God is called by many names throughout the Bible, and each one reflects another wonderful aspect of His divine character, faithfulness, grace, and love. Whether awarded to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit, we invite you to explore these names of our God and claim their promises throughout every season of life.
Advocate
Without the sacrifice of Jesus, we could not stand justified before the Father. Jesus acts as our Advocate and comes to our defense through His blood, which has paid for our sins. He stands before God and argues in our favor when Satan accuses us of falling short of our original purpose. When you feel that your sin may be too great, remember that Jesus stands as a faithful Advocate for us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John 2:1
Almighty
God reigns over all of creation, the One Who brought it into being and the One Who makes all things new. Knowing that our heavenly Father is the Almighty God should reassure us that He is more than capable of overcoming every temptation and evil in the world.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.”
Genesis 17:1
Alpha
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and signifies the beginning of all things. God existed before the world began, and it was He Who brought it into being. He has lived and will live forever, the One Who created everything at the very beginning of time.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
Amen
We typically end our prayers with “Amen.” It affirms what we have just said in our individual or corporate prayers; it can be translated as “truly,” or “so be it.” When we say Amen, we point back to the ultimate Amen, Jesus Christ. We affirm His death, resurrection, and soon return.
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation’
Revelation 3:14
Angel of the Lord
Scholars have debated whether this is an actual angel, or perhaps an appearance of Jesus Himself before He was born as a human being. Whatever the case, the Angel of the Lord was always recognized and hailed as a messenger of God Himself. His words relayed the will of God to His children.
The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur.
Genesis 16:7
Anointed One
This is the original name of the Messiah in the Old Testament, or of the Christ in the New Testament. The name “Anointed One” referred to a special, preeminent status of the One Who was set apart to save the people of Israel. His coming and salvation were eagerly awaited by the Hebrews throughout Scripture and were ultimately fulfilled in the Person of Jesus.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
Psalm 2:2-3
Apostle
The term “apostle” usually referred to Jesus’ disciples or other early leaders of the church. But the word itself means “one who is sent.” In this way, Jesus Himself is an Apostle of the Father because He was sent as a sacrifice for our sins. We can read in the Bible about Jesus’ apostles who followed his example, answering the call to be sent to spread the Good News about Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.
Hebrews 3:1-2
Beginning
God created the world in the beginning; He brought all things into being and sustains them in His hands. We can trust that God created everything and that He has a divine purpose for everything He has created.
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”
Revelation 21:6
Branch
After the Temple of Jerusalem was restored, the high priest was promised that a Branch would be sent to rule over the people of God. The image of a branch was later used by Jesus to describe those who found their source of life in the Father; Jesus also is alive only through His closeness to God.
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.
Zechariah 3:8
Bread of Life
Earthly bread only lasts for a while in our bodies before we get hungry again, but trusting in Jesus as the bread for our souls ensures that we will never be dissatisfied again. Only the word of God and trust in Jesus as our food for salvation can assure us of everlasting life. Believe in Jesus as the hope for eternal life, and He will satisfy your souls forever.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
Bridegroom
Jesus referred to Himself as the Bridegroom to signify His relationship to the church, who is often portrayed as His bride. We can compare His disciples to the groomsmen of today, who celebrated His earthly ministry before His death on the cross. As the church of God, we can also eagerly await the return of our Bridegroom in the new heaven and earth.
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Matthew 9:15
Carpenter
Jesus’ heavenly Father was God Himself, but his earthly father was Joseph, a carpenter from the town of Nazareth. When Jesus began His teaching ministry, He was often identified simply as a carpenter’s son, who was good for nothing more than following in Joseph’s footsteps. But Jesus Himself testified that He should be about His heavenly Father’s business.
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?
Mark 6:3
Chief Shepherd
“Shepherd” was one word given to pastors or elders, a title awarded because of their responsibility in caring for their congregations. Jesus, however, is the Chief Shepherd – He is responsible for caring for not only the elders but also for every Christian across the world.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1 Peter 5:4
The Christ
The Hebrew Messiah was the promised one from God who would save Israel from her enemies and establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. When the Roman Empire took over Israel, they brought Greek culture to the people, and so the word Messiah was translated as “the Christ.” Jesus was given this title at the beginning of the New Testament to clearly signify His role in fulfilling that prophesied promise.
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:16
Comforter
The prophet Jeremiah is often called “the mourning prophet,” because many of his prophecies yield to lament and despair. But through it all, even when things seem the most dire, he sees God as his ultimate Comforter. We can invite the Comforter to come into our hearts because Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter after He ascended back into heave.
You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.
Jeremiah 8:18
Consolation of Israel
Simeon was a prophet whom God promised would not die until the Messiah was born. The Messiah was said to be the consolation of Israel, who would restore her to glory and be redeemed from among the nations. Throughout the conquest, subjugation, and heartbreak that the Jews endured over the centuries – and still endure today around the world – they can hope in God as their Consolation in sadness.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Luke 2:25
Cornerstone
When a building is constructed, the cornerstone is the first junction of the individual bricks; without a solid cornerstone, the whole building could have major design flaws. Jesus is the Cornerstone of the church of God as the perfect Source upon which our faith can be built.
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:20
Dayspring
Dayspring is another word for dawn or sunrise. The rising of the sun in the morning brings light and warmth to the earth and illuminates our lives after a night of darkness. In the same way, Jesus is the Dayspring of our hearts: His light shines in the darkness of our souls and guides us back to the Father.
Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.
Luke 1:78
Day Star
Sailors would navigate by the stars, knowing that the secure placement of the stars would guide them toward their destination. Living our lives under the direction of the Day Star, and confirming His truth by the words of the Bible, ensures that our lives are properly directed toward His good and faithful plans for us.
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19
Deliverer
God delivered the Hebrews out of Egypt, and He further spoke through the prophets that He would deliver all of His children to salvation. Paul cites a prophecy from Isaiah in the book of Romans and points to Jesus as the source and fulfillment of God’s promise of deliverance, making God the ultimate Deliverer not just from oppression but from their sins.
The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.
Romans 11:26
Desire of Nations
When the Temple of God was rebuilt in Jerusalem, God promised to once again fill it with His glory. He further foretold that the Desire of Nations would cause all peoples to gather in worship at the Temple. Jesus Christ is that perfect and priceless treasure that gathers the nations to bring them back to God; by acknowledging Him, He becomes the deep desire of all of our hearts, across every nation and tribe and tongue.
And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.
Haggai 2:7
Emmanuel
Perhaps the most beloved Name of Jesus, Emmanuel means “God with us.” In Jesus Christ, God became human and was the perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins. John says that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In the most literal sense, Jesus was God among us.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23
End
In the same way that God is the beginning of all things, He is the End of the world we live in. He was not created, and so He has no beginning; He can never be destroyed, so He has no end. He will, however, bring an end to the heavens and the earth when He makes all things new.
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 21:6
Everlasting Father
God reigns forever in Heaven, but not just as a far-off ruler uninterested in the lives of his people. He loves us deeply with the love of a Father, and that love will never wane or weaken. He is always our Father, ready to receive His children, running towards us with open arms.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Faithful and True Witness
A witness is called at a trial to give testimony to what they saw or heard; this can determine the fate of the accused. A faithful witness gives testimony that is true to fact, not colored by prejudices or deception. Jesus is the Faithful and True Witness to the will and design of God, and His words can always be trusted as spoken to us through the Scriptures and through His presence in our lives with the Holy Spirit.
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
Revelation 3:14
First Fruits
The “first fruits” means the best one can offer and is usually used in the context of sacrifice. Abel offered the firstfruits of his flock as the first sacrifice given to God, and God accepted that sacrifice as valid. As the One Who was resurrected after His sinless life and death, Jesus Christ is the First Fruits from death as the perfect sacrifice to redeem us from our sins.
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:23
Foundation
Faith in Jesus Christ as our salvation is the bedrock of our belief in God. Just as the foundation of a house provides stability for the rest of the structure, trusting in the Foundation that God has given us will ensure a strong and steady life through the storms we face.
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
Isaiah 28:16
Founder and Perfecter of our Faith
Before Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, we had no hope and no basis for a saving faith. Jesus was the Author of our faith in that He made the way to restoration with the Father, and He perfects our hope and standing through His blood.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Fountain
Water is frequently used to picture cleansing from sin, and God promises a most holy Fountain to cleanse us from our unrighteousness forever. Jesus called Himself the Living Water, which flows from a neverending fountain.
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.
Zechariah 13:1
Friend of Sinners
The Pharisees meant this as a derogatory slight, but Jesus routinely ate and walked with sinners and tax collectors. He lived His life knowing that He should focus His energies on those who needed repentance and restoration, and sinners flocked to Him trusting that He could provide that restoration. For those who know that they are sinful and in need of a Savior, it is wonderful for us to remember that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners.
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.
Matthew 11:19
Gate for the Sheep
Jesus is the only way to enter into the Father’s presence, and He illustrates this by stating that the sheep can only enter by one gate when guided by the shepherd. As the sheep under His care, we can enter through His way and know that we can be saved.
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10:7
Gift of God
The sacrifice of Jesus is the ultimate gift from God because through it we can receive grace and mercy. Only by accepting salvation as a free gift can we fully enjoy its benefits and blessings; we cannot earn our salvation or make ourselves right by our own efforts. We must receive it as a gift.
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
God
In the first words of all of Scripture, we see that “God” is the first Name to describe the Creator, Sustainer, and Father of all things. The opening to John’s Gospel beautifully perpetuates the use of His Name and lays out the unity of God the Father and God the Son. He is the perfect Word of life that existed since before the beginning, and all of Scripture is a testament to His work in the world.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Glory of God
The shekinah, or “glory of God,” physically descended and ascended from the tabernacle and the Temple. The glory of God was the cause for great celebration and praise when it appeared because it was a sign of God’s presence among His chosen people. To claim the glory of God is to acknowledge that He makes His dwelling among us.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1
Good Shepherd
Not only is Jesus the Gate by which His sheep can enter into safety, but He Himself is also the Shepherd. He protects the sheep and sacrifices Himself for their well-being, and He goes to all lengths to save them. We can trust that He will always guide us into His goodness.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
Governor
A governor rules over a group of people, ensuring that they follow the laws of the more powerful ruler they represent. Throughout the Old Testament, there was One Who was prophesied to come from Bethlehem who would rule over the people. In Jesus, the world has its ultimate Governor Who will rule over all the earth forever on behalf of God the Father.
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:6
Great Shepherd
The writer of Hebrews reiterates the importance of recognizing God as the Great Shepherd. He sent Jesus as a sacrificial Lamb to save His people, and He will deliver them again when He makes all things new.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.
Hebrews 13:20
Guide
When our path seems unclear, we should trust that God will be the Guide for our steps. A faithful guide walks beside us, continually directing our steps and leading us on safe paths, away from danger and trouble. Yielding to His will can provide assurance and peace as we go through this life.
That this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
Psalm 48:14
Head of the Church
Jesus is the Head of the Church because He was before everything else. He created the world and redeemed it by His blood, and so is the only One qualified to rule over His church.
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Colossians 1:18
High Priest
The function of the high priest was to atone for the sins of the people and to intercede on their behalf to God. Jesus offered Himself up as the sacrifice for our sins, and so has become most worthy to intercede on our behalf before God.
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
Hebrews 3:1
Holy One of Israel
To be holy means “to be set apart.” God is set apart above every other false idol or god that we can create, and He alone is holy among His people and across the whole earth.
Being born with the fullness of God meant that Jesus was the only Holy One to come from the nation of Israel.
Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 41:14
Horn of Salvation
The horn was a symbol of strength, and the priest Zechariah claimed that it came from the house of David. As David’s true heir, Jesus reigns in strength and power over all of Israel and all of creation.
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.
Luke 1:69
I Am
This is the true Name of God. When Moses asked God what He should be called, God said “I AM THAT I AM.” It is a testament to His omnipresent nature, always existing, never bound by the created world. Jesus Himself claimed equality with God by saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” invoking this Name for Himself.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14
Jehovah
This is a translation of the Name “I AM THAT I AM.” It takes the four Hebrew consonants YHWH and makes it into a pronounceable word, although it was regarded as so holy that no one could utter it under any circumstances. Some translations render this Name as Yahweh, or as the capitalized LORD. Now, we can boldly proclaim the Name of Jehovah as we take the gospel to all nations.
That they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.
Psalm 83:18
Jesus
This was the Name given to the human Son of God at His birth. It is a Greek update for the Hebrew name Joshua or Yeshua, which means “God saves.” As the One Who would finally make the way of salvation for everyone, Jesus was perfectly named to signify His purpose and reason for being born as one of us.
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
King of Israel
Pontius Pilate meant it as a mockery. The Pharisees sarcastically hurled it as an insult. But Jesus reigns as King over Israel through His sacrificial death as the chosen Messiah of His people. God places Him on the throne and puts His chosen people under His rule forever.
He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
Matthew 27:42
King of Kings
Human kings wield but a shadow of the power of Jesus Christ. He is the King that reigns over every throne on earth, with power given to Him by the Father over every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
1 Timothy 6:15
Lamb of God
Lambs were used as a sacrifice to cover the sins of the people. Jesus was identified by John the Baptist as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” His sacrifice is the perfect atonement for our sins, just as the blood of the earthly lamb made atonement for the sins of Israel under the law.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
Last Adam
Adam, the first human being, brought sin into the world and gave us his sin nature, which leads to death. Jesus is typified as “the last Adam” Who overcame sin and death in order to bring us into His eternal life.
Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:45
Life
Our human bodies will die, but our souls do not. Jesus is the Giver and Source of everlasting life, surpassing our knowledge and understand of what it means to truly live.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25
Light of the World
Light is essential for life, for by it we see everything else. Jesus is the Light of the World because by Him we can see the way to eternal life and a restored relationship to God the Father.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, was blessed by being compared to a lion roaring in power. It was prophesied that one day, a ruler would come from the tribe of Judah to rule over Israel. This lineage produced Jesus Christ, Who fulfilled the prophecy of one from Judah reigning like a powerful Lion.
And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5
Lord of Lords
In addition to His kingship, Jesus is the Lord of lords. His is the dominion over every ruler on this earth; we submit our lives to Him not only as our Savior from death, but as our Lord in every area of our lives.
On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 19:16
Master
We call Jesus our Master because we submit ourselves to His rule and direction over us. We accept His free gift of salvation and acknowledge His right to guide and direct our lives, as servants faithful to the will of their Master. This is also evidence that we do not take ownership of our own lives, but recognize that there is One Who has the final say over what we do and how we live.
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Matthew 23:8
Mediator
A mediator stands between two parties and resolves their differences. Jesus mediates between God and man through the blood of His death on the cross; because of that sacrifice, our sins can be removed and we can experience the fullness of God once again.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
Messiah
When Jesus’ first disciples found Him, they were quick to tell others that they had found the Messiah, or “anointed one.” He had been promised for hundreds of years, and so great was their joy that they immediately began to tell those closest to them that the Messiah had at last come to Israel.
He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
John 1:41
Mighty God
One undeniable characteristic of God is His might. He created the heavens and the earth, He holds all things together, and Isaiah said that He would reign over Israel and the world forever. Only a truly mighty God could do all this and more.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Morning Star
Once we were dead in the nightfall of sin, but Jesus came and arose from the dead like a brilliant star that rises in the morning and gives light to all those around it.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Revelation 22:16
Nazarene
This title for Jesus simply means that He came from Nazareth. That was the home of His earthly father Joseph, and He was often identified as Jesus of Nazareth. From this small, unimportant town came the greatest Teacher and Rabbi the world has ever known.
And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:23
Omega
Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Alpha means “beginning,” and Omega – as the last letter of the Greek Alphabet – means “the end.” Not only was Jesus present at the creation of the world, but He will also be present at the end of all things, and endure beyond it.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
Overseer of Souls
Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and He is the only way to return to the Father. As we come back into His light, Jesus is the Bishop and caretaker for our souls as He brings us back to our original perfect standing in harmony with God.
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:25
Passover Lamb
The Passover Lamb was killed and its blood spilled in order to signify the redemption of Israel. The Hebrews performed this ceremony for centuries, but Jesus served as the perfect Passover Lamb, for His blood spilled on the cross has the power to save the world from all of its sins.
Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
1 Corinthians 5:7
Physician
Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” He fulfills the role of the Great Physician by healing us from our sins – but only when we recognize our great need for Him. Only then can He work His healing powers in our hearts and make us right with God.
But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
Matthew 9:12
Potentate
This term “potentate” refers to a ruler; it can also be translated “sovereign.” This is the preeminent ruling position, the highest throne, the most powerful of all. The title in this verse is paired with King of kings and Lord of lords.
Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
1 Timothy 6:15
Priest
Jesus is our perfect Priest, Who is always able to sympathize with us since He was tempted in every way that we are. But because of His sinless life, He can officiate as the Priest between us and God, removing our sins from before the Father.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
Prince of Peace
When we invite Jesus into our hearts, He provides us with a peace that passes all understanding. This peace can only come from the Prince of Peace, Who is uniquely equipped to answer the heartbreak and grief that grips our hearts.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Prophet
A prophet did not always tell the future, although Jesus did prophesy about the time to come. Israel’s prophets were the messengers of God, telling the people the will of the Father. In this way, Jesus fulfilled the role of the Prophet who came after Moses to lead the people into perfect union with God.
Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
Acts 3:22
Propitiation
Jesus serves as our propitiation before God. This word means to appease someone, usually a deity or ruler. When we offend an earthly king, we must make restitution to them. Through our sinful nature and rebellion against God, Jesus offered the appeasing sacrifice to satisfy the wrath of God and restore us to Him.
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2
Purifier
God constantly seeks to refine us and make us more like Him. And just as fire takes metal and makes it purer through repeated refinement, God can purify our hearts to make us closer into His image.
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
Malachi 3:3
Rabbi
The rabbi was a teacher who selected the finest students to follow him and learn from his teachings. Jesus chose common men with no claim to fame and became their Rabbi, teaching them the ways of the kingdom of heaven.
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
John 1:49
Ransom
Because of our sin, Satan holds us hostage and condemns us to an eternity apart from God. In order to rescue us, a ransom had to be paid. Jesus’ sinless life paid the final ransom for all of humanity, redeeming us to the Father forever.
Who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:6
Redeemer
To redeem means “to buy back,” or “to restore.” Jesus acts as our Redeemer through His sacrificial death, and God uses that sacrifice to redeem us to Himself.
Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 41:14
Refiner
Metal passes through the flames to remove any impurities, refining it until it is perfect. In the same way, when we yield to God’s purposes, we are repeatedly refined until we emerge without blemish and fully prepared for eternal life with Him.
But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.
Malachi 3:2
Refuge
God is our shelter and strong tower, where we can hide from those that seek to destroy us. We can take refuge in God because He can always protect us from danger or trouble; He is the perfect stronghold for our weary hearts, and His arms are always open to bring us under His protection.
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall.
Isaiah 25:4
Resurrection
Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but He was resurrected back to life. As the Firstborn from the Dead, He descended to the depths of hell in separation from God the Father but was returned to life on the third day to fulfill His promised role as the Messiah Who would redeem His people.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
John 11:25
Righteousness
God was often given ceremonial names to signify some aspect of His character. His holiness and righteousness are what sets Him apart from human beings, so it was vital for the people of Israel to commemorate Him as the giver and source of all Righteousness.
In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.”
Jeremiah 23:6
Rock
God remains the same through every trial and storm. Like a rock holding fast against the waves of the ocean, God can never be moved. Trust God to be the Rock through the storms of your life, and He will surely keep His promise to never leave you nor forsake you.
The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4
Root of David
The name “Root of David” can have multiple meanings. A root keeps a tree firmly fastened to the ground, and also brings water up through the dirt to give life to the tree; Jesus does that by providing the only way to eternal life. He is also the Root of David because He comes from the earthly lineage of David, fulfilling the prophecy that there would always be an heir of David on the throne of Israel.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Revelation 22:16
Rose of Sharon
The Song of Solomon has been read as an analogy of God’s love for His church, as an extended love poem between “the lover” and “the beloved.” The Rose of Sharon actually describes “the beloved,” which assigns it to the church; but God Himself loves the church so much and values her so highly that He sent His Son Jesus to give Himself for her.
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1
Ruler of God’s Creation
Jesus is ruler over all of creation. God put everything under His feet and at His command. This verse can also be translated as “beginning of all creation,” which is also true. Jesus was the Word present at the beginning with God, and everything we see and touch and know was created through and by Him.
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.”
Revelation 3:14
Sacrifice
A sacrifice was always required to take away the guilt of sin. Even in the Garden of Eden, God required the spilling of blood to cover up Adam and Eve’s nakedness. During the kingdom of Israel, the blood sacrifice was accompanied by a fragrant offering of incense, or grain and wine, to arise as a “pleasing aroma” to God as a sign of that sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice arose to heaven and satisfied the wrath of God, justifying us before Him.
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:2
Savior
When we are in danger, we need a savior to save us from our troubles. God acts as our Savior as the only One strong enough to save us from our sins. Jesus is also identified in Scripture as our Savior because His sacrifice redeems us and purifies our sins before God.
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Luke 1:47
Second Adam
Adam was the first human being created, but his sin separated the entire human race from God. Jesus is typified as the “second Adam” since He was the only sinless human being to ever live, and because following His and accepting His sacrifice means that we acknowledge Him as the first person to be set in perfect standing before God.
The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:47
Seed of Abraham
One was promised to come from Abraham that would be the recipient of God’s promised blessings. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is quick to point out that God’s promise was fulfilled with a single offspring, not merely the whole nation of Israel. This offspring, or “seed,” was Jesus, fully meeting the conditions and blessings of God’s promises to Abraham.
Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
Galatians 3:16
Seed of David
In a similar way, Jesus was the Seed of David in that He came from David’s human lineage. It was very important to be able to trace your heritage back to important figures in Israel’s history, and Jesus fulfilled the prophecies made hundreds of years before His birth that the chosen Messiah would come from the house of David.
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.
2 Timothy 2:8
Seed of the Woman
In the earliest prophecy in the Bible, God foretold that the “seed of the woman” would crush Satan under His heel and redeem us from our sins. Because the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and allowed Jesus to be born, Jesus was not the offspring of a man; therefore, He can only be called “seed of a woman.”
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Genesis 3:15
Servant
Jesus repeatedly stated that He did not come so that others could serve Him, but that He could serve us. Isaiah saw this in his prophecies of the Messiah as a servant. Jesus rightly recognized that He could only do the will of the Father and that He did not come to exercise His own authority.
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:1
Shepherd
Humanity is often compared to a flock of sheep that has gone astray. However, there is a Shepherd Who can lead us back to safety and security. Jesus Christ was the sacrificial Lamb for our sins, but He also acts as our Shepherd Who brings us back to the Father.
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:25
Shiloh
This has been translated and interpreted as a person in Genesis 49:10, where “Shiloh” is identified as an heir of Judah that would be the recipient of great tribute before the most prominent of Jacob’s sons. We can attribute Shiloh to Jesus when we realize that we will all bow before Him and bring Him our hearts in tribute. In other parts of the Bible, “Shiloh” refers to a location.
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Genesis 49:10
Son of David
When the Jews wished to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, they often called Him the “Son of David.” This connected Him to the promised Messiah that would come from the house and lineage of David, and was a recognition of His right to rule over all nations.
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
Matthew 15:22
Son of God
No title comes closer to fully describing the nature of Jesus than “Son of God.” On earth, He was the son of the carpenter named Joseph. But His true divine nature was to share with the power and majesty of God Himself. This is further clarified when we consider that God is often called God the Father.
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
Luke 1:35
Son of Man
Jesus was the Son of God, but He was also the Son of Man. This was a prophetic title attributed to the Messiah in Daniel and Ezekiel, who foresaw the Messiah as the One Who would restore Israel. These prophecies were all fulfilled in the God-Man Jesus Christ.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10
Son of Mary
Jesus may have had a heavenly Father (God) and an earthly father (Joseph), but Mary was His only mother. This confused some who did not realize that Jesus was the Son of God – they pointed to His mother and siblings as supposed proof that He was just another human being. But as His mother, Mary was uniquely positioned from Gabriel’s announcements to witnessing His miracles just Who her Son truly was.
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Mark 6:3
Son of the Most High
God was called the Most High to show His complete separation from anything that was not perfectly holy. The center of the Temple where sacrifices were made on behalf of the Jewish nation was called the “Most Holy Place,” so when the angel called Him “the Son of the Most High,” He claimed that Jesus was equal to God.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.
Luke 1:32
Stone
The cornerstone was the central element to any building; the strength of the whole building relied on the cornerstone. Jesus Himself is the Stone that was tested, purified, and found as the perfect foundation for the church of God.
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
Isaiah 28:16
Sun of Righteousness
The brilliance of God cannot tolerate the presence of sin, so those who deny Him will be burned up under the fury of His wrath. But for those who remain faithful, Malachi says that the Sun of Righteousness will bring light and healing to his children.
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
Malachi 4:2
Teacher
Jesus was called “Teacher” by His disciples, the Pharisees, and the rest of the people. He was recognized as One Who taught with actual authority, not hiding behind an intricate and seemingly infinite law of codes and statutes. His teaching was based on the love of God, not on simply staying within manmade boundaries.
He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”
Matthew 26:18
Truth
Jesus is the source of all Truth since His teaching points directly to God the Father. This testifies to the nature of truth itself: it is objective, and cannot be changed by our own perspectives or biases. Truth is the same for everyone, just as Jesus is the only Truth about Who God is and how we can return to Him.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Way
As the only atoning sacrifice for our sins, Jesus is the only way to return to God. We can try with our own works, but they will come woefully short when we attempt to use them to answer the demands God makes as atonement for our sins. There is no other way that we can be saved from an eternity of separation from God.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Wonderful Counselor
A counselor comes and offers comfort when we are in distress or mourning. God is the Wonderful Counselor because He provides healing for every part of our hurting souls. We can trust that He can come alongside us and provide relief for the heartbreak we feel, and can restore us to His love and peace.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Word
At the beginning of John’s Gospel, the “Word” was identified as being with God at creation, and in fact, was God Himself. This “Word” is a translation of the Greek word that means a deep truth. This Word (Jesus) is the mechanism by which all things were created and how they hold together.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Vine
As centrally connected to God, Jesus is the true Vine. When we enter His family by believing in Him as the way back to God, we can become branches that are grafted onto the central Vine. This is how we can have an abundance of life and grow into who God originally created us to be.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
John 15:1
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.