|
| Preparing for the End of Time |
| IAUA End Time Ministry | |
| The Lord is Coming! Are you ready? |
The first question in your mind may be "What does the name of God have to do with the end of time?".
Satan's primary method of deception is to hide, bury and discredit the truth. When that attack is unsuccessful Satan, will take the opposite approach in his deceptions.
The opposite approach is to take a truth and emphasize it to a disproportionate amount and adding peripheral non-issues. This will also hide, bury and discredit the truth. Satan does not care whether you go into the ditch on the left or right hand side of the road. Only a straight middle course will follow the example of the Messiah.
Individuals who taught the use of Elohim as a substitute for the word "God" first introduced me to the serious issue of the name of God. Researching this teaching quickly led to those who proposed the use of Yahweh as required for the name of God. I was initially caught up in the fanaticism of these ideas. After ongoing study, the Holy Spirit led me to a more moderate position,closely following the teachings of the Bible.
It is important to be zealous and clarify the fanaticism of one extreme without gong to the laxity of the other extreme. God has revealed His personal name to His children. Intimacy comes with the understanding and use of a personal name. That name has been hidden and disguised by Satan, the Master of Evil.
This book is only a summary of this topic and the considerable controversy it causes.
Additional Research Material
A presentation of the scriptural and other references of those who believe in the importance and meaning of the Sacred Holy Name:
Those who disagree with its importance and meaning:
After prayerful examination of scripture and examining both sides of the issue, I was led to a middle ground. This is my understanding of the issues. The name of God and the Messiah is important but not a test point of doctrine. Splitting hairs over titles and declaring them pagan is not scriptural or factual.
Almost all Bible translations have a universal failing to reveal the Sacred Holy Name. Only the original Hebrew contains the Sacred Holy Name. The Jews preserved this in the Torah and the other sacred writings. About the second century BC the doctrine of the "Ineffable (not to be uttered) Name" became the rule. The Jews obscure the name by changing the pronunciation and using a different word when read. This led to the name itself disappearing from the non-Hebrew Bible.
The next best text for Modern English understanding is The Complete Word Study Old Testament. A number is printed above the English text, which represents each word in the Hebrew Old Testament. The number corresponds to the original Hebrew word in Strong's Dictionary of the Hebrew Bible.
Additional Research Material
I promised you all reference material would be available on the internet. The Blue Letter Bible is an online source of similar material as found in the The Complete Word Study Old Testament. E-sword is a free downloadable offline resource of Hebrew and Greek.
Strong's Concordance #03068 is Jehovah: Jewish national name of God. This is called the Tetragrammaton (four letters). This is improperly translated 6,510 times as "the LORD" in the King James Version which is a title not a name.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of "the LORD" thy God in vain; for "the LORD" will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.There are 7 times when it is crudely translated "Jehovah". Jehovah.is an English name adapted from a German pronunciation of a Jewish scheme to hide the true Hebrew pronunciation of the name of God.
Exodus 20:7
18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.How important is this to God?
Psalms 83:18
15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "the LORD" God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.How does this promise apply to the modern children of God, if they don't even know His name?
Exodus 3:15
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.The name of God predates the Jewish nation and the Flood.
II Chronicles 7:14
26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of "the LORD".
Genesis 4:26
It was primarily through the study of Hebrew script, Bible names, and their Hebrew pronunciation described in Strong's Concordance (after reversing the pattern of Jewish attempts to hide the true pronunciation) I developed my current understanding of the original pronunciation of the name of God. I may be wrong about my conclusions. The evidence is quite compelling. I am not going to attempt a detailed "proof" of my understanding. Study deeply the evidences I mention and come to your own conclusion.
The first clue to the proper pronunciation is to dispel the myth (actually an ignorant lie) that the Tetragrammaton (four letters) is four consonants. Josephus refers to the sacred name as four vowels. Josephus was in a position to know having been a member of the priesthood.
"A mitre also of fine linen encompassed his head, which was tied by a blue ribbon, about which there was another golden crown, in which was engraven the sacred name [of God]: it consists of four vowels."
The Wars Of The Jews Book 5, chapter 5, paragraph 7.
The Hebrew script for several key names is shown by Strong's number. Remember that Hebrew is written right to left. Compare the Strong's pronunciation of the vowels as they are pronounced in multiple appearances in these words. You will discover an inconsistency for the first and third vowel dependent on when they appear with the second vowel. My suggestion for a spelling, which relates to the corrected, consistent pronunciation, is shown:
These are the spelling and pronunciation results:
The second change is the sound of the third vowel leading to the fourth vowel from "oo-ah", which if slurred is a lot like "oo-wah". You can also see the transition from "oo" or "u" to "w" or double-u in Yahweh. Under German influence it became "v" as found in Jehovah.
The progression of the change in these pronunciations is illustrated like this.
Ee-uh-oo-uh
Ee-yuh-oo-wuh
Yah-u-wah
Yah-weh
Jeh-o-vah
The name of the Messiah is usually spelled Yahushua which means "Yahu Saves". Notice that since Hebrew is read right to left, the first three letters are identical to the name of God. This is exactly the same name Joshua had in the Old Testament (note the Greek in Acts 7:45). Notice the last three letters of Elijah are identical to the name of God. The name of Judah is actually the name of God with only one letter difference. Numerous names of the Old Testament begin or end with part of the name of God. This has often been disguised through changes in pronunciation and spelling.
The name of God is part of many Hebrew words. The term Jew (IAU) is literally the name of God. No wonder the pronunciation was changed because of the exclusive attitude of the Jews to keep the name of God off the lips of the heathen.
The identical first three letters of the name of Joshua was unacceptable to the Jews because of the ineffable name doctrine. The name came to be shortened to Yeshua. This deletes the portion of the name that connects with God and means only "He saves". This change appears in the Greek Septuagint long before the Messiah was even born.
The Sacred Holy Name is probably from the language of Eden. It is quite possible that Hebrew is a direct descendent of the original language of Eden. The languages were confounded at Babel. The true followers of God would not be found at Babel. They were not dispersed like all the others. Their language was probably not changed.
The Hebrew Torah indicates the spelling, which is a clue to the pronunciation, in Hebrew script. Misinformation tells us there were no vowels in the original Hebrew. A simple examination of Hebrew script shows this to be false. History records that the original Torah did not have any vowel markings for pronunciation. The modern Torah tries to obfuscate (hide) the name by misrepresenting vowels and consonants. The vowel markings are deliberately designed to confuse the pronunciation.
It is sad to note in modern times just how bizarre Jewish tradition has become. They even refuse to write the words L-rd and G-d. Instead of showing reverence for God, it just shows how silly our human ideas can get.
The more evidence I see of the attempt to hide the Sacred Name, the more convinced I become of its importance. If the Sacred Name is going to be a part of our lives today, it needs to be clearly understood.
There is a specific difficulty with any of the conventional English representations. They do not conveniently or accurately convey the pronunciation. One choice would be the cryptic but conventional YHWH. This is a conventional transliteration (letter substitution) of the Hebrew. The problem is you must remember they are Hebrew vowels not consonants.
Yahweh is commonly used with some indication of pronunciation but the consonants are to be pronounced as vowels. The "Y" sound is to be pronounced as in happy. The "W" sound is to be pronounced as in new. Some represent the name as Yahuwah to get even closer to the true pronunciation.
The last part of the pronunciation still eluding most believers and researchers is the leading sound "ee". It is valuable to note this important historical fact. The Hebrew scholars who created the Septuagint selected the Greek "I" as the character to represent the first letter of the Tetragrammaton. The Greek pronunciation as indicated in Strong's matches what I use. The English Isaiah also uses an "I" in the same circumstances with a matching Hebrew pronunciation.
It is confusing to try to transliterate Hebrew with the conventional letters and try to compensate with vowels. The most accurate rendering by pronunciation is IAUA. One of the beauties of this representation is it preserves the concept of four letters, the Tetragrammaton. You will note that I have decided to always capitalize the entire name. This complements the traditional way of writing YHWH. I do not want to introduce a new word but pronunciation and not conventional transliteration is important for a personal proper name. This is acceptable, practical and necessary since the Jewish rendering does not use the Latin alphabet. It needs to be easy enough for even children to understand.
About a year after I was impressed that the best way to represent the name of God was IAUA, I discovered this is not an original invention of mine. Many scholars for years have proposed the same spelling.
The short form IA which appears at the end of many Hebrew names is often mispronounced. The pronunciation is the same as the ending of the English words India, Syria, Lydia, and others. The vowels of the English language are pronounced a dozen different ways. It is interesting to compare with Spanish where a vowel almost always has the same sound. The vowel pronunciation of Spanish for the name IAUA is identical to my best understanding of the correct pronunciation.
This principle can easily be extended to all Hebrew names, which include the name of God. Many modern translations of these names in Israel match what I propose. It is simple to look up the Hebrew for these names in Strong's Concordance and substitute the appropriate letters aas previously illustrated.
You may ask, "Why is a name and its pronunciation so important?" Let me give you an illustration. I have worked with many people from other countries whose names are difficult and unusual to an English speaking person. I have seen many times how these people have changed their names to something easier.
I always felt it was condescending, disrespectful and inconsiderate to be unwilling to learn a person's true name. I have always made a point of learning the persons true name and doing my best to pronounce it as accurately as I can. I have always received appreciation for my efforts. How can I extend any less consideration and respect to my heavenly Father?
How would you feel if you went to a foreign country and they changed your name?
The first point is the only one on which all parties agree.
Jews of first century Judah were bound by their own culturally entrenched custom of not speaking the Tetragrammaton. Jesus at no time condemned this custom. He did not teach against it as an error. He never addressed the custom one way or another. The fact that Jesus ignored this Jewish practice presents ... a rather conspicuous problem.
Did Jesus Speak the Name Yahweh?
My observation is that the Saviour did not become embroiled in political, religious, or philosophical arguments. This is an important example to us. In the New Testament Iaushua refers to God as Father. Iaushua repeatedly taught others to refer to God as Father. This is an even more intimate way to refer to God. Iaushua probably used this as an example against the Jewish prohibition of using IAUA.
How was the Old Testament name of God changed in the New Testament? Here is one method to trace this change. There are numerous quotes in the New Testament of the Old Testament. I assume it was quoted accurately. The Messiah quoted scripture from the Old Testament. I assume He quoted it accurately. The words in the New Testament indicate how the name of God was changed.
1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Isaiah 53:138 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
John 12:38
1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psalm 110:144 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Matthew 22:44
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deuteronomy 6:429 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God is one Lord:
Mark 12:29
In these verses and many others Strong's Concordance #2962 kurios is used. The Greek word is less specific than the Hebrew. When the word is used for "the LORD" it is preceeded by a specific article (art3588 nn2962) or is an implied article (an,nn2962).
Some suggest later copyists may have changed the wording in the New Testament. The general claim is that there does not exist a single copy with the name of God or the Messiah in Hebrew or Aramaic. A simple search of the Internet for "Hebrew Matthew" reveals this is not the case.
Catholic Church history records that Matthew was originally written in Hebrew. Hebrew manuscripts do exist and have been published.
I have not had the opportunity to examine one of these.
The name IAUA also refers to Iaushua. The Messiah is truly God. He is also called "the LORD" using the same Greek words referring to God.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,There are numerous other verses where He is called "the LORD". I also prefer the Hebrew word Messiah to the Greek word "Christ".
Matthew 1:2215 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Matthew 2:156 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:619 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:19-203 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:32 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
John 20:218 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
John 20:18
1 And God [#430 Elohim] spake all these words, saying,
2 I am "the LORD" [IAUA] thy God [Elohim], which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods [elohim] before me.
Exodus 20:1-3
In the Old Testament the title Lord is used numerous times with the name of IAUA.
17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the LORD [#113 Adhon] God [IAUA].
Exodus 23:17
The titles are also freely used in the New Testament. They are also mixed with references to the true god and the pagan gods. I use the Bible as my witness and my guide. I do not try to place myself as expert and judge over the prophets and the apostles.
From this analysis I conclude there is no error in using the titles Lord and God. There is no benefit to be derived by emphasizing Hebrew titles to refer to God in an English speaking society. This practice conveys an attitude of separation, elitism and condemnation of what is familiar to a person. Rather than supposedly separating the sacred and the profane, it confuses the listener and brings disrepute on the message.
Among those who understand, the use of Jewish terms is valuable. It gives a sense of kinship with the Hebrews and our Jewish Messiah. All in heaven will be Hebrews.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:7
I am less comfortable with the words "Jesus" and "Christ". Jesus is an English adaptation of a Greek transliteration of a shortened form of His actual name. Christ is an English adaptation of a Greek translation for a Hebrew title which has an English adaptation, Messiah. There is nothing wrong with using the terms "Jesus" and "Christ". I use them when reading from Holy Scriptures. I prefer and usually use the term Messiah or Saviour in discussion.
Among informed listeners I will not hesitate to substitute "IAUA" for "the LORD" and "Iaushua" for "Jesus".
Additional detailed information about the Sacred Name of God can be found at the web site:
(Book Contents) Next: The New Earth