In His Hands International Bible College

Names in biblical times meant more than distinguishing one person from another or tracing family heritage through genealogical research.  Names revealed the nature and character of a person. In  Bible times, great significance was attached to names.  A person’s name was often determined by some circumstance at the time of birth (Genesis 19:22).  Sometimes the name expressed a hope or a prophecy (Isaiah 8:1-4; Hosea 1:4). Because of the importance of names in Bible times, God changed the names of several people.   He changed Abram’s name to Abraham saying:  "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee"  (Genesis 17:5).  The name Abraham meant "father of a great multitude" which was to be Abraham's destiny.  God also changed in the name of Sarai to Sara and Jacob to Israel for spiritual reasons.   In the New Testament this same pattern continues.  Simon is called Peter and Saul becomes Paul.   Their names reflected their destinies in God's plan. Here is a summary of why the names of God are important: Redemption.  Getting to know God through His names assures your eternal destiny, as well as that of those to whom you minister.  It is impossible for you or someone to whom you minister to be saved apart from the Name of Jesus: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Revelation. The names of the Godhead reveal much about the character, position, and functions of each member of the Trinity.  Our concept of God is often too shallow. He challenges us saying: "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal?" (Isaiah 40:25).   To expand our concept of God, He reveals Himself by giving us His names. Knowing the names and their meanings provide a deeper understanding of the Trinity of God: Therefore My people shall know what My name is and what it means; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks; behold, I AM! (Isaiah 52:6 , TAB) Each one of the names permits you to know God more intimately.  He has promised. For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people. (1 Samuel 12:22) Other relationships may fail or come and go, but He will not forsake you.  He will remain faithful for His name’s sake. Relevancy. God is the solution to the challenges of life. Knowing the meaning of His names helps you face specific problems and results in spiritual blessings.  Here are some examples: -Moses learned the name Jehovah Rophe, meaning the God who heals, when healing was needed.  God declared: And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26)   -Gideon learned the name Jehovah Shalom, meaning God of peace, at a time when he   was fearful of fulfilling his spiritual destiny as a warrior for God:   Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom. (Judges 6:24)   -When Israel fought Amalek, they learned the name Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner, meaning that God would protect them in battle: And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi (the Lord our   Banner). (Exodus 17:15)     11 -The nation of Israel was blessed when God’s name was put upon them:   Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the   children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord   lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my   name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.  (Numbers 6:23-27) -Moses learned the name I AM when preparing to deliver Israel from Egypt: And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say   unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14)   Just as God revealed to Moses the name I AM, He is saying to you today: “I am________”, and you fill in the blank with the name that is relevant to the current problem or challenge in your life   (Exodus 3:14).  Knowing the names enables you to look to God in times of crisis and call upon Him using specifics names that are relevant to your needs. Release. The names of God have tremendous inherent power to release spiritual experiences into people’s lives.   -The name of Jesus is the only name by which the lost can be saved: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given   among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Names are important in the spiritual world, and that is why God often changed a person’s name to reflect their spiritual destiny.  An experiential knowledge of the names of God results in trust and confidence in Him because His names reveal His nature.