The Holy Spirit used four Greek words that are transliterated “baptism” or like derivatives in our English Bibles. In its context, each word gives the impression of immersion. Whether it is the baptism of trials or the baptism into the church or ceremonial washings or dipping bread into a bowl of oil, these words in the Bible and in other secular Greek writings of the time imply immersion. For instance, the verb Bapto in every usage means “to dip” or “to dye.” The word was used in common language when items were completely engulfed in a liquid to produce a change in color. Therefore, all Greek lexicons give the primary meanings of these 4 words as “dip,” “plunge” or “immerse.” As a matter of fact, the six Greek words that could be translated “pour” or “sprinkle” are never used in connection with water baptism.
Randy Smith

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What's in a Name? Part 1

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#1 · August 25, 2004, 1:47 pm

Posted by: Asn <Asn@...>

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 (AMP)

Throughout scripture, God provided mankind with various names for Himself, each one revealing something specific about His character. Let's look briefly at some of the names of God.

Jehovah - The I AM
Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

He is the God who always was and always will be. He has no beginning and no end. He is self-existent. According to the footnote in the New American Standard Bible, Jehovah is "related to the name of God, YHWH, rendered LORD, which is derived from the verb HAYAH, [meaning] to be." There has never been and never will be a moment in time not filled with God. He is not governed by time or space. Purely and simply, above all else, He is.

Jehovah-tsidkenu (or Yahweh Tsidqenu) - The Lord our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NASB)
"Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'

He is a holy and righteous God. Any righteousness we could attain on our own is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) when compared to His righteousness, so He through Jesus robed us in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9) so that we could have a relationship with Father God. He is our righteousness, our life, our redemption.

Jehovah-rohi - The Lord our Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 (AMP)
THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

Throughout the 23rd Psalm, David refers to God as his Shepherd. David knew firsthand the loving attention required to be a shepherd, having spent many years watching over sheep and many more leading people. It is significant, then, that God uses this terminology in revealing Himself to David. Our Shepherd guides, protects, nudges and provides for His sheep. No scheme of the enemy can surprise our Shepherd, and He delights in caring for His flock.

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. There are so many facets to Your character that only eternity will grant enough time to know them all. The same God who spoke the universe into existence, walked with Adam in the cool of the day, showed Himself to Moses in the cleft of the rock, and raised Lazarus from the dead wants a personal, intimate relationship with someone like me! You're an amazing Shepherd! Thank You, Father. In Jesus' name, amen.

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