Jehovah commends the church in Philadelphia for not denying His name. (Re 3:8) It’s the only reference to this concept I see in Scripture.
God’s name, what we call Him, is Jehovah. Not denying this is good, but there’s evidently more to God’s name than an appellation.
Our name represents our character and symbolizes how we’re known; it’s a culmination of our choices, a symbol of our nature, the way we express who and what we are, individually and uniquely. (Pr 22:1) To deny one’s name is to call them a fraud, to denounce the framing of their character, to despise and resent them as a pretender, an impostor.
When we doubt God we deny His name, calling Him a liar (1Jn 5:10); He’s altogether true. (Jn 3:33) When we distrust God, we deny His name; He’s perfectly faithful. When we’re disappointed in God, we deny His name; He’s perfectly wise. When we resent God, we deny His name; He’s resolutely just. When we’re bored with God, we deny His name; He’s infinitely interesting and delightful, the perfection of beauty (Ps 50:2), majesty and excellence. When we’re covetous we deny His name, committing idolatry; He’s the ultimate fulfillment of our desire.
Believing on the name of God, the opposite of denying His name, is living as if Jehovah is who He claims to be; resting in the fact that He both has done and always will do according to His Word. How can we be content to live otherwise? Yet who can do this in their own strength?
Let’s be established with grace, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, to overcome the world through us. (Jn 16:33)
Good word, Brother! Psalm 91:14, Malachi 4:2
Thanks! Great references!
Ps 91:14 “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”
Mal 4:2 “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
These references, as well as the one in Rev 3, suggest to me that we’re talking of something much more here than merely being aware that God’s name is Jehovah, and referring to Him as such – I’ve debated with atheists who know as much, and don’t deny His name in this sense: it’s nothing to be commended for.
Tim, Shane
Tim,
Really enjoyed your point: When we’re covetous we deny His name, committing idolatry
Struck me, that there is a Root of understanding here.
stephen