During the month of March, 2019, I examined a number of names and titles of the Savior which appear in the Book of Mormon. I have studied their significance, considered what doctrines they teach, and tried to understand why different prophets have emphasized different names and titles. Here is a collection of posts about names and titles of Jesus Christ:
The Root and the Offspring
Jesus was a descendant of King David, but was also his progenitor, the source of his life and spiritual strength. Jesus highlighted these contrasting roles of Creator who lived among us by calling Himself “the root and the offspring of David.”
The Way
At the time of the apostle Paul, believers in Christ called themselves “followers of the Way.” Jesus said, “I am the way,” so to be a follower of the Way is to be a follower of Jesus. Nephi taught that when we enter the way, the Holy Ghost guides us.
Why Is Jesus Called “the Word?”
Jesus is the Word because He (1) fulfilled the instructions of His father, (2) taught us how to return to God, (3) fulfilled the words of ancient prophets, and (4) gives us instructions which we can put into action.
What Is the Significance of the Name “Jesus?”
Every time we say the name “Jesus,” we are not only identifying Him; we are also affirming that God loves us and is willing to save us. The promise is embedded in the name.
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our Advocate?
Christ earned “rights of mercy” by enduring unimaginable suffering on our behalf. He may be physically distant from us, but He is aware of us and is pleading our cause.
Why Is Jesus Called the Great Mediator?
The word “mediation” descends from the Latin word mediare, which means “to be in the middle.” A mediator stands with the people they are serving and engages with them personally.
How Is Christ Like a “Refiner’s Fire” and “Fuller’s Soap?”
The Savior paid the price for us to overcome our impurities and return to the presence of the Father. But that doesn’t mean that the process of accepting His gift will be easy or painless.
How Is Christ the “Messenger of the Covenant?”
Some messages are written, some are spoken, and some are delivered by actions. The atonement of Jesus Christ communicates God’s love for us and His commitment to our eternal happiness.
How Is Jesus Both “the Father and the Son?”
The atonement of Jesus Christ was a real victory. Even though He was the omnipotent God, He was subject to the same weaknesses we experience as mortals.
How Is Jesus Christ “the Light and the Life of the World?”
Jesus sets an example for us to follow and reveals truths which we cannot learn alone (light). He has also enabled us to overcome physical and spiritual death (life).
What Is the Significance of the Name “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace?”
Jesus Christ is the perfect leader. He gives good advice, He is powerful, and He brings peace and happiness to those He leads.
What Is the Significance of the Name “Immanuel?”
We can be successful with God’s help. He has paved the way for us to overcome every obstacle, and He is with us.
Why Is Jesus Called “the Good Shepherd?”
Jesus provides gentle and dedicated leadership. He leads by invitation, not by compulsion, and He invites us to follow His example, becoming shepherds of other people.
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Lord Omnipotent?”
Jesus Christ is capable of doing things which seem impossible to us. Jesus Christ is capable of doing things which seem impossible to us. Like Abraham and Sariah, like Mary and Elizabeth, and like the people of King Benjamin, we can experience His power in our lives.
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Mighty One of Jacob?”
Jesus Christ is the same God who delivered Joseph from slavery and from prison and who rescued his family from famine.
How Do Book of Mormon Prophets Use the Title “Savior?”
The atonement of Jesus Christ is universal. He saves us by revealing the gospel to us and entering into a covenant relationship with us. He is both willing and able to save us.
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our “Redeemer?”
The Hebrew word “go’el” is sometimes translated “redeemer” and sometimes “near kinsman.” When we enter a covenant relationship with Jesus, He becomes the “near kinsman” who will deliver us from bondage, even bondage of our own making.
What Is the Significance of the Name “Jehovah?”
Jesus Christ created the earth and was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The name Jehovah reminds us that He was God before He was born.
Why Is Jesus Called “the Holy One of Israel?”
The holiness of Jesus makes Him the perfect judge, and it also empowers Him to purify us.
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Lamb of God?”
The ancient sacrifices of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and others symbolized the “great and last sacrifice” which Jesus Christ made when He offered Himself for us.
Why Is Jesus Called “the Author and the Finisher of Our Faith?”
“Author and finisher” can also be translated “pioneer and perfecter.” Jesus sparks our faith through His teachings and invitations, and then He works with us to improve and refine that faith over time.
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