October 2004
In every age, God's people have borne His name. The name "Israel" was
given to God's people during the Mosaic age. In the name Israel, "El" is
the Hebrew word meaning "God." When the name Israel was pronounced, the
name of God was spoken!
In this present dispensation, God has selected the name "Christian" to
be worn by His individual followers, not the church collectively. This
name glorifies His Son, because one cannot say "Christian" without
pronouncing the name of Christ, the Anointed of God. That this name was
divinely given will be seen from the following considerations:
- It is the "new name" of prophecy which was given by the Lord. Isaiah
said to God's people, "...and thou shalt be called by a new name, which
the mouth of the Lord shall name" (Isa. 62:2). After the conversion of
Cornelius, a Gentile who saw the gospel, or righteousness of God (Acts
10; cf. Isa. 62:1-2) and after the kings saw His glory, "...the
disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26).
- Those who have the divine right to wear this name belong to Christ.
The suffix "ians" means, "pertaining to, or belonging to Christ." By
wearing this appellation we show to the world that we belong to Jesus
who is Christ. For this reason, Paul was glad to be a Christian in the
presence of king Agrippa (Acts 26:28-29).
- We are to glorify God in this name "Christian" while being persecuted
because of our faith. We are not to be ashamed, but rather "glorify God
in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16 ASV).
"Christian" is the only authorized, preeminent name for the people of
God today. What name do you wear religiously?
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