marks the Scriptures in recording the origin of
names of individuals and places, the frequent allusions to names as
having a special relation to character or qualities, the solemnity with
which a change of name is stated as marking an epoch in the history of
individuals or nations, and the frequency with which names are
associated with great events, with promises, threats, or prophecies,
show the importance that was attached to them. This feature is most
marked in the use by the Jews of the word "Name" in reference to God.
The "Name of the Lord," or an equivalent expression, constantly occurs
to denote God Himself. His Name is in Scripture identified with His
character, marking His attributes and His nature as distinguished from
all other beings. The Name, Jehovah, by which God revealed Himself to
Moses was so closely identified by the Jews with the Divine Personality
and Holiness that it was never pronounced by them.

In Old Testament times the Deliverer foretold as the object of faith and
hope and love under the Gospel Dispensation was announced by a
declaration of His name. "His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of
Peace."[034] Immediately before He appeared a messenger was sent from
heaven with the Divine command, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he
shall save his people from their sins."[035] The name is thus not the
ascription to Him of qualities evolved from our own conception of what
He is, or of what God is in Him, but God's disclosure of His infinite
love and of His purposes for man's salvation. In His Divine power and by
His efficacious sacrifice He is Jesus, the Saviour. He does not save, as
some who profess to be Christians hold, by the influence of His own
example and teaching only, just as one man may be said to save another
whom he persuades to abandon evil habits and form good ones. He is our
Saviour because He died as a sacrifice for our sins. Had He not expiated
our guilt by dying for us, His example, teaching, and sympathy would
never have brought us salvation.

The name "Jesus" is a human name. In its Hebrew form Joshua, Jehoshua,
Hosea it had been borne by others. We read of one Jesus in the New
Testament[036] and of many in the pages of Josephus. In this respect, as
in other particulars, Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" and bore a
human distinctive name. "Jesus" was accordingly the name given to Him at
His circumcision, by wh