Is There Anything in a Name?

Today we are seeing a trend toward names that are ambiguous, do not identify or designate, and often leave folks guessing. Instead of names that identify the group, we are seeing the words "community," "fellowship," "family," "assembly," etc. Someone is quick to say, "The name over your church building doesn't make any difference." This is usually just a dodge by those who have an unauthorized name over their building. Denominational groups have been doing this for some time and the Lord's church is usually not too far behind.

The old Belmont church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, became just "The Belmont church" years ago. The Woodmont Hills church of Christ is now known as "The Family of God." In October of 2003, the Oak Hills church of Christ, where Max Lucado preaches, dropped the "church of Christ" from its name in "an effort to reach people hesitant to attend a church of Christ," Lucado said. In Lucado's view, his church reflects a societal shift. Since the name change, an average Sunday attendance has jumped by about 1200. "It seems like we are in a kind of post-denominational society that those differences are not as important to people as they used to be," Lucado said. I wonder if after they convert someone, they act like Gomer Pyle and say, "Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! You are now in a church of Christ!" but the important question is: is it important to God?

If the name is not important and does not make a difference to people, then why do these same people drive 8 miles across town and pass 23 churches to get to the one with the "name" they desire?

An event took place in Genesis 32:24-38 that sheds light on this important question. The Lord with whom Jacob struggled on this occasion asked, "What is thy name?" Jacob's name was changed from "Jacob" (the supplanter) to "Israel" (prince). When Jacob was seen as a deceiver, liar, and cheat, the name "Jacob" fit him. Now we see him as a man who wrestled with God and God changed his name to "Israel." God's changing Jacob's name is evidence that there is something in a name. If there is nothing in a name then God did a nonsensical thing by changing his name.

There is so much in a name that (1) God named Adam and Eve (Gen. 5:2); (2) He changed the names of Abram and Sarai (Gen. 17:5, 15); (3) Paul condemned human and divisive names (I Cor. 1:10-13).

Another important lesson to be learned from this incident is that names do convey thoughts and ideas. Jacob has been described as the worst and best man of the Bible; with a new heart and a new character, he needed a new name to convey a new and better thought. If names do not convey ideas and if the name doesn't matter, why do we not see men named after Judas Iscariot or Benedict Arnold? Why do folks not name their baby girls "Jezebel?" The truth is the name we are called by does make a difference. God's people are referred to by various descriptive terms in the Scripture. Each phrase imparts an impressive idea. "Saints" (I Cor. 1:2) shows that we are sanctified or set apart by the gospel. "Beloved of God" (Rom. 1:7) indicates those who are dearly loved by God. "Disciples" (Acts 20:7) identifies us as followers or learners. "Brethren" (I Cor. 15:6) shows that there is a relationship to each other. "Children of God" (I John 3:1) shows a relationship to God. "Heirs of God" (Rom. 8:17) indicates that we are to inherit from God. And the name "Christian" shows that we have a relationship with Christ. The name "Christian" is also "the new name which the mouth of the Lord will name" (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:26).

Now what about the church? What should it be called? Consider that Jesus built it (Matt. 16:18). He is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). He is the saviour of the church (Eph. 5:23). He is its foundation (I Cor. 3:11). There is but one body, which is the one church (Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:18). The church of the Bible is truly the church of Christ. Why would folks who claim to be Christians, followers of Christ, not want to be members of His church? Why would they be hesitant to use His name to identify His church? Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). He also speaks of glorifying God "in this name" (I Pet. 4:16). Do you believe for one minute that Peter would subscribe to the idea that "there is nothing in a name?"

The name we wear and the name used to designate the church of the New Testament does make a difference. Let us never be ashamed of the name of Christ. Let us never be ashamed to tell folks that we are "Christians only and the only Christians." Let us never be ashamed to let people know that we are members of the church of Christ, the one we read about in the New Testament and the one He has promised to save. May God give us the strength, courage, and perseverance to stand up for Jesus instead of trying to hide the fact that we are His!
—Paul Wilmoth