The concept of God's enduring name and reputation is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His eternal nature, unchanging character, and the reverence due to Him by all creation. God's name is not merely a label but encapsulates His essence, authority, and the covenantal relationship He maintains with His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the significance of God's name. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His self-existence and eternal presence. This foundational revelation underscores the timelessness and constancy of God's nature. The name Yahweh, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles, is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," further emphasizing His eternal existence.

In Isaiah 42:8, God declares, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols." This passage highlights the exclusivity and holiness of God's name, which is intrinsically linked to His glory and reputation. God's name is not to be profaned or taken lightly, as it represents His divine authority and the reverence He commands.

God's Name in Worship and Prayer

The enduring nature of God's name is a focal point in worship and prayer. The Psalms are replete with exhortations to praise God's name. Psalm 113:2-3 states, "Let the name of the LORD be praised both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the LORD be praised." This call to worship underscores the perpetual honor due to God's name across all times and places.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9). This petition in the Lord's Prayer reflects the sanctity and reverence that God's name should inspire among His followers. It is a recognition of His holiness and a desire for His name to be honored universally.

God's Reputation Among the Nations

God's reputation is not confined to Israel but extends to all nations. In Ezekiel 36:22-23, God speaks of vindicating the holiness of His great name, which has been profaned among the nations. He declares, "I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness through you before their eyes."

This passage reveals God's commitment to upholding His reputation and demonstrating His holiness to the world. His actions in history, particularly His redemptive work through Israel and ultimately through Jesus Christ, serve to magnify His name and establish His reputation as the one true God.

The Eternality of God's Name

The enduring nature of God's name is affirmed in passages that speak of its eternal significance. Psalm 135:13 declares, "Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations." This verse highlights the perpetual legacy of God's name, which transcends time and human history.

In Revelation 15:3-4, the song of Moses and the Lamb proclaims, "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." This eschatological vision affirms the ultimate recognition of God's name and reputation by all creation.

Conclusion

The enduring name and reputation of God are foundational to understanding His divine nature and the reverence He commands. Throughout Scripture, God's name is a testament to His eternal existence, holiness, and the covenantal relationship He maintains with His people. It is a name to be revered, praised, and upheld among all nations, reflecting His glory and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.