The Error of the Sacred Name Doctrine

The Sacred Name doctrine is a movement that insists the original Hebrew names for God—primarily Yahweh and Yahshua—must be used exclusively when referring to God and Jesus Christ. Adherents claim that using translated names such as "God," "Lord," or "Jesus" is a form of blasphemy or paganism. But is this rooted in truth—or is it a modern distortion of biblical faith?

Historical Background

The Sacred Name movement has its roots in the early 20th century. It arose out of the Church of God (Seventh Day) movement and gained traction through organizations like the Assemblies of Yahweh, founded by Jacob O. Meyer in the 1960s. Meyer and others believed the church had lost its way by using Greco-Roman terms like "Jesus" and "Lord," and that a return to Hebrew names was necessary for proper worship.

While the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the New Testament itself was predominantly written in Greek—not Hebrew—and uses Greek terms like Iēsous (Jesus) and Kurios (Lord). There is no historical or manuscript evidence suggesting that the New Testament originally used Hebrew names for Jesus and God throughout.

Doctrinal Claims of the Sacred Name Movement

1. Only the names "Yahweh" and "Yahshua" are acceptable.

2. The use of “Jesus” is pagan and invalid.

3. Salvation is dependent on correct pronunciation of God’s name.

Biblical and Historical Refutation

1. The New Testament Authenticates the Use of Translations
   The Holy Ghost inspired the New Testament writers to use Iēsous (Greek for Jesus) and Theos (God), not the Hebrew Yahshua or YHWH. If the names were so sacred that they could not be translated, the apostles would have corrected the Greek-speaking churches—but they did not.

   "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21, KJV)

2. Languages Change—God Does Not
   Scripture does not teach that God's power is limited by phonetic accuracy or a specific language. Paul declared:

   "For though there be that are called gods... to us there is but one God..." (1 Corinthians 8:5-6, KJV)
   And Jesus said,
   "The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father... they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24, KJV)

   Spirit and truth—not pronunciation—are the true marks of worship.

3. The Name of Jesus Has Power Across Languages
   The name “Jesus” has been used to cast out devils, heal the sick, and save souls for nearly 2,000 years in countless tongues. It is not the Hebrew syllables that carry the power—it is the authority and identity behind the name.

   "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, KJV)

   This name was given among men—not reserved in a secret language.

4. The “Yahshua” Pronunciation Is Historically Inaccurate
   Scholars widely agree that “Yahshua” is a modern construct with no direct evidence in ancient texts. The correct Hebrew pronunciation is closer to Yehoshua or Yeshua. Ironically, the Sacred Name doctrine bases its argument on a name that likely never existed in ancient usage.

Conclusion

The Sacred Name doctrine begins with a reverence for God’s name, which is commendable—but it spirals into legalism, linguistic elitism, and a departure from the apostolic faith. True salvation is not in the syllables but in submission to the Savior.

Let us honor the name of Jesus—not just by how we say it, but by how we live it.