Who is the God of Heaven?

Who is our Creator?

Who is Adonai?

 

“And this is life eternal,
that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
John 17:3

 

If I asked you if you know who God is, most people would say, yes. What if I asked, who is God? What would you say? There would be varied answers, but most would say: the God of Heaven or the father of Jesus.

Growing up in church, I was taught God is the creator of Heaven and earth who sent His son Jesus to die for our sins. As a child, I was also taught rules that I needed to obey, and if I didn’t obey I wouldn’t go to Heaven, that God would be mad at me. This form of teaching was called the “hell, fire, and brimstone” approach of putting fear into you to obey. For many years as a child, I literally wore myself out trying to be good so God wouldn’t be mad at me. Then as you develop into a teenager and make so many mistakes, that is part of growth in this world, you come to a realization that you can’t possibly make God happy because you keep messing up.

About 40 years later, after so many years of struggling to be the perfect Christian, I found myself being lead by the Holy Spirit to study the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation. When you “study” the whole Bible cover to cover, you discover many things that you were never taught, including that God doesn’t ask you to make Him happy. He loves you. His happiness isn’t dependent on your actions. As a loving Father, our Creator, wants us to obey His commands and He will bless us. Part of His blessings includes discipline, pruning, refining, tests, and trials. These tests and trials don’t come because He is unhappy with you, they come because He loves you and wants to shape you into who He created you to be for Him. God lavishes you with His love, grace and mercy while He shapes you. Envision clay or dough here. They start as a lump and you have to push, pull, tug, roll, flatten, and reshape; that’s what God does with you. He is the potter, you are the clay (Isaiah 64:8). It is uncomfortable and hurts at times but remember He has His loving hands on you the whole time; you are not alone. So when the tests and trials come, rather than beg Him to make them go away, consider asking Him to show you what He wants to teach you in those moments as you cling to Him and abide in His everlasting arms of love. This piece of clay (me) is still being shaped and molded and will be until my last breath.

I will be honest, being pruned and tested in the fires is not fun or easy, but going through those moments with Him are indescribably peaceful and bearable. It’s like in the story of Daniel in the Old Testament when the three Jewish friends of Daniel were put in the furnace because they wouldn’t bow to the king and his god; Jesus went in the fire with them. They didn’t get burned and they didn’t smell of smoke; and they walked out of the fire unharmed when the king called them out of the fire. That’s what it’s like for Adonai’s children who obey and allow Him to love and bless them. They come out of the fire unharmed and transformed into a deeper love relationship with their Creator, Adonai our God.

There is only one living God; the Creator of Heaven, earth, and you. He loves and adores you and wants to spend eternity with you. He wants you to cling to Him and follow His ways. He sent His son Jesus to die for your sins and provide a way for you to get to know Him personally. When you study His whole word and get your Daily Bread with Him, you build a deeply bonded relationship with Him, and through this time together you get to know who your Heavenly Father truly is. He has many names and they have specific meanings for us. They are like nicknames that you give to a loved one. God has many names and He wants us to know and use them all.

Once you learn that your Heavenly Father loves you and is not the mean scary God of Heaven you were taught as a child, your life will be transformed.

 

Who is the God of Heaven? 

The world wants to confuse you by offering a plethora of gods to choose from “to meet your needs”while leading you to believe that the God of Heaven will not give you what you need. Many people worship numerous gods, believing each one to have a special purpose to help them in different areas. I have heard this called: Cafeteria Style Religion. With this concept you can pick and choose which gods you want to worship. It is mind-blowing to me that people actually fall for this.

You might be surprised to know that those who worship pagan idol gods live in fear of pleasing them at all times. It kind of sounds like how I was raised to fear The Living God, but the huge difference is that they are fearing “dead” gods. Our Heavenly Father wants us to know how much He loves us, but we have to be willing to turn to Him and give up all the other gods and idols in our lives. He is a jealous God. But the great news is, He is NOT mean, He loves you.

 

Who is Adonia?

Adonai = The Lord, My Great Lord (YHWH)

God is Master and majestic Lord. God is our total authority. Adonai is another name for Lord. It was often used in substitution for YHWH.
Adonai (plural) is derived from the singular Adon, meaning Lord. Adonai plural encompasses the True Trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. When you use the name Adonai, you are speaking of all three in one. This name was used in substitution of YHWH (YHWH was considered by some to be too sacred to be uttered.) Many Bible versions have omitted many of His names, including this one.

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

The Trinity: that title does not reflect a particular religion; it reflects the deity of our Creator, our Messiah, and our Holy Spirit.

 

Why I use the name Adonai

You will notice that I use the name Adonai often instead of just “God” when I talk about Him.  I have had people ask me who Adonai is or why I use that name; some have even been uncomfortable with me using the name Adonai.

The reason I use His name Adonai is because of the countless gods and religions that use the name “God” loosely, as if they also have the title of our Creator. If I say only “God” when I write, the perverse religions try to insinuate that I’m talking about their god; I am not talking about their dead gods. Therefore, I distinguish which God I am talking about, the only true living God, YHWH God, Adonai our God, the one and only.

Here’s a question: Why would you be uncomfortable with me using God’s name, Adonai? Ask yourself that. Then, if you have a relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father, Adonai, ask Him why. It could be as simple as you have never been taught His names. If your issue goes deeper than that, ask the Holy Spirit to help you with that issue.

Also, it is impossible to pinpoint how many religions are in the world, but a rough estimate worldwide is over 4,000! So when I am talking about the Bible, His Holy Word, I almost always clarify “which” Bible I am talking about. Due to every religion having their own bible, I want to be clear which Bible I am referring to, the Holy Bible that is breathed by God our Creator (2Timothy 3:16).

 

Why were God’s names removed from most Bibles?

There are a number of theories of why God’s names were removed from the Bible:

• The early church Fathers wanted to distance themselves from Judaism.
• They wanted to downplay the importance of the Old Testament.
• They didn’t want you to know the God of Heaven.
• The use of God’s name was seen as too holy for everyday use.
• In hopes that it would make the Bible more engaging.
• To prevent people from using His real name in vain.
• To make Him seem more approachable and less daunting.

The names of God are not just a label of what He is, each of His names tell who He is.  With each name, they require respect, honor, and praise to Him, while showing you His love for you.

When “LORD” is in all caps or small caps that occur in the Old Testament, it is considered a replacement for an occurrence of God’s Hebrew name “YHWH,” also known as the Tetragrammaton. This usage is consistent within most all English translations of the Bible. Whenever you see “Lord” in the Old Testament as referring to the God of Heaven, it is usually a rendering of Adonai; a title that emphasizes God’s lordship. The two most consistent versions of His names in English Bible versions are: LORD (for YHWH) and Lord (for Adonai). So when you see Lord all caps or small caps, this is where they have replaced His names. It’s sad really. God gave us His names to get to know Him, different translations replaced them and made them generic to try to prevent us from knowing who He really is.

In the Old Testament, when “God” is used, it is usually a rendering of the general Hebrew word for God, “Elohim.” When “LORD GOD” or “Lord GOD” occurs, it is usually a rendering of a dual name for God “Adonai YHWH.” The Hebrew term “YHWH Sabaoth” is usually rendered “Lord of Hosts.” The Hebrew term “YHWH Shaddai” is usually rendered “LORD Almighty.” The Old Testament uses many different names and titles to refer to God, to emphasize certain aspects of His person and attributes. This can result in confusion in translation, but in the original Hebrew, it was done entirely in an effort to glorify and magnify God’s name.*

The usage of “Lord” and “God” in the New Testament is much less complicated. Almost universally, “God” is a translation of “theos,” the general Greek word for deity. Also almost universally, “Lord” is a translation of “kurios,” the general Greek word for a master. The key point in all of this is that whether we use His actual Hebrew name, or refer to Him as God, Lord, or Lord God, we are to always show reverence to Him and His name.*

It’s important for you to know who you God is. If you worship the one and only Living God, it’s time for you to know who He really is and how much He loves you.

 

The other names of the only Living God

Let’s get to know our God, our Creator, the only living God who loves us.  In each name, you will find a different facet of His deity and holiness. Learning who your God is will transform your life as you discover that He is truly capable and had planned all along to care for you in every way.

Below is a list of many of His names:

ABBA Father = Fatherhood of God

Abba signifies the close, intimate relationship of a father and his child, as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in his “daddy.”

Abba is always followed by the word Father in Scripture, and the phrase is found in three passages. In Mark 14:36, Jesus addresses His Father as “Abba, Father” in His prayer in Gethsemane. In Romans 8:15, “Abba, Father” is mentioned in relation to the Spirit’s work of adoption that makes us God’s children and heirs with Christ. In Galatians 4:6,again in the context of adoption, the Spirit in our hearts cries out, “Abba, Father.” God makes it clear that He loves His children.

 

EL = The Strong One

He is more powerful than any false god. God will overcome all obstacles, We can depend on God.

This name occurs more than 200 times in the Old Testament (including compounds). Generic Semitic name for God, used by other cultures to refer to their gods. El is used in compound proper names such as Isra-el (wrestles with God), Beth-el (House of God), and El-isha (God is salvation).

 

EL Elohe Yisrael = God, the God of Israel

The God of Israel is distinct and separate from all false gods of the world.

The name of the altar that Jacob (Israel) erected after his encounter with God and God’s blessing upon him. (Genesis 32:24-30, 33:19-20)

 

EL Elyon = The God Most High

He is the Sovereign God in whom we can put our trust. El Elyon has supremacy over all false gods.

Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Jeru”salem”) and the priest of God Most High, referred to God as “EL Elyon” three times when he blessed Abram. (Genesis 14:17-22)

 

Elohim = The All-Powerful One, Creator

God is the all-powerful creator of the universe. God knows all, creates all, and is everywhere at all times. The plural of “EL”.

This name is usually associated with God in relation to His creation. Some people use the plural word “Elohim” as proof for the Trinity. (Genesis 1:26)

 

EL Olam = The Eternal God, The Everlasting God

He is the beginning and the end, the One who works His purposes through ages. He gives strength to the weary.

Jesus possesses eternal attributes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He obtained eternal redemption for us.

 

EL Roi = The God who sees me

There are no circumstances in our lives that escape His fatherly awareness and care. God knows us and our troubles.

Hagar called the Lord by this name beside a fountain of water in the wilderness. God knows all of our thoughts and feelings. Jesus knew the thoughts of those around Him, demonstrating that He is El Roi.

 

El Shaddai = The All Sufficient One, The God of the Mountains, God Almighty

God is the all-sufficient source of all of our blessings. God is all-powerful. Our problems are not to big for God to handle.

Some scholars suggest that Shaddai refers to God’s power evident in His judgment. Others suggest that El Shaddai means “God of the Mountains”. God refers to Himself as “El Shaddai” when He confirms His covenant with Abraham.

 

Immanuel = Gods with us, I AM

Jesus is God in our midst. In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.

This name indicates that Jesus is more than man. He is also God. Isaiah said that the child born to the virgin would be called “Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6) He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.

That’s why Jesus kept telling the Pharisees if they knew the Father they would know who He was, because they were one and the same. (John 14:7)

 

Jehovah (YHVH/YHWH) = I AM, The One who is the Self-Existent one

God never changes. His promises never fail. When we are faithless, He is faithful. We need to obey Him.

It is said that a 16th century German translator wrote the name YHVH (YHWH) using the vowels of Adonai, because the ancient Jewish texts from which he was translating had the vowels of Adonai under the consonants of YHVH (YHWH). By doing this, he incorrectly came up with the name Jehovah (YaHoVaH).

 

Jehovah-Jireh = The Lord will provide

Just as God provided a ram as a substitute of Isaac, He provided His son Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. God will meet all our needs.

Also known as YHWH-Jireh. Abraham called the place “The Lord will provide” where God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of his son Isaac. Jesus said that He was the bread of life and anyone who comes to Him will be provided for. (John 6:35)

 

Jehovah-Mekaddishkem = The Lord who sanctifies

God sets us apart as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, holy unto God, a people of His own. He cleanses our sin and helps us mature.

Also known as YHWH-Mekaddishkem. We have been set apart, made holy, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus our Messiah, our Lord who sanctifies. Therefore we are to live our lives holy and pleasing to God. (1 Peter 1:13-25).

 

Jehovah-Nissi = The Lord is my Banner

God gives us victory against the flesh, the world and the devil. Our battles are His battles of light against darkness and good against evil.

Also known as YHWH-Nissi. Name of the altar built by Moses after defeating the Amalekites at Rephidim. Isaiah prophesies that the “Root of Jesse” Jesus will stand as a banner for the people. (Isaiah 11:10)

 

Jehovah-Rapha = The Lord who heals

God has provided the final cure for spiritual, physical, and emotional sickness in Jesus Christ. God can heal us.

Also known as YHWH-Rapha. Jesus demonstrated that He was Jehovah-Rapha in His healing of the sick, blind, lame, and casting out demons. Jesus also heals His people from sin and unrighteousness. (Luke 5:31-32)

 

Jehovah-Rohi = The Lord is my Shepherd

The Lord protects, provides, directs, leads, and cares for His people. God tenderly takes care of us as a strong and patient shepherd.

Also known as YHWH-Ra’ah. Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down His life for all people.

 

Jehovah-Sabaoth = The Lord of Hosts, the Lord of Armies

The Lord of the hosts of Heaven will always fulfill His purposes, even when the hosts of His earthly people fail.

Also known as YHWH Sabaoth. Many English versions of the Bible translate Sabaoth as Almighty. Jehovah Sabaoth is often translated as The Lord Almighty. Sabaoth is also translated as Heavenly Hosts or Armies.

 

Jehovah-Shalom = The Lord of Peace

God defeats our enemies to bring us peace. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. God brings inner peace and harmony.

Also known as YHWH-Shalom. name of the altar built by Gideon at Ophrah to memorialize God’s message “Peace be unto thee.” Isaiah tells us that the Messiah will also be known as the “Prince of Peace,” our Jehovah-Shalom. (Isaiah 9:6)

 

Jehovah-Shammah = The Lord is there, The Lord my companion

God’s presence is not limited or contained in the Tabernacle or Temple buildings, but is accessible to all who love and obey Him.

Also known as YHWH Shammah. God revealed to Ezekiel that the name of the New Jerusalem shall be “The Lord is there.” Through Jesus our Messiah, the Spirit of God dwells in us. (1Corinthians 3:16)

 

Jehovah-Tsidkenu = The Lord our righteousness

Jesus is the King who would come from David’s line, and is the one who imparts His righteousness to us.

Also known as YHWH Tsidkenu. All people sin and fall short of God’s glory, but God freely makes us righteous through faith in Jesus our Messiah (Romans 3:22-23). God promised to send a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right. These people will live in safety. (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

 

YAH or JAH, YHWH = I AM, The One who is The Self-Existent One.

God never changes. His promises never fail. When we are faithless, He is faithful. God promises His continuing presence.

YAH or JAH = shorter form of YHWH or Yahweh. It is oftentimes used when combined with other names or phrases. As an example: Hallelujah means “Praise Yah (The Lord).” Elijah means “God is Yah (The Lord),” and Joshua means “Yah (The Lord) is my salvation.”

YHWH = God’s personal name given to Moses. Also called the Tetragrammaton (four letters). Occurs about 6,800 times. Translated “LORD” in English versions of the Bible, because it became common practice for Jews to say “Lord” (Adonai) instead of saying the name YHWH.

It is important to note that it is common in Judaism to not even use the name “God.” Rather they will spell it: “G-d.” They feel it is to holy to spell out. There is nothing in scripture in the Holy Bible to support this practice as being a command from God.

 

How do you feel?

Now that you have discovered the names of God that have been hidden from you all this time, how do you feel about that? Did you have any jaw-dropping moments, “aha” moments, or tearful moments when you learned any of these names of your Heavenly Father? This discovery should help you see your Heavenly Father in another “light.” No pun intended, but truly it gives you the opportunity to know Him on a deeper level now.

How exciting that you now know your Creator’s real names and can use them with confidence. Don’t be afraid to use His names when talking to others. It may puzzle them if they haven’t heard them, but guess what? That gives you a segway to tell them what that name means. One tiny step of sharing truth that you can easily do.

Here’s another question for you. Does this revelation make you wonder what else has been hidden or not taught to you in the churches? This discovery should excite you now that you know more about your Creator, Adonai our God! Rather than put blame on those who didn’t teach you all truth, turn to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach you all things that you have not been taught. (Jeremiah 33:3, 1John 2:27) Give grace to those who didn’t teach you the whole Bible truth. Odds are they weren’t taught either.

No one can get you into Heaven. Only a personal relationship with Jesus and following His ways.

In summary,

If you died today, do you know without a shadow of doubt that you would go to Heaven? Not sure? Then follow these quick simple steps to get you back on the path of righteousness to spend eternity with Jesus.

Don’t complicate the process for salvation. Keep it simple.

Do the ABC’s and repent today.

• A: Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-9)

• B: Believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God and that He died for your sins and rose from the dead for you. (John 3:16-18, 1Corinthians 15:1-4)

• C: Call on Jesus and repent of your sins and turn back to Him and ask Jesus to show you the way. (Romans 10:9-13, John 14:6)

 

May God bless you and keep you.

 

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References: Names of God: Hendrickson Publishers/Rose Publishing.
Scriptures taken from KJV
*Gotquestions.com