-

Words of the Faith

Lord Jesus Christ

Кύριος  Ίησοΰς  Χριστός

Here is the name that is above every name – the name tow which every knee shall bow: The Lord Jesus Christ. That name is made up of three parts.

Jesus – our Savior’s name

Christ – our Savior’s office as defined in the Old Testament.

Lord  -- describing His sovereignty in all things.

First of all, His name is Jesus. Of the three designations, this is the only one that is truly a name, as in a personal name. It is the Greek way of saying the Hebrew name “Yeshua” aka “Joshua.” It comes from a verb meaning “to save” or “to deliver.” The name of Jesus reflects his earthly mission in terms of its saving power. It was a common Hebrew name carried by many Jewish children. In His case, however, it was specially chosen to express His mission (Matthew 1:21). It expressed the idea that man would be delivered from the guilt and penalty of sin by means of His cross death as our substitute.

This is best expressed in Matthew 1:21 “you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Secondly, His office is Christ. Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” In each language, the word means “anointed.” In the Old Testament, kings and prophets were spoken of as God’s anointed ones. However, a single person emerges as Yahweh’s single and special anointed one whom we call the Messiah. The Messiah is the chosen one who is God’s Savior who suffers God’s and God’s King who reigns. Psalm 2 is a key passage on the doctrine of the Messiah. It is applied to Jesus in Acts 4:25-28.

Third, His position is Lord. He occupies this position by virtue of His death on the cross upon which He was given a name above every name. Lord is a designation of His deity and dignity that relates Him to all things. He is the risen and seated Lord of all.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-