What's in His name?

Theology
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So this topic stems off another Thread that was titled DO other faith go to heaven.

First a little about me, I come on to learn from people who are somewhat open minded. I may argue a position to find where I stand. Hence more like studying.

I believe people can reason together which does at times involve the use of logic. So no harm intended-if you dont know what I’m asking please ask before you assume. This is a place to enjoy, to explore, and to bond.. There’s a quote I like from my favorite Author, logician Willard who states faith is not absent from knowledge. So it’s ok to ask questions and see if they are verified though scripture. For me the fun is not in being right, but the arriving together to the best answer. So if you are willing to have :grin: fun, join the ride.

Reference: Then Men begin to call upon the name of the Lord.

To be continued driving​:automobile: across the states and my partner needs a break.

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In my view, the name of God is Jesus Christ. The name implies qualities, and what the Lord asks us to do in the Gospel. He teaches about Himself being Divine, thus the one who sees Him sees the Father Himself. He teaches faith in Himself and following His commandments (“if ye love me, do my commandments”). So, asking In HIS NAME, means to ask that the Lord’s Will be done, asking as we are following Him by His Commandments, not by the faith-alone without those, which is termed as demonic by James, and which is one of the reasons why christianity in the various places may only be in name, but not in essence, for what is the faith or Christian religion without love and charity, but a piece of the memory alone or historical persuasion, and a kind of salty statue of Lot’s wife?

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God has many names. The core name He gives Himself in relation to Israel’s redemption and exodus, is the Tetragrammaton or “Four Letters”, the Hebrew characters of Yod Hah Vav and Hah, which looks like YHWH or YHVH when written using Latin letter equivelents.

We don’t know how the name was pronounced, though the best guess we have is “Yahweh”. But this is only a guess, not a certainty.

The consensus is that this name comes from the Hebrew expression that God spoke to Moses at the burning bush: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, “I AM that I AM”. The verb ehyeh means “to be” or “will be” in the first person, so “I am” or “I will be”. So it is thought that YHWH is based on a third person construction of ehyeh, so that YHWH means “You are” or “He is” or “The One that is”.

This is sometimes interpreted as God’s name meaning “the self-existent one”. Whatever the case, there is a connection between what God says to Moses “I am that I am” and God’s sacred name “YHWH”. And this name was considered so sacred that in the 2nd Temple period observant Jews became careful about writing and pronouncing God’s name, so as to avoid mis-using God’s name. So by Jesus’ time the name was usually only uttered out loud by the High Priest when he entered through the veil in the Temple into the Holy of Holies.

In the 1st century it had become the norm to use either Greek or Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible (Septuagint is the name for the Greek translation commonly used among Jews outside of Palestine, though there were several Greek translations in antiquity), while in Palestine Aramaic translations, Targums, were common. In Greek and Aramaic translations a word meaning “lord” was used instead of the sacred name, in Greek kyrios, the Targums use words like adonai, or special appreviations, or substitute words like memra (word) shekina (presence) or yaqara (glory).

Later Jewish tradition would compound this. Adonai was the most common substitute-word, but then words like ha-shem “the name” were used. Today, there can be several layers of substitution:

YHWH → Adonai → HaShem

Jewish practice sometimes involves other substitution words, Elokim instead of Elohim, for example. This is the same as when observant Jews write Gd/G-d/G_d instead of “God” or L-rd instead of “Lord”–it is done out of respect. The idea here is, especially in modern writing, it would be offensive to write or print out a text document with “God” or “Elohim” or some other name or term for God and then that paper be thrown away–as though one could throw away God’s name.

Anyway, that’s how in Christianity we came to use “The Lord”, it’s based on ancient Jewish practice that was already common in Jesus’ time to use “lord” (Adonai/Kyrios) instead of the Divine Name. That’s why the New Testament uses Kyrios where the Old Testament has YHWH, the New Testament is quoting the Septuagint and using established Jewish precedent. And this carried over into the languages where Christianity spread and the Bible was translated. So in English, “Lord” which is the closest translation English has to Adonai. We see the same basically everywhere Christianity spread, so:

French: Seigneur
Spanish: Señor
German: Herr
Latin: Dominus
Syriac: Mār
Amharic (Ethiopian): Abetu

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(II) for all that a “name” implies, of authority, character, rank, majesty, power, excellence, etc., of everything that the “name” covers: (a) of the “Name” of God as expressing His attributes, etc., e.g., Mat_6:9; Luk_1:49; Jhn_12:28; Jhn_17:6, Jhn_17:26; Rom_15:9; 1Ti_6:1; Heb_13:15; Rev_13:6; (b) of the “Name” of Christ, e.g., Mat_10:22; Mat_19:29; Jhn_1:12; Jhn_2:23; Jhn_3:18; Act_26:9; Rom_1:5; Jas_2:7; 1Jn_3:23; 3Jn_1:7; Rev_2:13; Rev_3:8; also the phrases rendered “in the name”; these may be analyzed as follows: (1) representing the authority of Christ, e.g., Mat_18:5 (with epi, “on the ground of My authority”); so Mat_24:5 (falsely) and parallel passages; as substantiated by the Father, Jhn_14:26; Jhn_16:23 (last clause), RV; (2) in the power of (with en, “in”), e.g., Mrk_16:17; Luk_10:17; Act_3:6; Act_4:10; Act_16:18; Jas_5:14; (3) in acknowledgement or confession of, e.g., Act_4:12; Act_8:16; Act_9:27, Act_9:28; (4) in recognition of the authority of (sometimes combined with the thought of relying or resting on), Mat_18:20; cf. Mat_28:19; Act_8:16; Act_9:2 (eis, “into”); Jhn_14:13; Jhn_15:16; Eph_5:20; Col_3:17; (5) owing to the fact that one is called by Christ’s “Name” or is identified with Him, e.g. 1Pe_4:14 (with en, “in”); with heneken, “for the sake of,” e.g., Mat_19:29; with dia, “on account of,” Mat_10:22; Mat_24:9; Mrk_13:13; Luk_21:17; Jhn_15:21; 1Jn_2:12; Rev_2:3 (for 1Pe_4:16, see Note below);
(III) as standing, by metonymy, for “persons,” Act_1:15; Rev_3:4; Rev_11:13 (RV, “persons”).
Note: In Mrk_9:41, the use of the phrase en with the dative case of onoma (as in the best mss.) suggests the idea of “by reason of” or “on the ground of” (i.e., “because ye are My disciples”); 1Pe_4:16, RV, “in this Name” (KJV, “on this behalf”), may be taken in the same way.
B. Verbs.

  1. onomazo (G3687) denotes (a) “to name,” “mention,” or “address by name,” Act_19:13, RV, “to name” (KJV, “to call”); in the passive voice, Rom_15:20; Eph_1:21; Eph_5:3; to make mention of the “Name” of the Lord in praise and worship, 2Ti_2:19; (b) “to name, call, give a name to,” Luk_6:13, Luk_6:14; passive voice, 1Co_5:11, RV, “is named” (KJV, “is called”); Eph_3:15 (some mss. have the verb in this sense in Mrk_3:14 and 1Co_5:1). See CALL, Note (1).
  2. eponomazo (G2028), “to call by a name, surname” (epi, “on,” and No. 1), is used in Rom_2:17, passive voice, RV, “bearest the name of” (KJV, “art called”). See CALL, Note (1).
  3. prosagoreuo (G4316) primarily denotes “to address, greet, salute”; hence, “to call by name,” Heb_5:10, RV, “named (of God a High Priest)” (KJV, “called”), expressing the formal ascription of the title to Him whose it is; “called” does not adequately express the significance. Some suggest the meaning “addressed,” but this is doubtful. The reference is to Psa_110:4, a prophecy confirmed at the Ascension. In the Sept., Deu_23:6.
  4. kaleo (G2564), “to call,” is translated “named” in Act_7:58, RV (KJV, “whose name was”). See CALL, No. 1 (b).
    Notes: (1) In Luk_19:2, KJV, kaleo, “to call” (with the dative case of onoma, “by name”), is translated “named” (RV, “called by name”); in Luk_2:21, KJV, the verb alone is rendered “named” (RV, “called”). (2) In Mat_9:9 and Mrk_15:7, KJV, the verb lego, “to speak, to call by name,” is rendered “named” (RV, “called”). See CALL, No. 9.
    Vines.

J.

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I really appreciate all the background and explanations here.

For me, what stands out is that “His name” seems to be about more than just a word or correct way of saying it. It points to who God is and how we relate to Him.

So when I think about asking or living “in His name,” it feels less about the exact wording and more about aligning with His character and what He represents.

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I realize I can come across as too technical or overly intellectual at times, and it does seem that I’m being sidelined here. Because of that, I try to be selective in what I post, not aggressive, but intentional-hoping that some might be encouraged to search the Scriptures for themselves and be edified.

2Ti_2:15

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

That is really my aim, to handle the Word carefully and faithfully.

Act_17:11

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

I would rather point people back to the Scriptures so they can examine and grow themselves.

1Co_10:31

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

At the end of the day, my goal here isn’t to win arguments, but to honor and give glory to Christ Jesus in how I handle His Word.

But thanks for your response.

J.

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GOOD Mornting

Everyday is a day Possible to learn about ourselves.

As we grow we heed to other’s correction that applies.

And in other ways I have to see why other’s view a situation as they do.

Sometimes we forget why we are in it.

And we must think how we might pose an answer.

And Sometimes I might speak from my emotions.

But one thing I’m learning is I must be true to myself.

And maybe today will be the day I start to be truly transparent and direct. Maybe I will find in the answers that it’s me…unresolved issues that hit on scars and open up wounds. Or maybe I’ll find I hit another’s nerve.

There is a reason we should put up with one another, that’s because people are human and we are striving to fill the measure of Christ, yet we are not there. We press toward the mark- that means something is pressing against us.

But we forgive and move on. All I can say is be yourself. I honestly do not think what was said was totally directed to you, but a way in stating a nice comment and be respected for her own.

Maybe someone will come accross the hundreds of scriptures and look them up and grow. So that’s why you do it.

Anyway just sharing..Make a great Day!

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Then men begin to call upon the name of the Lord.

A. So what might be possible interpretations of, “the name of the Lord?”

  1. what is the name of the Lord that they should call upon it.?
  2. What does it mean to call upon your name?

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Other Notes

Some interpret “began to call on the name of the LORD” as a reference to men polluting or defiling of His name (Hebrew chalal, as in Genesis 49:4 and Exodus 20:25). Others believe this refers to men worshipping or praying to the true God, although two are specifically identified as such.

Men Call on God"began%20to%20call,are%20specifically%20identified%20as%20such.

…

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Based on the theological framework of Dallas Willard, the phrase “then men began to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26) marks a pivotal moment where humanity, realizing its frailty and separation from God (following the fall), begins to return to a conversational, interactive relationship with God.

Willard, who focused heavily on the Kingdom of God being present now and the necessity of a direct, experiential relationship with Him, would interpret this shift in several key ways:

  • A Shift from Self-Sufficiency to Dependence: The context of Genesis 4:26 is the birth of Enosh (meaning “frail” or “mortal man”). Willard’s philosophy aligns with the view that this moment is not merely ritualistic, but a profound recognition by humanity of their need for God’s power.

  • The Start of Living in the Kingdom: Willard taught that we are meant to live in “the interactive relationship” with God. Calling on the Lord is the initiation of that interaction—moving away from trying to live life independently (which leads to “small kingdoms” of our own) and into the “infinite Rule or Kingdom of God”.

  • A Two-Way Conversation: For Willard, “calling upon the name” is not just asking for things in a desperate moment, but engaging in a two-way conversation (prayer) with God, inviting His presence into human life.

  • Turning Away from “Profaning”: While some interpretations suggest this phrase could mean “profaning” (misusing the name), a focus on restoration implies that this was the start of a faithful, intentional, and humble interaction with God, countering the “fall” of humanity described earlier in Genesis.

In essence, Willard would see this scripture as the beginning of humanity’s restoration to the “conversational relationship” they were designed for, bringing “heaven into us now” while we are alive, rather than waiting for an afterlife

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So after reading this DOES ANYBODY KNOW HIS NAME?

SOUNDS LIKE instead ONE IS INVOKING THE PRESENCE OF God…( what do you think? Agree or disagree)

If my spouse calls out my name, that means my spouse wants me…so I come, or listen from afar.

But does calling out ones name mean to call upon?

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So we see In Genesis that the name means His presence, active communication, need for the powers greater than self…

But what about in the new Testament when it says: anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Does that mean if they call out <<<<Jesus ?

What about when after Paul was converted and Instructed, why wait arise and be baptized calling upon the name of the Lord.

Was Paul to Call on <<< JESUS?

Talk to me…Bible studiers

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You might find this helpful.

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What book, chapter, and verse is this reference, @Corlove? Please list those references when quoting the Bible so that we can look at them in context. The only place I could find that clause is the following:

Psa 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?
Psa 116:13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
Psa 116:14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psa 116:16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.
Psa 116:17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
Psa 116:18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
Psa 116:19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

The way I see it is that the psalmist is saying that he will put his prayers to God together with fulfilling his promises.

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What are you refferring to

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Futility, keeping in accordance with the word of God, is defined most commonly as exemplified in a dog chasing its tail forever, or more simply put, always searching, never finding, though it seems to be right there yet elusive, or always thirsty yet never being fully quenched. A man searches the things of God to find answers, but God doesn’t give answers, if you will, if that were true, God would not have needed to require His only begotten Son to be sacrificed unto death. What God did for man, who was always searching (research), and never finding, was not answer a question(s) but rather offered Himself as a solution, because the symptoms that man wanted answeres for required a solution, so God offered the solution, a solution that would be overflowing.

Some are quenched enough to say they’re ok with that. What ever that means. I guess it’s ok, settling on the worlds wisdom seems ok. But God has a greater purpose for our existence than settling for the worlds best.

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People often “throw” scriptures at others to rebuke them because they believe they are upholding divine authority, correcting sinful behavior, or ensuring accountability within a religious framework. While intended as correction, this action is frequently used to manipulate, control, or display spiritual superiority. It is seen as a way to assert dominance rather than a genuine, loving attempt to guide.

Reasons for this behavior include:

  • Manipulation and Control: Toxic individuals may use scripture as a weapon to force compliance, such as using submission verses to silence others.

  • Misinterpreted Duty: Many believe they are obligated to “warn” others, mistakenly applying principles of public rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20) in inappropriate scenarios.

  • Spiritual Superiority: Quoting verses can be a way to show off knowledge and look down on others, creating a “them vs. us” mentality.

  • Lack of Tools: Some people lack the emotional intelligence or interpersonal skills to handle conflict, using scripture as a “shortcut” to settle debates.

  • “Weaponizing” Faith: It’s a way for individuals to turn their personal convictions into “indisputable” truth, framing any disagreement with them as a disagreement with God.

  • Enforcing Conformity: It is often used to demand that others live by the same rigid, personal, or legalistic rules they follow.

Often, this approach is learned, as individuals replicate the harsh correction they received in their own lives.

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So this topic stems off another Thread that was titled DO other faith go to heaven.

First a little about me, I come on to learn from people who are somewhat open minded. I may argue a position to find where I stand. Hence more like studying.

I believe people can reason together which does at times involve the use of logic. So no harm intended-if you dont know what I’m asking please ask before you assume. This is a place to enjoy, to explore, and to bond.. There’s a quote I like from my favorite Author, logician Willard who states faith is not absent from knowledge. So it’s ok to ask questions and see if they are verified though scripture. For me the fun is not in being right, but the arriving together to the best answer. So if you are willing to have :grin: fun, join the ride.

Reference: Then Men begin to call upon the name of the Lord. GEN 4:26

To be continued driving​ :automobile: across the states and my partner needs a break.

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The goal here is to see if scriptures verify " the name of the Lord" is equal to God’s presence.

In the first verse presentented in Genesis

Then men begin to call upon the name of the Lord

There were a couple of interpretations on the passage but I went with the one that stem from restoration- the Godly line of Seth, where men realized they needed God and sought communication with Him.

But let’s look at another passage: Act 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Here He is commanded to Get up , be immersed and wash away sins by doing one thing- calling on the name of the Lord.

Again looking to God’s presence

So - calling on the name of the Lord means calling (evoking,looking to) God’s presence

Now back then it seems water baptism was away one acted in faith in order to receive.

Seems like a commitment to me. As you commit then sins are washed away in the presence of God.

So one’s act of faith is commitment to the Rule or authority of God in His name( presence).

Sounds like a covenant

Next ill be looking at: They that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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10 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

**2 **For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

**3 **For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

**4 **For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

**5 **For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

**6 **But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

**7 **Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)3

**8 **But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

**9 **That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

**10 **For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

**11 **For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

**12 **For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

**14 **How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

**15 **And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

**16 **But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

**17 **So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

**18 **But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

**19 **But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

**20 **But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

**21 **But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying

Romans 10:13

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So one might ask what is the name of the Lord that I may call upon it?

But is that what it means to call upon the name of the Lord?

Verse 14 helps explain…that for one to call upon Him it means You would have had to hear, then believe.

As if someone you can go to that you know will be there for you, because you have had interactions with them. WHOSOEVER:

  1. It could mean those who seek the presence of
  2. It could mean those who look to Him for life

So does it really mean the name Jesus…YES! In the sense of what is in His name.

Even when we seek God…it seems what we know about Him is through His actions. Deliver, savior, protecter. We know then that we are seeking the power that is outside of our ourselves, our own abilities.

So let’s go right to His name -

Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “the Lord is salvation”

…ai…

Yahweh is the personal, covenant name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible, represented by the four consonants YHWH (the Tetragrammaton). It is generally interpreted to mean “He Brings into Existence,” “He Is,” or “I Am Who I Am,” highlighting God’s self-sufficiency, eternal nature, and active presence.

Core Meaning and Significance

  • “I Am” / “He Is”: Often linked to the Hebrew verb “to be,” indicating God is the self-existent one.

  • “He Brings into Existence”: Scholarly interpretation suggesting Yahweh causes all things to exist.

  • Covenant Name: Unlike titles such as Elohim (God) or Adonai (Lord), YHWH is the personal name used in the context of God’s covenant with the Israelites.

Pronunciation and Usage

  • Lost Pronunciation: Because the original Hebrew text did not include vowels, the exact pronunciation of YHWH was lost over time, as Jewish tradition forbade uttering the name to avoid violating commandments.

  • Yahweh vs. Jehovah: “Yahweh” is widely considered by scholars to be the most accurate reconstruction of the original pronunciation, whereas “Jehovah” is a later latinized hybrid.

  • Ha-Shem: Due to its holiness, many Jews read YHWH as Ha-Shem (“The Name”) or Adonai (“Lord”).

  • Translation: In most English Bibles, YHWH is translated as “LORD” (in small capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai.

Biblical Context

  • The Burning Bush: When Moses asked for God’s name, God replied “I AM WHO I AM,” subsequently identifying Himself as Yahweh.

  • Frequency: The name appears nearly 7,000 times in the Hebrew Bible.

Summary of Interpretations

Scholars have proposed several interpretations of the name:

  • “He will cause to become”

  • “I am the One Who Is”

  • “He brings into existence whatever exists”

  • "I am/will be present

…

1 Corinthians

22 Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Christ, not a power, but The Power.

1 Corinthians

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@Corlove13, the way I use the Bible is to explain what I believe is the correct interpretation based on it. The readers are free to agree or disagree as they wish. I don’t try to talk anyone into agreeing with me, because I leave what they believe in God’s hands to judge.

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I just try to be myself. I am sure there is alway one that reads there own ideals into what others write.

But what makes people unique is that they are different. They have different ways of thinking, different styles of writing, and different lenses they see through.

I enjoy the opportunity to think outloud and explore the questions that come to me. I like learning and sharing. And I hope you do too.