FILLMER HEVENER, PASTOR, GUTHRIE MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Founder, The Hevener Church, 2001

When referring to our Savior, we may correctly choose either Yahshua, the Hebrew term, or Jesus, the translated term. While some prefer to use the Hebrew word, I prefer the translated word for three reasons:

1. The Holy Spirit approved of and facilitated the translation of the Christian gospel of salvation into all languages. The carefully translated message offers full salvation to the hearer. Acts 2:4-11; Matt. 28:19-20.

2. When giving the gospel to those in our community, we can more effectively gain their “ear,” their attention, if we use words with which they are familiar. Using unfamiliar words can psychologically turn off their interest before we have an opportunity to teach them about the marvelous plan of salvation.

3. Other than Christ Himself, the Apostle Paul is the greatest missionary in the New Testament. Not only did he teach the Hebrews, but he also taught those in such foreign lands as Rome and Greece. Not once in his teaching and preaching, did he use the Hebrew name Yahshua (or yeshua) for Jesus, but, rather, he, and the other apostles, wrote and taught in the name of the LORD JESUS, or some variation of that expression. (Acts 16:31; I Thess. 1:1; Phil. 3:8; Rom. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Heb. 2:9.)

Why did Paul and the other apostles choose the translated term over the Hebrew term? No doubt it was because they wanted to speak to the people in the language with which they were familiar, and by doing so, enhance their communication of the good news of salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION

Let me emphasize again that although both the Hebrew name and the translated name are correct, for the above reasons, I prefer the name that the founding apostles used when they launched the Christian Church following the death, resurrection, and ascension of our Savior.