that is often quoted to down-grade the importance of His Blessed Name, and to exalt His Word above His Name is Psalm 138:2. The King James Version does seem to teach this. It reads:
"I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth: for You have magnified Your word above all Your name."
This is one of a few instances when we must read other versions in order to arrive at the real meaning of this passage. The real meaning is not that His Word is above His Name—for actually His Word is backed by His Name, and His Name stands for His Word. One is not above the other, and this verse does not mean to imply this, although it may sound like this in the King James Version. A literal reading of the last clause in the Hebrew would read: "For you have enlarged or uplifted Your Name, Your Word (or promise)." In other words, both His Name and His Word is uplifted.
"Smith and Goodspeed" Version reads:
"I prostrate myself toward thy holy temple; and give thanks to thy name for thy kindness and thy faithfulness; for thou hast magnified thy name over all."
"The Revised Standard" Version reads:
"I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word."
The "Living Bible reads:
"I face your Temple as I worship giving thanks to you for all your loving kindness and your faithfulness for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."
Many other versions give the same thought. So, His Name is a signature of His Character, and both must be up-lifted in the heart of every born-from above believer in the Messiah. The very fact that the 144,000 saints carry the signature of His Name on their forehead—is evidence in itself, that this signifies His Infinite approval that His Word or Character which we must be clothed with in order to be saved, has been demonstrated in their lives. To claim that His Word or Character is above His Name or vice versa--is non-sense.
Surely we agree—that it is not enough just to know His Name to use it in prayer or to tell others about it. We readily agree, that the important thing is to have His great Name consecrated in our lives. If we fail to reflect the image of our Creator in our lives daily, we could pronounce His Name correctly a thousand times a day, and yet take it in vain, and thus be eternally lost. But can you conceive of anyone having that Name engraved in his mind or forehead who ignores the command to "praise" that Name--to use that Name in song and prayer—I cannot!
In the model prayer that Yasha taught us to pray, it starts out "Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be Your name."
Are we hallowing it by a refusal to use it?
John stated that he saw "a great multitude" of the redeemed singing "Halleluyah". Are you getting ready now to sing that song? Whose Name do you now "Hallow" when you pray and sing? Are you really living on the "HalleluYAH" side of this issue by praisingYah? These are questions that only you can answer.
All the prophets in the Old Testament used it. If they considered it too sacred to use—why did they use it?
Many will rationalize that it is what we have in mind that counts. We have the Eternal One in mind, they say, when we pray to "God" and "Lord". But we cannot cast it off that lightly.
Do you really think that the Creator will reason as you reason that, "Oh, they mean well. They do not really mean to worship these heathen idols when they use these terms. So I will let them go ahead and call me by these pagan names." There is simply no excuse for using a substitute pagan title when you can use the inspired Name. "If we have forgotten the name of our Ruler, or stretched out our hands to a strange Ruler shall not the Almighty search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:20,21). Is He in your heart (mind)? He knows!
The Eternal One named Himself. "I am Yah: that is My Name: and My honor will I not give to another (name), neither My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) As far as intentions were concerned, ancient Israel had in mind the "Eternal One"—but called Him Baal and Adonay in the place of His Name. It is not intentions that Yah wants, but the proper attitude that is reflected in obedience. It is not obedience under your rules that He wants, but obedience in accordance to His Will. If a person despises to worship Yah on His Sabbath day, do you think he will have any greater desire in the earth made new? The same principle applies to the use of His Inspired Name. If you refuse to call upon His Inspired Name now because you consider it trivial, quibbling over nothing unimportant, will you have any greater desire to use that Blessed Name if translated to the New Jerusalem? Yet both His Sabbath and His Blessed Name will be known and kept throughout the Eternal ages. Concerning the Sabbath He says, "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, says Yah." (Isaiah 66:23)
Concerning His Blessed Name, He says:
"And Yah will be king over all the earth: in that day Yah will prove to be a UNITY, and with one Name." [HNB, restored] (Zechariah 14:9)
"So will I make My wholly Name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them pollute My wholly Name anymore: and the heathen shall know that I am Yah, the Blessed One in Israel." (Ezekiel 39:7)
The prophet Micah wrote that in the last days people will be walking "everyone in the name of his Elohim but the remnant, he says, will be walking "in the name of Yah, our Ruler forever and ever." (Micah 4:5)
Let us cast our lot with the remnant, for only therein lies our eternal destiny, and salvation.
If you have read this article up this point, and you still consider the use of the Inspired Name as non-essential or too sacred to use, would you STOP RIGHT HERE—and read Psalm 113:1-3.
You will notice, that if you have read the text, that the word "LORD" is in capital letters, which means that in the original Hebrew, the 2 letters hy (YH) with the hw (VH) is used. Read this verse and when you come to the word "LORD" substitute the correct Inspired word ‘Yah’ for it. Can you possibly read it that way, and still consider the use of the Blessed Name as non-essential or too "sacred" to use?
Obedience to His Will is the root of character--so let us "praise" Him by that Inspired, Blessed Name--for believe it, it is His Will that we do this if we wish to be sealed with that Eternal Name. HALLELUYAH!
One last thought, each Sabbath institution, both true and false, bears the name of its author, an ineffaceable mark that shows the authority of each.
Turn to Ezekiel 20:20. You are familiar with the Scripture: "And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I AM YAH your Ruler." What is the Sabbath a sign of, then?—A sign that He is Yah the Ruler. The Sabbath being the sign that He is Yah the Ruler, is it not the sign that He is what He is? The Sabbath being the sign that He is the true Ruler—and He having told us that He is what He is, therefore the Sabbath is the sign of what Yah is as well as the sign that He is. Then, His name meaning "I AM" what "I AM,," and the Sabbath being the sign that He is what He is, don't you see how that Yah is His name forever, and that it is His memorial forever? Then, He has given the Sabbath--"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it wholly"- [Exodus 20:8] He has given that as the memorial that He is Yah. Consequently, "that is My name forever," [Exodus 3:15] that is His memorial.
Let us go back and take the thought at the beginning. The Sabbath, He says "you shall hallow," and it shall be a sign. Saturday is not a sign of the true Creator. Saturday is not anything. A man who keeps Saturday can do so without knowing Yah just as he can keep Sunday without knowing Yah; but he can't keep the Sabbath day [the 7th day of the week] without knowing Yah. There are three classes of observers of a day in the world: there are Saturday-keepers, Sunday-keepers, and Sabbath-keepers. What Yah wants is Sabbath-keepers. But there has been too many Saturday-keepers pretending to be Sabbath-keepers; that is the mischief of these last days.
When Satan comes in the name "Jesus Christ" will you be able to know whether it is your Savior or Satan, if you haven't learned about his great deception? his desire to be worshipped instead of the Son of Yah, Yasha? In the great controversy that has been going on between Satan and his followers and Yasha and His followers, [Revelation 12:7] we must take sides, we cannot serve two masters. We must choose this day whom we will serve.
"As for me and my house, we will serve Yah." (Joshua 24:15)
G-#s 1223 "Dia. See 2203."
# 1358 "Dios. See 2203."
# 1364 "Dis. See 2203." When they don’t believe certain people should that name, they substitute the name of their "god".