REVELATION OF
THE NAME “LORD JESUS CHRIST”
Paul S.
Wong
Revelation of the name "Jesus"
The
Lord Jesus Christ is the One True God who manifested Himself in the flesh
therefore He has two natures. He is Divine
and is also human. He is fully God and fully
Man. This truth is clearly expressed
in His Hebrew name ‘YAHSHUA’ that consists of two words ‘YAH’
which is the abbreviated name of ‘YAHWEH’
that expresses His Divinity.
The second word
‘OSHUA’ means salvation and this expresses His
humanity and mission to save mankind from sin.
In the
fullness of time God manifested Himself in the flesh (Jn. 1:1, 14; 1 Tim.
3:16). The Son of God was born of a
woman (Gal. 4:4). God revealed the name
of His Son is “YAHSHUA (JESUS)” to
Joseph (Mt. 1:20-21) and also to Mary. Lk. 1:31) The name “JESUS” is known throughout the English-speaking world, but let it
be understood that the angels of the Lord that appeared to Joseph and Mary spoke
Aramaic or Hebrew to them. This is what
he said to Joseph: "And she will bring
forth a Son, and you shall call His name YAHSHUA (JESUS), for He will save His
people from their sins." (Mt. 1:21)
"The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favor with God. And behold, you
will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name YAHSHUA
(JESUS)" (Lk. 1:31).
Just like
the Father's Name ‘YAHWEH’ indicates who
He is, the Son's Name YAHSHUA also indicates
who He is and what He does. The name "JESUS" is the Greek form of the Hebrew
name "YAHSHUA” meaning "YAHWEH" is Salvation. The name "YAHSHUA”
consists of two words. The first word "YAH”
is the abbreviated form of "YAHWEH"
(Psm. 68:4; Isa. 12:2; 38;11 - NKJV). The
second word "SHUA” comes from the
Hebrew word "OSUAH” meaning
salvation. Remember, the religious Jews
will not pronounce the full name of God but they will use the shortened form "YAH”. So
the name "JESUS" is the combination of God's name and the word
salvation. This practice of combining
the shortened name of God “YAH”, “JAH” or “IAH”
with another word was very common in biblical times. Here are a few examples. "Elijah" means "God is Jah"
or God Himself. Isaiah means "YAH” is helper", Jeremiah means "YAH" is high. Zechariah means "YAH”
is Renown. “MESSIAH”
is “The Anointed of YAH (LORD)”.
The name "YAHSHUA (JESUS)" was a common one
amongst the Jews in those days (Acts 13:6; Col. 4:11). In order to identify a person it was a
normal custom to attach the name of the father or the city of residence to the
proper name of the person. Our Lord
would be called ‘Jesus ben (son of) Joseph’
(Lk. 3:23; 4:22; Jn. 6:42) or ‘Jesus- of Nazareth’
(Mt. 26:71; Mk. 1:24; 10:47; Lk. 18:37).
The people even identified Him as "Jesus
of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (Jn. 1:45).
Unlike the
awe-inspiring event of the burning bush when God revealed His name "YAHWEH" to Moses, the name of "JESUS" was revealed to Joseph in a
dream (Mt. 1:20-24). God had chosen
this name "JESUS” for He will save His people
from their sins”. (Mt. 1:21)
Many Christians will be surprised to learn that the
name "JESUS" is not
exclusively given to the Son of God. As
we have just learnt the Hebrew name for JESUS-YAHSHUA
was originally called "JOSHUA"
or "JE-HO-SHU-AH”. The earliest biblical record of a man having
such a name was Joshua, the Son of Nun, who became the successor of Moses (Ex.
17:9; 33:11). Originally his family
called him "Hoshea” meaning
salvation (Dt. 32:44; Num. 13:8). Moses
added the divine name "JAH",
calling him "Jah-Oshua” or Joshua
(Num. 13:16). Having the same Hebrew
name as the Son of God has led to biblical translation problems. The original
King James English Bible translated Hebrews 4:8: "For
if Jesus had given them rest" while other versions and
translations have "For if Joshua had given
them rest."
The name "Joshua" was later developed into "Jeshua”. The high priest called "Joshua", the Son of Jehozadak in Haggai 1:1, 12, 14; 2:2, 4; Zec. 3:1-9; 6:11 is called "Jeshua”, the Son of Jozadak in Ezra 3:2, 8; 5:2; Neh. 12:26. It is difficult to know the exact number of people called "Jeshua” but there is a distinguished list.
1. A priest of the sanctuary (1 Chr. 24:11;
Ezra 2:36; Neh. 7:43).
2. A
Levite mentioned in Hezekiah's reorganization (2 Chr. 31:15).
3. A man of Pahath-moab who returned from the
Exile with Jerubbabel (Ezr. 2:6).
4. A Levite, Jeshua son of Azaniah (Neh. 10:9).
5. One of the chief of the Levites, the son of
Kadmiel (Neh. 12:24).
6.
The father of Ezer, ruler of Mizpah (Neh. 3:19).
It is clear that the name "Jeshua” or "Joshua" was a common one at the time of the return from the Exile. "Jeshua” is also the name of a place in Judah (Neh. 11: 26).
According to Dictionary of the Bible, John L. McKenzie, Macmillan
Publishing Co., p. 432, "The name Yeshua was
very common in New Testament times." During the time of our Lord's first advent the name "Jeshua” had become very common amongst the
Jews. By the time of the apostles and
the early church the name had been translated into the Greek form "JESUS". There was "a certain sorcerer,
false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus" (Acts
13:6). Another Jew, a fellow-worker of
the apostle Paul’s, also has the name "Jesus"
who is called Justus” (Col. 4:11).
Another phenomenon in modern times is the popularity of the name "Jesus" given to Hispanic people. A study of the Hispanic surnames in the telephone directory from cities having substantial Hispanic populations will reveal some startling facts. The latest edition of the Greater Houston Texas Residence Pages telephone directory indicate the number of persons with the following Hispanic surname have "Jesus" as their proper names: Flores 5, Garcia 23, Gonzales 7, Gonzalez 19, Martinez 28, Ramirez 5, Salazar 6, Salinas 5, Sanchez 8, Villareal 4. It is impossible to have an accurate number of Hispanic surnames with "Jesus" as the proper name. In Mexico, Central and South America the number of people with the proper name "Jesus" must surely exceed thousands.
Revelation of the name
"Christ"
In describing the life of our Lord the Gospel writers Mathew, Mark, Luke
and John generally called Him “JESUS”. In recording His genealogy Mathew called Him
"Jesus Christ" (Mt. 1:
1). Matthew also mentioned that Jesus
was called "Christ" (Mt. 1:
16). The term 'Christ’ is derived from the New Testament Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed'
(verbal adjective from ‘Chrio’,
anoint). 'Christos'
is the direct translation of the original Old Testament Hebrew 'Masiah’ or Aramaic 'Mesiha’. The Hebrew term is used in the Old Testament
as ''His Anointed” (Psm. 2:2) and as “Messiah" (Dan. 9:25-26). In the Old Testament anointing symbolized
holiness and consecration for the service of God. It was performed on the three sacred offices of the prophet (1
Kng. 19:16); priest (Ex. 40:12-15), and king (1 Kng. 1:34). Anointing also signifies the receiving of
the Holy Spirit from God (1 Sam. 16:13).
The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, God's
Anointed One (Psm. 45:7; Isa. 61:1; Dan. 9:24). The Messiah is revealed in the Scriptures as the Prophet (Deut.
18:15-19), Priest (Ps. 110:4) and King (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Psm. 2:6). As the LORD's Anointed One, He would be
filled with the Spirit of God (Isa. 61:1 ).
When Jesus of Nazareth was about thirty years old, He came to the River Jordan to receive water baptism. "And while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased". (Lk. 3:21-22) John the Baptist testified that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn. 1:19-34). The disciples of Jesus claimed "We have found the Messiah"; which is translated, the Christ (Jn. 1:41). The Samaritan woman at Jacob's well said to Jesus, "I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things. Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." (Jn. 4:25-26) Jesus Himself claimed to be the Messiah. There are only two Scriptural texts in the New Testament that use the Hebrew term "Messiah". The first one is preceded with the article "the" which is used as an office or title while the second one is used like a proper name. The Greek translation of "Messiah" which is "Christ" also has two usages in the New Testament. Let us refer to some Biblical authorities and scholars for their views.
1.
Encyclopaedia Britannica -- Jesus Christ, p. 1022.
"Originally, of course, "Jesus" had been
His given name, meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh will
save" (see Matt. 1:21). While "Christ" was the Greek translation
of the title "Messiah." Some passages of the New Testament still used
"Christ" as a title (e.g. Luke 24:26; 2 Jn. 7), but it is evident
from Paul’s usage that the title became simply a proper name very early. Most of the Gentiles took it to be a proper
name, and it was as "Christians" that the early believers were
labeled (Acts 11:26). In the most
precise language, the term "Jesus" was reserved for the earthly
career of the Lord; but it seems from liturgical sources that it may actually
have been endowed with greater solemnity than the name "Christ."
Within a few years after the beginnings of the Christian movement, Jesus,
Christ, Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus could be used almost interchangeably, as
the textual variants in the New Testament indicate. Only in modern times has it become customary to distinguish
sharply among them for the sake of drawing a line between the Jesus of history
and the Christ of faith, and this only in certain circles. The theologians and people of many churches
still use phrases like "the life of Christ," because
"Christ" is primarily a name, It is difficult to imagine how it could
be otherwise when the Old Testament implications of the title have become a
secondary consideration in its use - a process already evident within the New
Testament.”
2.
The New Bible Dictionary, the Inter-Varsity
Fellowship
Messiah, p. 818.
"Hebrew ‘masiah’ or Aramaic ‘mesiha’ is twice transliterated into Greek as ‘messias' (Jn. 1: 41; 4:25), in both of which places the word is glossed by ‘christos' rendered 'Christ' in the Authorised Version, Revised Version and Revised Standard Version. Since, however, in modern usage 'Christ' is practically an alternative or additional name of Jesus, and does not immediately suggest its original sense, New English Bible frequently translates ‘christos' by 'Messiah' where the original sense is plainly required."
3.
Young's
Analytical Concordance to the Bible,
W. B. Eerdman's Publishing Co., p.165.
"CHRIST, anointed -- The official appellation of the
long promised and long expected Savior, denoting his kingly authority and
mediatorial position as the "Servant of the Lord." JESUS was his
common name among men during his lifetime, and he is generally so called in the
Gospels, while the CHRIST or JESUS CHRIST is generally used in the Epistles.”
4. The Name
of Christ - by Francis H. Derk, Dimension Books, p. 25.
"The term "Christ" is used in the Gospels as
a title and preceded by "the" (Matt. 2:4; 11:2; John 1:20;
9:22). In the rest of the New Testament
it is used more as a name. When joined
to Jesus it points out the spiritual meaning Jesus has for the believer. . .
“Jesus" is used over 700 times in the Gospels and 100 times in Epistles
and Revelation. "Christ" is
used 49 times in Gospels, and 235 times in the Epistles and Revelation. "Jesus Christ" is used 5 times in
the Gospels, and 197 times in Epistles and Revelation. "Christ Jesus" appears only 47
times in the Epistles.”
5. Schofield
Reference Bible, Oxford University Press,
p. 994.
"CHRIST (CHRISTOS = Anointed), the Greek form of the
Hebrew "Messiah" (Dan. 9:25-26), is the official name of our Lord, as
JESUS is His human name (Lk. 1:31; 2:21).
The name, or title, "Christ," connects Him with the entire Old
Testament foreview (Zech. 12:8) of a coming Prophet (Deut. 18:15-19, Priest
(Psm. 110:4), and King (2 Sam. 7:7-10).
As these were typically anointed with oil (1 Kn. 19:16; Ex. 29:7; 1 Sam.
16:13), so Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16; Mk. 1:10-11; Lk.
3:2122; Jn. 1:32-33), thus becoming officially "the Christ."
All the
biblical authorities are in full agreement that the term "Christ" is
used in the Holv Bible as a proper name as well as a title. When used as a title it is preceded by the
article ''the'' which is "the
Christ" (Mt. 1:17; 16:16, Mk. 8:29;
Lk. 3:15; 9:20; Jn. 1:20, 25; 1:41; 3:28; 4:29, 42; 7:41; 11:27;
20:31). In addition to its use as a
title the term "Christ" is also used as a name for the Son of God. When used as a name the term "Christ" is
either by itself or attached to the name Jesus or Lord Jesus. In the genealogy of our Lord, Mathew calls
Him "Jesus Christ" (Mt. 1:1).
Just as
awe-inspiring as the Names of YAHWEH and JESUS were-revealed to man, the name of "MESSIAH" or "CHRIST" was
also proclaimed to the shepherds in Bethlehem on the day of His birth; "For there is born to you this day in the city of David
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:11). The Lord Himself indicated His
name is "Christ" (Mt. 24:5). The
name "Christ" gradually became known during the time of our Lord's
earthly ministry (Mt. 11:2; Mk. 9:41; Jn. 4:25). By the time of His trial even the Roman governor Pontius Pilate
referred to our Lord as "Jesus who is
called Christ" (Mt. 27:17, 22). The term "Christ" became widely known as the name of the Son of God on the
day of Pentecost. In his sermon the
apostle Peter declared "Therefore let
all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you
crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart"
(Acts 2:37). "Then Peter said to
them, 'Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
Throughout the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles in the New Testament "CHRIST" is used more as a name than as a title. Here are some examples.
1. Baptism "in
the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38; ref. Lk. 24:47).
2. Healing "in
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth"
(Acts 3: 6; ref. Mk. 16:18).
3. Salvation "in
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth"
(Acts 4: 10-12).
4. Preaching "the
name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 8:12; ref. Lk. 24:47).
5. Casting out demons "in
the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 16: 18;
ref. Mk. 16:17).
6. Call on "the
name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:2).
7. "CHRIST"
is used as the name of the Lord Jesus as in "Gospel
of Christ" (Rom. 1:16) Body of Christ
(Rom. 12:27), Blood of Christ
(Eph. 2:13), Spirit
of Christ (Rom. 8:9).
The prophet Isaiah prophesied that God would gather His
people from all over the world: ''Everyone who is
called by My name, whom I have created for My glory."
(Is. 43:5-7) The prophet Amos
prophesied God would also gather the Gentiles "who
are called by My name" (Amos. 9:11-12). After the conversion of the first Gentile
believers the initial conference of the apostles and prophets in Jerusalem
agreed that the Old Testament prophecies had been fulfilled, God had indeed "visited
the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.” (Acts
15:14-17) What did God use for the
collective name of those who believe in Him?
Acts 11:26 states, "And the disciples
were first called Christians in Antioch."
We all know that the name "Christians"
was derived from the name "Christ."
When the apostle Paul wrote, "Let everyone who
names the name of Christ depart from iniquity"
he meant that every Christian should not commit sin (2 Tim. 2:1 9).
In the first dispensation or
period of God’s manifestation of Himself He revealed His Name as YAHWEH
(LORD). This
is the Father's Name. When God was
manifested Himself in the flesh as the Son His name was revealed as JESUS. This is the second dispensation. After His death, burial, resurrection,
ascension into heaven and outpouring of the Holy Spirit the name of CHRIST
was made known to His people. This is
the fulfilment of our Lord's promise: "But the
Helper (Comforter) the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He
will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said
to you." (Jn. 14:26) Since "Christ"
is the name of our Lord and Savior it is reasonable to believe that this name
may be used for the Holy Spirit. The
name "Christ"
means the Anointed One. Anointing is
closely associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God (1 Sam. 10:1,
9-10; 16:13). The ministry of the
Messiah-Christ, the Anointed One is to have the Spirit of God upon Him (Is.
61:1). John the Baptist testified that
he himself was not the Christ, but the Lord Jesus was the Messiah, the Anointed
One (Jn. 1:19-27). John further
testified that Christ-Messiah
would be revealed to Israel as the one who has the Spirit of God descending
upon Him like a dove (Jn. 1:29-34).
After His water baptism and temptation the Lord Jesus Christ returned to
Galilee "in the power of the Spirit"
(Lk. 4:14). He read Isaiah 61:1 in the
synagogue on the Sabbath day: "The Spirit of the
LORD is upon Me. because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the
poor" (Lk. 4:16-21).
"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with
the Holy Spirit and with power." (Acts 10:38) The name "Christ-Messiah,
“the Anointed One" is very closely
associated with the Holy Spirit. When
the apostle John wrote,, "But you have an
anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things" (1 Jn.
2:20), he certainly meant receiving the Holy Spirit and knowing all things
which are revealed by Him (Jn. 14: 26; 1 Cor. 2:10-16). John further wrote, "But the anointing which you have received from Him
abides in you.... the same anointing teaches you concerning all things" (1
Jn. 2:27). There is absolutely no doubt
that "the anointing" refers to
the Holy Spirit. The original Greek for
'anointing' is "Chrisma” from which we have the name "Christos",
the Anointed One. The Holy Spirit is
sent in the name of CHRIST.
Revelation
of the Name "Lord Jesus Christ"
There are three distinct periods of dispensation during which time the One True God revealed Himself to man. The first dispensation is the Old Testament time when God revealed Himself as the Father. The second dispensation was the advent of the Son, who is God manifesting Himself in the flesh. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the third dispensation that continues to this day. Just as the One True God has revealed Himself progressively in three principal ways there is also progressiveness in the revelation of His Name. We praise and thank God for the wonderful revelation that the LORD, JESUS and CHRIST are unified as one name.
Just as YAHWEH (LORD), the name of the Father, reveals God as the Self-Existent One, and JESUS (YAHSHUA), the name of the Son, reveals God as the Savior who came in the flesh to save mankind from sins, we know that CHRIST (MESSIAH) the name of the Holy Spirit reveals God as the Helper (Comforter) dwelling and abiding in the believers.
The full expression "LORD JESUS CHRIST" reveals His nature, character plan of salvation and abiding presence with His people.
It is the most complete and dignified name ever recorded in the Holy Bible. The prophet Zechariah prophesied:
"And the LORD shall be king over all the earth. In that day it shall be - The LORD is one, And His name one" (Zec. 14:9). This prophecy had been fulfilled when God exalted Jesus by making Him Lord and Christ thus giving Him the name "Lord Jesus Christ."
Whenever the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned
in the New Testament the singular "name” and not the plural
"names" is used. This
indicates that "Lord Jesus Christ"
is one name and not three. Here are
some significant truths associated with the name "Lord
Jesus Christ."
1. We
must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (Acts 11:17; 16:31). Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts
20:21)
2. The apostles "risked their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 15:26)
3. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
4. “The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Rom. 16:24)
5. Christians should have unity
by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:10).
6. Glory in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ. (Gal. 6:14)
7. “Giving
thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” (Eph. 5:20).
8. Love our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity. (Eph. 6:24)
9. We eagerly wait for our
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:20).
10. We obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:9).
11. Prayers are made so that the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us and we in Him (2 Thess.
1:12).
12. Commands given in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 3:6).
13. Obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:8; 2:14).
14.
The last verse in the Holy Bible has this benediction
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all, Amen" (Rev. 22:21)
This Article is the response of Paul Wong
to a discussion in the ARK Forum on July 16, 2003
For comments please write first to: [email protected]
May God bless you.
Paul Wong is a Christian minister and the
President of ARK International.
His ministry also serves as an architectural service company in Houston.
The ARK Forum on the Internet is international and non-denominational.
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