The concept of the eternal nature of the Lord's name is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the perpetual and unchanging character of God as revealed through His name. This theme underscores the belief that God's name is not only a means of identification but also a revelation of His eternal attributes and divine nature.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the eternal nature of God's name. In Exodus 3:14-15, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," instructing Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you." This declaration, rooted in the Hebrew verb "to be," signifies God's self-existence, timelessness, and unchanging nature. The name Yahweh, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, encapsulates this eternal aspect. In Exodus 3:15 , God further states, "This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation."

The Psalms frequently celebrate the eternal nature of God's name. Psalm 72:17 proclaims, "May His name endure forever; may His name continue as long as the sun." Similarly, Psalm 135:13 affirms, "Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations." These passages highlight the enduring legacy and perpetual reverence of God's name across time.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets also emphasize the eternal nature of the Lord's name. In Isaiah 42:8 , God declares, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols." This assertion underscores the exclusivity and permanence of God's name, which is intrinsically linked to His glory and honor.

Jeremiah 10:6 further illustrates this theme: "There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power." The prophet acknowledges the unparalleled greatness and power inherent in God's name, which remains constant and unassailable.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues to affirm the eternal nature of the Lord's name, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In John 8:58 , Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" This statement not only identifies Jesus with the divine name revealed to Moses but also affirms His pre-existence and eternal nature.

Philippians 2:9-11 highlights the exaltation of Jesus' name: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage underscores the eternal significance and authority of Jesus' name, which commands universal reverence and worship.

Eschatological Perspective

The eternal nature of the Lord's name is also reflected in eschatological visions. Revelation 22:13 records Jesus' declaration, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." This affirmation encapsulates the eternal scope of God's name, encompassing all of time and creation.

In Revelation 19:16 , the triumphant return of Christ is depicted with the title, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS," written on His robe and thigh. This title signifies the ultimate and eternal authority of Christ, whose name embodies the fullness of divine sovereignty.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the eternal nature of the Lord's name is a testament to His unchanging character, sovereign authority, and enduring presence. It serves as a reminder of the timeless truth and faithfulness of God, whose name is to be revered and worshiped by all generations.