Names & Offices of Jesus:
In this study, we will examine the many names, offices, and titles that are attributed to the Lord Jesus. In both the Old and the New Testament of Scripture, many of Jesus attributes are ascribed in both His titles, and offices. The cause for the titles will show the effect of these titles. These offices are not randomly given to Him, but each serving a purpose in the great master plan of the Father. The will of the Father is being fulfilled in His Son; this with the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit. The results will conclude in a predetermined result, this in both the spiritual and physical world.
Name, As a Noun:
Name by which a thing is called. The sound or combination of sounds used to express an idea, or any material substance, quality, or act; an appellation attached to a thing by customary use, by which it may be vocally distinguished from other things.
Names are either proper, or common. Proper names may be attached to an individual- John, Thomas, Phillip, or to a specific natural location-America, Alabama, Lake Superior, or to a manmade structure: Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, North Street, etc. A common name, also called specific or generic name, is attached to a species, genius, or class of things: tree, animal, building, human, or a subclass of species, genius, or class of things: maple, lamb, cottage, and child.
A noun may also be letters or characters, written or engraved, expressing the sounds by which a person or thing is known and distinguished, such as a person, a person’s reputation, and their character. Character meaning that which is commonly said of a person; as a good name or bad name!
In Scriptures, the name of God signifies His titles, attributes, will, purpose, honor, glory, word, grace, wisdom, power, goodness, worship or service, and, or, God Himself.
To take the name of God in vain, is to swear falsely or profanity, or to use the name of God with levity or contempt.
Exodus 20.7, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
To know by name, to honor by a particular friendship or association,
Exodus 33:7, “And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it outside the camp… And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was outside the camp.”
Name As a Verb: To call, to name, to invoke:
To set or give to any person or thing a sound or combination of sounds by which it may be known and distinguished, to call, to give an appellation, meaning, name by which a thing is called and known. She named the child Ichabod- which means desolate-1 Samuel 4:21.
To mention by name, to utter or pronounce the sound or sounds by which a person or thing is known and distinguished.
To nominate; to designate for any purpose by name.
1 Samuel16:3, “Thou shalt anoint to me him whom I name to thee Samuel.” To name the name of Christ; to make profession of faith in him. 2 Timothy 4:1.
Title:
An appellation of dignity, distinction, or preeminence given to persons, as Duke, Marquis, President, etc.
Office As a Noun:
A particular duty, charge, or trust, conferred by public authority and for a public purpose; any employment undertaken by commission or authority from government or those who administer it. We speak of the office of the secretary of state, treasurer, judge, sheriff, justice of the peace, etc. Offices are civil, judicial, ministerial, executive, legislative, political, municipal, diplomatic, military, and ecclesiastical.
A noun can speak of a duty, charge, or trust, of a sacred nature, conferred by God himself, as, the office of priest, in the Old Testament, and that of the apostles, in the New Testament.
A noun used as an act of worship.
Formulary, a book which contains oaths, declarations, prayers, etc. of devotion.
The person, Jesus, or persons entrusted with particular duties of a public office.
Office As a Verb: To perform, to do, to discharge.
Jesus Christ His Names and Offices
Jesus asked Peter, “Who do men say that I the Son of man am?” Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The titles and offices of the Lord Jesus, give insight to His attributes, His will or purpose, honor and glory, His word, grace, wisdom, power, goodness, and worship. Every one having a particular duty, charge, or trust ascribed to it.
His employment to these offices is underwritten by authority, from the Father. His duties are of a sacred nature, He being most loyal and competent in the fulfilling of the work attached to each office. Jesus therefore, can be called both Lord and God.
Ephesians 2:21-23, “Far above all principality, and power and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.”
The Father has given His Son to be Head, Chief, and Lord, over the church. The church has no ruler but Jesus Christ.
Jesus being the head of the body, which is the church: the church receiving, light, life, wisdom and understanding from Him.
In every name and office, He manifests his Wisdom, Power, Goodness and Truth, filling the members of the church, with glory, spiritual gifts, and grace.
John 1:16, “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
In, Colossians 2:9-10, “For in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye (the body) are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
The body is to be like Christ. As we examine each name and office, we in the body, can better understand what our own walk should be. Once we understand the gift or gifts given to each and every one of us, by the Holy Spirit, we will be more like Him each day.
Why are there so many churches? Why are so many churches at odds with each other? Why so many opinions concerning what the message of the Gospel is about? And most important, why are there so many opinions concerning Jesus Himself?
Part of the answers can be given in the following. Christian leaders, teachers, preachers, commentators, and the lay people, do not fully understand the titles and offices held by the Lord. As the Head of the Christian community, Jesus wears these titles, and fulfills each and every work description pertaining to these offices. The work of some offices has been completed by Him, but others are still in the process of being fulfilled.
Understanding these offices will free us from all doubt as to who we are to worship, and why He is called the Alpha and Omega, the I Am, Lord, God, Savior, etc. We will better understand the working of the Godhead concerning the Father’s will, and the Son’s obedience to that will.
The work of some offices has been transferred to the Holy Spirit. In turn they were given to the apostles, and then to others. These are gifts given by the Holy Spirit. These are to be used to draw others to Christ, also to edify and glorify the body of believers. In this, all will know that God is true, and rules over all.
We are to be like Christ. In this study, we will better understand what it means to have faith in Christ, how to use our gift, and how the Lord’s work is to be accomplished, through that gift.
Each office will describe Jesus work in each part of the whole, this concerning the Creation, Salvation, Law, Justice, etc. For our obedience Jesus gives both grace, and salvation. For disobedience, He gives judgment, and eternal damnation. As we study each title, and office, we will better understand our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com