In this sermon titled "The Names of the Lord," John Reeves addresses the significance of the various names ascribed to God throughout Scripture, emphasizing their doctrinal implications. He argues that these names not only reveal God's character and attributes—such as His sovereignty, power, and sufficiency—but also His redemptive purpose. Specific Scripture references, including Genesis 1:1 and 1 John 5:7, establish God's plurality in unity and His role as Creator. Furthermore, the exposition of names like Elohim, El, Shaddai, and Jehovah highlights the profound relational dynamic between God and humanity, underscoring the importance of reverencing His name in worship. The significance of this study enhances understanding of God's nature and encourages believers to depend on Him wholly.
Key Quotes
“The names applied to God in Scripture describe His glorious character, reveal His great attributes, and display His redemptive purpose.”
“Elohim means to worship. This is the name of our God. He is the worshiped one, the only one worthy of worship.”
“This is the gospel. Blessed be God, there is a substitute who himself is God.”
“Let us ever extol or raise up. Let us ever honor. Let us ever praise and magnify the name of the Lord our God, Jesus Christ.”
The Bible reveals multiple names of God, each expressing His character and attributes, such as Elohim, El, and Jehovah.
The Bible presents several names of God that reveal His nature and attributes. For example, 'Elohim' signifies God as the worshiped one, emphasizing His worthiness of worship, while 'El' denotes strength and might. 'Jehovah' means Savior or Deliverer, highlighting God's redemptive purpose. Each name is significant and conveys essential truths about God's character, indicating His power, sovereignty, and relationship with humanity, as reflected in various scripture passages such as Psalms 9:10 and Exodus 6:3.
Psalms 9:10, Genesis 1:1, Exodus 6:3
The names of God in the Bible reveal His character, attributes, and redemptive purpose.
The names ascribed to God throughout Scripture profoundly convey His nature and essence. For example, 'Elohim' reflects His role as the worshiped one, emphasizing both His plurality and singularity as one God in three persons. Other names, such as 'El' and 'Shaddai,' denote His strength and sufficiency, portraying Him as mighty and able to fulfill His promises. Each name serves to enlighten believers about God's glorious character and His overarching sovereignty in creation and redemption, making it imperative for Christians to understand these names in their worship and faith.
Genesis 1:1, Psalms 9:10, Genesis 12:7-8, Genesis 14:18-22
God's sovereignty is affirmed in scripture, demonstrating His supreme authority and control over all creation.
God's sovereignty is a foundational doctrine in the historic Reformed faith, rooted in scripture that affirms His ultimate authority over all things. For instance, Romans 11:36 states, 'For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things,' indicating that everything exists by God's will and purpose. Additionally, God's sovereignty is highlighted in passages like Isaiah 46:10, which declares God's ability to proclaim the end from the beginning. This sovereign authority means that God not only created the world but continues to govern it according to His perfect plan.
Romans 11:36, Isaiah 46:10
The Trinity is supported by Scripture, notably in 1 John 5:7, affirming the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The doctrine of the Trinity, as revealed in Scripture, expresses the unity and distinctness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 John 5:7 articulates this, stating that these three bear record in heaven and are one. The biblical witness establishes that though God is one, He exists in three persons, each fully God, co-equal and co-eternal. The complexity of this truth reflects the majesty of God and is foundational for our understanding of divine revelation and redemption, as defined in historic Reformed theology. It is a mystery that believers hold with awe, affirming the relational dynamic within the Godhead that also invites us into fellowship with Him.
1 John 5:7, John 1:1-14
Understanding the name Jehovah is vital as it signifies God as our Savior and highlights His redemptive purpose.
The name 'Jehovah' is of great significance in Christian theology as it embodies the essence of God's nature as our Savior. In Exodus 6:3, Jehovah is revealed as the Deliverer, emphasizing God's commitment to redeem His people. This name encapsulates God's relationship with humanity through His covenant and promises of salvation. Moreover, understanding Jehovah as a name of God affirms the belief that Jesus Christ, who is referred to as Jehovah in the New Testament, is the ultimate expression of God's saving grace, as noted in Revelation 1:4, where He is identified with eternal qualities of existence.
Exodus 6:3, Revelation 1:4
Jehovah signifies God as Savior and Deliverer, underscoring His redemptive work throughout Scripture.
The name Jehovah, as articulated in Exodus 6:3, represents God's covenant relationship with His people and highlights His role as a Savior. It carries connotations of God's self-existence and eternal nature, declaring Him as the one who is, was, and is to come. Jehovah encapsulates the essence of God's redemptive purpose, demonstrating His ability to save and deliver from sin and death. In Christian theology, this name points ultimately to Jesus Christ, who manifested God's saving work in the flesh, fulfilling the prophecies and promises associated with Jehovah in the Old Testament. Understanding this name deepens a believer's appreciation for God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy.
Exodus 6:3, Revelation 1:4, Psalm 86:12-13
Psalms 9:10 teaches that knowing God's name instills trust in Him.
Psalms 9:10 states, 'They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.' This verse underscores the importance of knowing God's name as it cultivates a relationship of trust and reliance upon Him. In biblical times, names were closely associated with a person's nature and character; hence, knowing God's name assures believers of His faithfulness and steadfastness in times of need. It invites Christians to engage deeply with God's attributes and rely on His promises.
Psalms 9:10
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!