Bearing God's Name

Synopsis

"What does the Old Testament-especially the law-have to do with your Christian life? In this warm, accessible volume, Carmen Joy Imes takes readers back to Sinai, arguing that we've misunderstood the command about "taking the Lord's name in vain." Instead, Imes says that this command is really about "bearing God's name," a theme that continues throughout the rest of Scripture"--.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Meaning of God's Name

In this chapter, author Carmen Joy Imes explores the significance of God's name and what it means for believers to bear it. She explains that in the ancient Near East, a person's name represented their character and their reputation. Similarly, God's name encompasses his character, his attributes, and his reputation as the one true God.

Real Example: In the book of Exodus, God reveals his name to Moses at the burning bush. He says, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14). This name, represented by the Hebrew letters YHWH, is known as the Tetragrammaton and is the personal name of God. It signifies his self-existence and unchanging nature, emphasizing the fact that he is the eternal God. This revelation of God's name was a powerful demonstration of his sovereignty and authority over all.

Chapter 2: What's in a Name?

Imes delves further into the significance of God's name, explaining that it speaks to his holiness, his power, and his faithfulness. She also explores the idea of bearing God's name and what it means for believers to be called by his name.

Real Example: In the book of Isaiah, God speaks to the nation of Israel, saying, "But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine'" (Isaiah 43:1). God calls his people by name, claiming them as his own and reminding them of their identity as his chosen people. Similarly, as Christians, we are called by God's name through our adoption as his children (Ephesians 1:5), and it is through bearing his name that we find our true identity.

Chapter 3: Bearing God's Name in the Ancient Near East

In this chapter, Imes explores the cultural context in which the idea of bearing God's name would have been understood in the ancient Near East. She explains how the covenant relationship between God and his people was similar to ancient treaties where a vassal would bear the name of their suzerain (lord).

Real Example: In the book of Joshua, God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). As Joshua takes on the role of leadership, he bears the name of God and reflects God's character and authority to the people. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to bear God's name and represent his character to the world.

Chapter 4: Bearing God's Name in the New Testament

Imes explores how the concept of bearing God's name is carried over into the New Testament. She explains that through their union with Christ, believers are adopted into God's family and bear his name.

Real Example: In the book of Acts, the believers in Antioch were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). This name was not given by themselves, but by the people of Antioch who observed the way they lived and the way they carried themselves as followers of Christ. In this way, the believers were bearing God's name and representing him to the world.

Chapter 5: Living as God's Image Bearers

In this final chapter, Imes explores the ultimate purpose of bearing God's name – to bring glory to him by reflecting his character and attributes to the world. She explains that by bearing God's name, we are called to be his image bearers, representing him and his kingdom to those around us.

Real Example: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14). As Christians, we are called to bear God's name by reflecting his character through our actions, words, and interactions with others. By doing so, we bring glory to God and fulfill our purpose as his image bearers.

In conclusion, Bearing God's Name by Carmen Joy Imes beautifully explores the significance of God's name and what it means for believers to bear it. Through real-life examples from the Bible, Imes brings the concept to life and challenges readers to live as God's image bearers in a world that desperately needs to see his character and love. This book reminds us of our identity as God's chosen people and how we can fulfill our purpose of bringing glory to him by bearing his name.