Testing the Truth. God's Name.
by Pastor Walter Snyder

Q: Is there somewhere in the Bible that talks about testing something in order to know that
it is true? I know that God tests our faith to prove that it is genuine but is there something
that we are to test?

A: As you note, God does test our faith. The entire book of Job involves this theme. The apostle
writes in 1 Peter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you." This "fiery trial" was the coming
time of extreme persecution. Here, Peter continued what he said at the beginning of the epistle
(1:6-7): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been
grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith---more precious than gold
that perishes though it is tested by fire---may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at
the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The "test" we conduct is of the words of those who claim to be speaking for God. John writes,
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for
many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)" Thus, each Christian is called to
know God's Word and judge doctrine according to it, avoiding those who preach and teach
falsely but clinging to the words of pure doctrine from righteous pastors and teachers.

Q: Does God have a name that we can look up in the Bible? His Son's name was Jesus so I
was curious if God had a name. This is not a joke to me; I really want to know if there is a
name, or is it just "God"?

A: God is called or calls Himself several things. Technically, however, most of these are titles
rather than names. Even "God," which many use as a name, is actually a title. "Lord," another
title, often replaces the name God revealed to Moses. In Exodus 3:6, He first said, "I am the God
of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." He then
commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh to demand the release of God's people. Moses asked God,
"If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,'
and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO
I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' (vv. 13-15)"
God continued, saying, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers, the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name
forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. (v. 15)"

The name rendered in most English translations as "Lord" comes from the word "Yahweh." Thus,
Yahweh is the Name of God as revealed to Moses in the burning bush. Because of not wanting to
"take the Name of Yahweh in vain, (Exodus 20:7)" the Hebrews later started to substitute their
word for Lord (Adonai) for Yahweh whenever they read the Scriptures. Because of the
peculiarities of the Hebrew language, the names were blended in later Scriptures (the consonants
YHWH with the vowels from Adonai, since early Hebrew was written without most of the
vowels). The blend was interpreted by some to be his actual given name and was thought to be
pronounced "Jehovah" or "Yehova."

Some might consider "Father" to also be a title, but the way in which God gives it in the New
Testament indicates that it serves as a name upon which we may call, as do "Jesus" and "Holy
Ghost."

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version~<TM>, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

Ask the Pastor, © 2003 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this
disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and
redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States
and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions
concerning the property of others.

Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of
the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."