Q. Please could you tell us what the official Church policy is regarding the use of the Divine Names. Can we continue using ‘Jesus’ or must we now use ‘Yah'shua’?

The proper name of God the Father is Yahweh and that is the Name we now use to designate Him. We do not use the erroneous name ‘Jehovah’ which we consider to be blasphemous. Though not as precise we also use the titles ‘Lord’/'Master', ‘Father’, ‘Heavenly Father’ in addition. The term ‘God’, which is also used, but less often as it can easily be confused with pagan deities. In its place we now tend to prefer to use 'Elohim'.

The proper name of the Son of God is Yah'shua or Yahushua [1] (some - mostly Messianic Jews - use the form 'Yeshua'). However, the Greek-derived ‘Jesus’ is so entrenched in our language and so well-established in our songs and daily usage that it would be unrealistic to expect it to be replaced rapidly. We also interact with other Christian bodies who use the Greek form, making it more realistic and practical to use ‘Jesus’ when fellowshipping with them. We do not wish to be dogmatic about this. Whereas we are insistent about never using ‘Jehovah’ (which literally translated from the Hebrew means ‘Jah is perverse’), we do not believe that use of the Name ‘Jesus’ is in any sense a sin. Therefore it may be used permissively provided it is not used as a substitute for the corect Name.

Accordingly, all NCCG publications have started using the Name ‘Yah'shua’ with ‘Jesus’ in parentheses, and all liturgical/sacramental prayers use the Hebrew form. We expect the Elders and Eldresses to set an example by using the correct Hebrew form as often as possible. Usage is a matter of habit and we fully expect it to take time to make the transition. Certainly nobody should ever be looked down upon or criticised for using the vernacular ‘Jesus’.

Our counsel is therefore: use the Hebrew forms as much as possible but do not make anyone an offender for continuing to use the Greek-derived forms. It is, in any case, the substance that counts. If the Church leaders will set a good example, the rest of the membership will, in due course, follow suit. This is not a matter of salvation but more of giving Yahweh His proper honour and with Israelite identity which will assume a greater prominence in the times that are to come. That there will be a time when we no longer use the gentile forms I do not doubt but let us not make too big an issue of it now. Let the saints begin using the Divine Name Yahweh more often and make an effort to use Yah'shua in the same way but let no-one judge another. This is our counsel for the present time.

Endnotes

[1] Not 'Yahshua' which is not a real Hebrew word though it conveys the same meaning. The 'u' in 'Yahushua' is almost silent, hence the form 'Yah'shua'.

This page was created on 14 September 1998 Last updated on 31 December 2007

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