CHRISTIAN OR ISLAMIC NAMES There is a tradition to change one’s name at baptism or conversion to religion into what is called as Christian name or Islamic names to show that they are committed to God and that religion. In Christianity many have what is called baptism names normally not names from their languages. This may be derived from instances like: 1. God changing Abram’s name to Abraham 2. Saul’s name to Paul [Note that Saul was also called Paul: Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,] SCRIPTURES The reason for change of the name Abram to Abraham was as follows: Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Gen 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, QUESTIONS 1. Was it man who did the changing of the name Abram to Abraham? 2. Did God change names of all those that were converted and believed in Him? 3. Did the Lord change Saul’s name at conversion? POINTS TO NOTE 1. Abraham’s name was not changed at his conversion. He walked with God as a real believer for a long time even up to his old age when God changed his name. 2. God did not change Abram’s name from one language to another unlike today when religions change its converts’ names from one language to another name that depict the nature of this religion, e.g. African language to Aramaic, English to Aramaic, African to Hebrew, English to Hebrew. 3. It is wrong or it is being religious to think that Hebrew or Aramaic (Arabic) are superior or holier languages than the rest of the languages. 4. Many today think that if you do not have an English name or a Hebrew name or Aramaic names then you are not a real believer in the true God. This is what religion has done! Example: Someone told me that am not a real believer or Christian because I don’t have an English name while a Muslim told me that I need to have my name changed to an Islamic name for me to be a true believer in God. These consider other languages as pagan! Is this true? Certainly not but it is a lie from religion. OTHER SCRIPTURES 1. ABRAM Gen_12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Gen 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. Gen 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. Gen_15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: 2. ABOUT SAUL (ALSO CALLED PAUL) Act_9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Act_9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Act_9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. Act 11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Act 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Act 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 10:12:33 +0000
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