The Names of God In Worship

Source: The Complete Library of Christian Worship, Robert E. Webber, General Editor

The following five entries deal with the most important biblical names or titles for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Some of the concepts referring to God the Father in the Old Testament are applied also to God the Son in the New Testament.

Biblical Concept of “Name”

The concept of the "name" is an important one in biblical worship. In fact, a synonym for "worship" in the Scriptures is the expression "call upon the name of the Lord" (Gen. 26:25; Pss. 80:18; 99:6; 105:1; 116:13, 17). Often we hear the summons to praise, bless, or exalt his name (Pss.

Names of God the Father, Part 1

Biblical worshipers reverenced the name of the Lord, but the terminology they used varied depending on the worshipers' needs, preference, or customary usage within the community. Included here are some of the major names or titles applied to God the Father in worship. God ('El)

Names of God the Father, Part 2

In addition to the proper name Yahveh and the titles "God," "Deity," and "Lord," the Bible contains many other important names by which Yahweh's people know him.

Names of God the Son

Paul encouraged his readers to "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17). The Christian performs all aspects of his or her ministry and witness in the name of Jesus, and it is in his name that the church assembles for prayer and worship (1 Cor. 5:4) and offers thanksgiving to the Father (Eph. 5:20). The New Testament uses several titles to describe the meaning of God's action through his Son.

Names of God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit operates in association with the human spirit, motivating the worship of the Father and the Son. Jesus said of the Spirit,"He will bring glory to me" (John 16:14). Spirit (Ru, Pneuma)

The Trinity

As a doctrine and a liturgical formula, the Trinity is not developed in the Bible, nor are the distinctions between the three "persons" always clearly articulated. Nevertheless, the concept of God as Father, Son, and Spirit is present.