His name is Yeshua…

Yeshua is the true name for the one known as Jesus the Nazarene, who lived from about 6 B.C. to 27 A.D.  The name "Jesus" is actually a mis-transliteration (letter for letter translation) of a Greek equivalent to Yeshua. Therefore, for many years, the churchworld has not known the true name of the Savior, the one who died on the cross for your sins and mine.  In the English translation of the bible in 1611 A.D., as commissioned by King James, his name was changed to Jesus.  However, his name is actually Yeshua, which is Hebrew: for he was Hebrew. Some will say, “We speak English; that is why we call him Jesus.  It is a translation.”  Jesus, however, is not in any way a translation of Yeshua. Since there is no “J” in the Hebrew language, no Hebrew name can have a “J” in it.  Thus, there is no relationship between the name Jesus and the name Yeshua.  Jesus is not a translation of the Savior’s name; neither is it his name. 

“What’s in a Name?” You say Yeshua and I still say Jesus, it's the same right?

Hmmm, one interesting point about a name is that it identifies the individual. If you know someone, you call them by their name. If you have ever spent time in a foreign speaking country, no doubt you have experienced an alteration in your name.  However, it remains the same.  If your name is Heathcliff, wherever you go in the world, your name will still be Heathcliff.  Some may pronounce it with a bit of a regional accent, but it is still the same name.  It is the name that you answer to if someone calls you.  Those closest to you most likely call you by your correct name. If you are reading this, chances are that you are close to the one whom you know as Jesus.  In Matthew 1:21, the angel said, “thou shall call his name Yeshua: not Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.”  Why not call him Yeshua then? His mother called him Yeshua!

Why is this all so important?

The Word of God states in Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Yeshua Mashiach is Lord (Kirios; Yahvah), to the glory of God the Father.” Well, first of all, it is TRUTH. Occasionally, we have a hard time with truth that contradicts what we are comfortable with in both our emotions and our minds. In biblical Hebrew, a name not only identified the individual, but also the character of the individual. In Hebrew, Yeshua means God will save; Yeshua is our Savior.  In Hebrew, Jesus does not mean anything because it is not Hebrew.  If I know that your name is George, should I call you Fred just because I like it better? Why is there an attempt to translate names? Names cannot be translated, rather, transliterated. If a book is written in Spanish about a man named Juan Rodriguez, and the book is then translated into English, no attempt is made to translate his name as John Rogers.  Acts 4:12 says, “…there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  In Hebrew, Greek, English or Spanish, his name is Yeshua!

Isn't the name Jesus still Holy and respected?

In a word, No.  Today's tradition of pronouncing his completely Hellenized name as Jesus has indeed obscured his true name, Yeshua; and has shifted its perceived meaning much like most of his original teachings.  The name Jesus or Jesus Christ is often used in everything from idle conversation, to bumper stickers and jewelry, to enforcing false teachings, to justifying wars and political agendas; and is even used as a profanity.  The name Yeshua, however, has remained pure and holy; known and used only by those who uphold his name and teachings in the highest regard and, thus, reserve his holy name for use only in spiritual matters and the most humble and sincere prayers and observances. Notice that everything all comes through ‘the name,’ the correct name; and not a substitute name.  Surely in light of scripture, you must give credence to what we have said concerning the importance of the name.  There are many more scriptures showing the importance of the name Yeshua.  Come to Yeshua and embrace his name today!