God's Last Name Isn't "Damn"

   Many people strive to make a name for themselves. A person's name symbolizes not only what they have accomplished in their lifetime, but it also reveals their character, whether good or bad. The Bible states, "A good name is rather to be chose than great riches.." (Proverbs 22:1) In fact, God values His name so much that He gave the following command: "“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." (Exodus 20:7)
   The Bible is the record of God's love for mankind. Throughout the Bible, many names referring to God are given, and each name gives a different aspect of God's character. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  These names refer to the precious Son of God and each name gives a glimpse of God's character.
    Not only does the Bible show the character of God, but it also reveals the depravity of man. Romans 3:12 states, "All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;"(Romans 3:23) Your sin has earned spiritual death, seperation from a Holy God and an eternity in Hell. "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a) "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:14-15)
    The good news is that God's love for you gives you a way escape. This way is revealed in His name. Matthew 1:21 states, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” God loves you so much that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sins. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Jesus' death on the cross paid your sin debt, if you would only believe in Him. Jesus stated in John 5:24, "“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."
   The Bible was..."written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you  might have life through his name." (John 20:30-31) There is no other way to obtain salvation. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12) Doing good deeds will not earn your salvation. God said, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)
    Obtaining salvation and an eternity in heaven can be simple. God gives you this promise: "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)
   If it is your desire to be saved, in prayer to God, admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Admit that you cannot save yourself and repent of your sins and put your faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as payment for your sins.
   What's in a name? Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of Jesus is "...  is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  One day, you will believe in God, but will you be too late? Please do not take your salvation lightly. Trust in Christ today.