In rounding out the articles on the rapture we will look at an idea, which crept into Churches in the 1930s. It is, as expected, way off beam but we should point out the error of Clarence Dodd and his Sacred Name Movement, so you can rest easy in the Name we were given for Salvation for use in your own language.
The Millerite Movement of the 18oos, a nominal Christian faction with Old Testament leanings, was the wellspring of Adventists in America; several churches grew out of this base including the 7th Day Adventists, the Salem church, and the Worldwide Church of God with Herbert Armstrong. In March 1937, Salem Church member, Clarence Dodd started The Faith magazine on which he set the names Yahweh and Yahshua on the masthead, announcing that any reference to the Father or Christ would no longer carry the names or titles LORD, God or Jesus in English.
Bringing into question the ‘exact’ Name of God and the phrase ‘in my Name’ brought confusion to many. However, with today’s evangelical leanings towards Zionism and Israel, the Hebrew preference promoted by Dodd is now commonly heard in various churches and across social media. So, which are right; Jehovah and Yeshua, or the LORD and Jesus? Now, there is a lot about tradition one could use in this discussion, but we won’t be doing that. Instead we will go directly to God’s Word, so this will likely be one the shortest articles I have ever written.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:11-12)
The LORD’S Name in Greek is: ho Kyrios IEsous Christos. In English the LORD Jesus Christ; this expresses the same nuance and intent as the Greek. In Hebrew, the name would translate; ha-Adon Yeshua ha-Mashiach, which conveys the same as English and Greek. Yet, you will not find this name in any Jewish holy text. It was manufactured by Dodd, and used by Sacred Name adherents to feign legitimacy, and to promote his silly nonsense that God’s name in Hebrew is required for Salvation.
If you are a Christian, of course call Him Yeshua if Hebrew is your native tongue. If French, Jasu or Le Christ; in German, Yesus; if Russian, Ezous; Italian, Gesu; in Spanish, Hay-zoos; and in Maori, Ihu; but address Him in your own language not someone else’s. JESUS is the only name given for Salvation as Peter declared, under which His Blood was shed and our sin was purchased. Besides, at Pentecost everyone heard Peter in ‘their own language’ through the power of the Holy Spirit, so it’s time for a little common sense one would think…
In love and peace as always,
James