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His Holy Name
The name of Jesus Christ is woven through the fabric of our religious life. It is invoked daily in prayers, blessings, ordinances, and testimonies of members of the Church throughout the world. Apostles serve as "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world." But what does it mean to be a witness not just of Jesus Christ, but also of His name? In His Holy Name, Elder Dallin H. Oaks explores the significance of the scriptural references to the name of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Using personal insight and excerpts from the standard works, Elder Oaks takes a fascinating look at the meaning of the Savior's holy name in our worship and beliefs. Truly, His holy name is a vital portion of our understanding and faith in the restored gospel. Elder Oaks recounts the words of John: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). This modern-day Apostle explains, "In this context, 'his name' means His work and His plan of salvation with all of its glorious provisions for the children of God."
Using personal insight and excerpts from the standard works, Elder Oaks takes a fascinating look at the meaning of the Savior's holy name in our worship and beliefs. Truly, His holy name is a vital portion of our understanding and faith in the restored gospel. Elder Oaks recounts the words of John: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). This modern-day Apostle explains, "In this context, 'his name' means His work and His plan of salvation with all of its glorious provisions for the children of God."
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
20 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Dallin H. Oaks
41 books65 followersDallin Harris Oaks is an American attorney, jurist and religious leader. Since 1984, he has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School, a former president of Brigham Young University, and a former justice of the Utah Supreme Court. In the 1970s and 1980s, Republican U.S. presidential administrations considered him as a potential nominee to the United States Supreme Court. Currently, he is the second most senior apostle among the ranks of the Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 7, 2011
When Elder Oaks was called as an apostle, he learned that he was called to be a "special witness for the name of Christ". He says, "A witness of Christ I could understand, but why a witness of the NAME of Christ? I realized that there was something important there - something heretofore rarely discussed in our literature."
He explains that this book is a product of 10 years of studying the meaning and significance of the many scriptural references to the name of Jesus Christ (and there are over 1,000).
This book is now a favorite of mine. It made me think a lot. I had to read it twice before I felt like I was getting it. It made me see and interpret many important scriptures in a very different way - a much deeper and more intelligible way. I loved it!
He explains that this book is a product of 10 years of studying the meaning and significance of the many scriptural references to the name of Jesus Christ (and there are over 1,000).
This book is now a favorite of mine. It made me think a lot. I had to read it twice before I felt like I was getting it. It made me see and interpret many important scriptures in a very different way - a much deeper and more intelligible way. I loved it!
December 10, 2010
I really enjoyed His Holy Name. Elder Oaks takes a step into the purpose and meaning for the scriptures use of His name. Pulling from his own understanding as well as scriptural references and other guides, Oaks took my thoughts and understanding to a completely new level. This work entails sections regarding the uses of name, name as identification, name as authority, name as work or plan, and name as essence or exaltation. All of which are very informative. The last chapter I found very fascinating as he delves into three different applications of His name in our lives. While the reading is a bit dry, I found it very enlightening and interesting.
November 16, 2012
I read this book slowly, taking time, sometimes days, to ponder the different meanings of "name" and how the name of Jesus Christ can mean more than just identification. I never say a prayer, or hear one, without thinking of the power in His name. Each time I come across the verses in scripture that reference His name I think about them more deeply, with added insight. Thank you, Elder Oaks, for sharing the fruits of your study with us.
November 28, 2023
This is a short book that would be easy to read quickly and miss everything that he is trying to teach. I took my time and read a lot of the references and it made all the difference. A powerful reminder of how as we study the scriptures we can have a deeper understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then we must act according to our faith in him. I'm grateful that he took the time to share the research that he did on this topic.
April 17, 2020
Wonderful insights from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ!
April 29, 2011
If you're looking for the typical self-help style books published by Deseret (Sherri Dew, Holland) or the doctrinal discourses of Maxwell, you'll be disappointed. Oaks' book is more handbook-style than Covey-style. Things are laid out simply, plainly, and generally, with good explanation. I would have liked a lengthier book, a little more on the why any of this matters, but still, a nice little read.
January 29, 2012
Interesting book and subject. Elder Oaks sheds light on something I had never really understood or identified with before. The understanding of the word "name", as used in the scriptures, will help you better understand the sacrament and our sacred duty as followers of Christ. The only drawback, I feel like I need to read it again because I'm not sure all the nuanced meanings have sunk into my thick skull.
November 4, 2014
Elder Dallin H. Oaks is currently a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has also been a Utah State Supreme Court Justice and the President of Brigham Young University. In this slim book he analyzes the meaning of "the Name of the Lord" as found in the Holy Scriptures. I found his analysis very enlightening, and very useful in understanding my relationship to God. Recommended for all Latter-day Saints.
December 29, 2009
Elder Oaks is a deep writer so you really have to concentrate with this book but I loved it. There were a couple of great a-ha's in here. This is more a doctrinal book than an answer-seeking or self-help book but a good read all the same if you're wanting more information about the nature of Christ and his name and the meanings behind the use of his name and references to him specifically.
February 18, 2019
This is a quick read on the distinction between "[faith/praise/etc] in Jesus Christ" and "[faith/praise/etc] in the name of Jesus Christ." Convinced me there is an noteworthy distinction here. However, I preferred Oaks' other books "Pure in Heart" and "Life's Lessons Learned" and would recommend them above this one.
May 6, 2019
After reading Life's Lessons Learned (which is awesome), I was a little disappointed that there were no personal anecdotes in this book. At times, it reads like a dissertation. However, some of the insight was invaluable and gave me new perspective on the sacrament and what the Lord expects of me. 3.5 stars
February 1, 2015
I don't think I got out of this book what I could have. It was very scholarly and most of the time too deep for me. Would make a great reference book for someone giving a talk or lesson on the name of Christ.
November 19, 2015
At its surface it doesn't seem like a complex subject- discussing how the Savior's name is used in scripture, but the further I got into this book the more like I felt I wasn't completely grasping it. I feel like this is a book that needs to be read twice to really synthesize the deeper meanings.
September 29, 2009
A quick read with many interesting points on a topic I've often thought about and been very interested in. Glad to see this book in print again - I've wanted to read it for several years.
March 8, 2010
Quick and easy read. And as always, Oaks explains things well.
December 8, 2016
Awesome!
May 16, 2010
This book will have you thinking about our Savior in a deeper way. A book you will need to read again and again, to continue to learn from Elder Oaks' study.
July 17, 2010
I learned somethings that I had not contemplated before which I always find a plus. For a small short book, it was certainly thought provoking.
December 10, 2010
If you've ever wondered what the difference is between in the name of Jesus Christ and just Jesus Christ this book has the answers. Not difficult to read.
August 3, 2011
Either this book was way over my head as to the meanings of the different usages of Christ, or else I didn't really see that there were any differences, even after the explanations.
April 28, 2015
This was an interesting little book. Like reading an apostle's study journal--which was nice because it wasn't reprinted talks that I had heard before. I love the way Elder Oaks thinks and writes.
October 17, 2015
One about the Savior and his role and title and how we should acknowledge that...and it's right to the point
February 9, 2019
I've been wanting to explore this topic for years. So glad I read this book
I found it fascinating and insightful.
I found it fascinating and insightful.
February 1, 2020
This is a great little book! I loved it and learned a lot. After Elder Dallin H. Oaks was called to be an Apostle he started studying his responsibilities in the scriptures and shares here what he learned about "the name of Jesus Christ" and his responsibility to be a witness for His name. There are some beautiful and profound insights here. Elder Oaks points out how the "name of Jesus Christ" is used as identification; authority, priesthood, or power; a work or plan; and an essence or exaltation. I learned a lot about the power in Jesus Christ and His name, as well as the importance of learning the willing of God and truly taking His name upon us.
Just after reading this book I read Elder Holland's new book Witness for His Names where he praises this book and these insights by Elder Oaks. I agree that this adds much to the discussion of the specific names of the Savior. Here are a few of my favorite quotes (full of many scriptures, as you can see--the way these verses are organized helped me learn many new things):
"This book is about the name of Jesus Christ. His holy name is 'above every name' (Philip. 2:9). It is woven through the fabric of our religious life--through all of the eternally important things the children of God experience upon this earth. His holy name is invoked in prayer, in baptism, in sacred covenants (such as marriage), and in the blessings of the holy temples. When I was called as an Apostle I went to the scriptures for illumination on my responsibilities. I found that I was called to be one of the 'special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world' (D&C 107:23). A witness of Christ I could understand, but why a witness of the name of Christ?... There is something important here (p. vii)."
"Instead of directly referring to God the Father or to His Son, Jesus Christ, many passages of scripture refer to 'the name of the Lord,' to 'his name,' or to 'my name (p. 1).'"
"The first dictionary meaning of the word name is a word or words by which a person is identified, designated, or known. Consequently, a scriptural reference to the 'name' of the Father or the Son can be simply a reference to God Himself (p. 5)."
"Many scriptural references to the 'name' of Jesus Christ seem to be references to the authority or priesthood or power of Jesus Christ (p. 9)."
"The prescribed pattern of performing priesthood ordinances is to do them 'in the name of Jesus Christ (p. 10).'"
"The Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, 'did many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus' (3 Ne. 7:20) (p. 10)."
"'By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?' (Acts 4:7) Peter replied, 'By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth...doth this mane stand here before you whole' (Acts 4:10) (p. 11)."
"'The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person...and shall say...Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.' (D&C 20:73) (p. 12)"
"'Will I accept an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name? Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?' (D&C 132:9-10) (p. 13)"
"This truth is further stressed by the fact that one meaning of the commandment not to take the name of the Lord in vain (see Ex. 20:7) is not to use that holy name without authority. (See D&C 63:62) (p. 13)"
"'For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here' (D&C 110:7) (p. 15)."
"'Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.' (D&C 1:38) (p. 17)"
"'To witness for the name of Jesus Christ is to witness of the reality of His having been anointed as Lord and Savior; to witness of His deeds, especially His atonement; to witness of His attributes; and to witness of the Father's plan of salvation--in which Jesus is the redeeming centerpiece (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 19).'"
"To act in the authority of God is to do the work of God; to do the work of God we should have the authority of God (p. 20)."
"'Ye must take upon you the name of Christ...for by this name shall ye be called at the last day' (3 Ne. 27:5). 'Therefore,' Jesus directed, 'ye shall call the church in my name' (v. 7) (p. 20)."
"'Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye cal upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you' (3 Ne. 27:9) (p. 21)."
"The rest of this chapter will give various important illustrations of this most common scriptural usage, in which 'the name of Jesus Christ' or 'His name' or 'My name' means His work or His plan (p. 21)."
"Many scriptures declare that sins are forgiven through the name of Christ, or that He has suffered for the sins of those who believe on His name. In all these scriptures 'name' seems to mean the Savior's great work of atonement and redemption (p. 22)."
"Speaking more generally (about 'salvation' rather than just about remission of sins), some scriptures teach that salvation comes through the name of Christ, declaring that there is no other name by which we are saved (p. 23)."
"'There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.' (Mosiah 3:17) (p. 24)"
"The several types of references discussed in the first part of this chapter illustrate the use of 'His name' in describing the most fundamental concepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ: forgiveness of sins through His name (or belief on His name), salvation through His name, and faith on His name to be saved. These ideas are so central to the gospel that they are probably what is referred to when the Old Testament prophet declared.... 'Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.' (Mal. 3:16-17) (p. 27)"
"Temples are built to carry out the work or plan of the Lord, including the sacred ordinances and covenants that open the door to salvation for the dead and to exaltation for the living and the dead (p. 27)."
"Perhaps some exclamations like 'Praise His name' or 'Bless His name' use the word name out of reluctance to make frequent or familiar use of the sacred name of God. But it is notable how many scriptures praise God by name and then separately praise His name. This separateness shows that in these instances 'name' is not merely identification but carries an additional meaning. As we have seen, that additional meaning is to add praise to the work or plan God has established for the salvation and exaltation of His children (p. 30)."
"'I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.' (Alma 26:12) (p. 31)"
"The words take upon you the name of Christ occur many times in the scriptures. Their frequent association with the words having a determination to serve him to the end or endure to the end reveals one of the most significant meanings of taking upon us the name of Christ: a willingness and a commitment to take upon us the work of the Savior and His kingdom. This includes testifying of Him, proclaiming His gospel, keeping His commandments, and accepting and fulfilling the callings and responsibilities necessary to do the work of His Church 'to bring to pass the...eternal life of man.' (p. 37)"
"There is one more meaning of the word name, as applied to Jesus Christ or God the Father, that incorporates all the other meanings and goes beyond... this meaning...not only incorporate[s] the ideas of His identity, His authority (priesthood), and His work, but also include[s] the idea of His essence, including His Godliness (p. 43)."
"'And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?' (Moses 1:3) (p. 44)"
"'Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.' (John 11:25) (p. 44)"
"In still other scriptures, prophets identify the Lord by names that reveal some of His attributes:... 'Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace... Emmanuel... the great Mediator.' (p. 45)"
"This revealing of the attributes of God has the important purpose of helping us to know God and thereby helping us toward eternal life (p. 46)."
"'A man's name reveals his character... Hence to know the name of God is to know God as he has revealed himself (p. 46).'"
"'His name is his very self (p. 47).'"
"The idea that a name changes when a person's essence changes also helps to explain the scriptural teaching that a new name is given to all persons who come into the celestial kingdom (p. 47)."
"'Unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.' (D&C 45:8) (p. 51)"
"Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of the world, is the essential life-giving source in the plan of salvation. His saving mission under this plan opens the door and points the way for the children of God to achieve their ultimate destination as sons and daughters of God--to become like Him. The plan of salvation is not only an expression of the authority and work of our Savior. It is also a manifestation of His essence (p. 52)."
"To 'come unto the Father in [Christ's] name' is to come to the Father through compliance with the laws and ordinances and covenants specified in His plan. To receive of the fulness of the Father is to receive exaltation or eternal life (p. 53)."
"'Salvation [exaltation] consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him (p. 56).'"
"'I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world... And I have declared unto them thy name.' (John 17:6, 26) (p. 59)"
"'It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God (p. 61).'"
"As the Savior stated in His prayer, to know God the Father is to have eternal life. A knowledge of the true fatherhood of God is the crowning doctrine of Christ's ministry and of the gospel itself. It is the key to the true identity and destination of the children of God (p. 61)."
"Why do so many scriptures refer to believing in or having faith in the 'name of Jesus Christ' rather than in Jesus Christ Himself (p. 63)?"
"We take upon us our Savior's name in this sense when we become members of the Church that bears His name. By His commandment, His Church is named The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (p. 64)."
"We call ourselves his children, and we testify that he is the only source of eternal life (p. 65)."
"By witnessing our willingness to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, we signify our willingness to act in His authority and to do His work, which is to bring to pass the eternal life of man. By this means we covenant to accept callings in His Church and to be diligent in fulfilling the responsibilities of those callings (p. 65)."
"'The Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart. And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature.' (D&C 18:27-28) (p. 69)"
"An Apostle is a witness of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He holds its keys... Second, an Apostle is uniquely commissioned to serve as a witness of the work of the Savior: His roles as Creator, Resurrector, Redeemer, Savior, and Judge, the light and life of the world... As a witness of the name of Jesus Christ, an Apostle is the preeminent teacher and testifier of the ultimate purpose of the plan of salvation--for each of the sons and daughters of God to attain his or her divine potential of eternal life, or salvation/exaltation, which modern revelation calls the 'fulness' of the Father (p. 71)."
"Numerous scriptures say we must have faith in or believe in His name. This seems to mean having faith in or believing in His work or His plan: His priesthood, His ordinances, His commandments, His covenants (p. 74)."
"To take up our cross and follow the Savior results in personal growth toward our divine destination (p. 75)."
"As we seek to follow in His footsteps, we are reminded that He 'received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness' (D&C 93:13). So it must be with us, His followers (p. 75)."
"Those who 'do the will of my Father who is in heaven' will 'enter into the kingdom of heaven.' The difference is apparently between (1) those who do their own work in the name of Christ (anyone can speak His name or put His name upon anything), and (2) those who do the will (the work) of the Father (p. 76)."
"To 'enter into the kingdom of heaven' we must take His name upon us by doing the will (the work) of the Father (p. 77)."
Just after reading this book I read Elder Holland's new book Witness for His Names where he praises this book and these insights by Elder Oaks. I agree that this adds much to the discussion of the specific names of the Savior. Here are a few of my favorite quotes (full of many scriptures, as you can see--the way these verses are organized helped me learn many new things):
"This book is about the name of Jesus Christ. His holy name is 'above every name' (Philip. 2:9). It is woven through the fabric of our religious life--through all of the eternally important things the children of God experience upon this earth. His holy name is invoked in prayer, in baptism, in sacred covenants (such as marriage), and in the blessings of the holy temples. When I was called as an Apostle I went to the scriptures for illumination on my responsibilities. I found that I was called to be one of the 'special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world' (D&C 107:23). A witness of Christ I could understand, but why a witness of the name of Christ?... There is something important here (p. vii)."
"Instead of directly referring to God the Father or to His Son, Jesus Christ, many passages of scripture refer to 'the name of the Lord,' to 'his name,' or to 'my name (p. 1).'"
"The first dictionary meaning of the word name is a word or words by which a person is identified, designated, or known. Consequently, a scriptural reference to the 'name' of the Father or the Son can be simply a reference to God Himself (p. 5)."
"Many scriptural references to the 'name' of Jesus Christ seem to be references to the authority or priesthood or power of Jesus Christ (p. 9)."
"The prescribed pattern of performing priesthood ordinances is to do them 'in the name of Jesus Christ (p. 10).'"
"The Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, 'did many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus' (3 Ne. 7:20) (p. 10)."
"'By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?' (Acts 4:7) Peter replied, 'By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth...doth this mane stand here before you whole' (Acts 4:10) (p. 11)."
"'The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person...and shall say...Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.' (D&C 20:73) (p. 12)"
"'Will I accept an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name? Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?' (D&C 132:9-10) (p. 13)"
"This truth is further stressed by the fact that one meaning of the commandment not to take the name of the Lord in vain (see Ex. 20:7) is not to use that holy name without authority. (See D&C 63:62) (p. 13)"
"'For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here' (D&C 110:7) (p. 15)."
"'Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.' (D&C 1:38) (p. 17)"
"'To witness for the name of Jesus Christ is to witness of the reality of His having been anointed as Lord and Savior; to witness of His deeds, especially His atonement; to witness of His attributes; and to witness of the Father's plan of salvation--in which Jesus is the redeeming centerpiece (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 19).'"
"To act in the authority of God is to do the work of God; to do the work of God we should have the authority of God (p. 20)."
"'Ye must take upon you the name of Christ...for by this name shall ye be called at the last day' (3 Ne. 27:5). 'Therefore,' Jesus directed, 'ye shall call the church in my name' (v. 7) (p. 20)."
"'Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye cal upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you' (3 Ne. 27:9) (p. 21)."
"The rest of this chapter will give various important illustrations of this most common scriptural usage, in which 'the name of Jesus Christ' or 'His name' or 'My name' means His work or His plan (p. 21)."
"Many scriptures declare that sins are forgiven through the name of Christ, or that He has suffered for the sins of those who believe on His name. In all these scriptures 'name' seems to mean the Savior's great work of atonement and redemption (p. 22)."
"Speaking more generally (about 'salvation' rather than just about remission of sins), some scriptures teach that salvation comes through the name of Christ, declaring that there is no other name by which we are saved (p. 23)."
"'There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.' (Mosiah 3:17) (p. 24)"
"The several types of references discussed in the first part of this chapter illustrate the use of 'His name' in describing the most fundamental concepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ: forgiveness of sins through His name (or belief on His name), salvation through His name, and faith on His name to be saved. These ideas are so central to the gospel that they are probably what is referred to when the Old Testament prophet declared.... 'Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.' (Mal. 3:16-17) (p. 27)"
"Temples are built to carry out the work or plan of the Lord, including the sacred ordinances and covenants that open the door to salvation for the dead and to exaltation for the living and the dead (p. 27)."
"Perhaps some exclamations like 'Praise His name' or 'Bless His name' use the word name out of reluctance to make frequent or familiar use of the sacred name of God. But it is notable how many scriptures praise God by name and then separately praise His name. This separateness shows that in these instances 'name' is not merely identification but carries an additional meaning. As we have seen, that additional meaning is to add praise to the work or plan God has established for the salvation and exaltation of His children (p. 30)."
"'I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.' (Alma 26:12) (p. 31)"
"The words take upon you the name of Christ occur many times in the scriptures. Their frequent association with the words having a determination to serve him to the end or endure to the end reveals one of the most significant meanings of taking upon us the name of Christ: a willingness and a commitment to take upon us the work of the Savior and His kingdom. This includes testifying of Him, proclaiming His gospel, keeping His commandments, and accepting and fulfilling the callings and responsibilities necessary to do the work of His Church 'to bring to pass the...eternal life of man.' (p. 37)"
"There is one more meaning of the word name, as applied to Jesus Christ or God the Father, that incorporates all the other meanings and goes beyond... this meaning...not only incorporate[s] the ideas of His identity, His authority (priesthood), and His work, but also include[s] the idea of His essence, including His Godliness (p. 43)."
"'And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?' (Moses 1:3) (p. 44)"
"'Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.' (John 11:25) (p. 44)"
"In still other scriptures, prophets identify the Lord by names that reveal some of His attributes:... 'Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace... Emmanuel... the great Mediator.' (p. 45)"
"This revealing of the attributes of God has the important purpose of helping us to know God and thereby helping us toward eternal life (p. 46)."
"'A man's name reveals his character... Hence to know the name of God is to know God as he has revealed himself (p. 46).'"
"'His name is his very self (p. 47).'"
"The idea that a name changes when a person's essence changes also helps to explain the scriptural teaching that a new name is given to all persons who come into the celestial kingdom (p. 47)."
"'Unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.' (D&C 45:8) (p. 51)"
"Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of the world, is the essential life-giving source in the plan of salvation. His saving mission under this plan opens the door and points the way for the children of God to achieve their ultimate destination as sons and daughters of God--to become like Him. The plan of salvation is not only an expression of the authority and work of our Savior. It is also a manifestation of His essence (p. 52)."
"To 'come unto the Father in [Christ's] name' is to come to the Father through compliance with the laws and ordinances and covenants specified in His plan. To receive of the fulness of the Father is to receive exaltation or eternal life (p. 53)."
"'Salvation [exaltation] consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him (p. 56).'"
"'I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world... And I have declared unto them thy name.' (John 17:6, 26) (p. 59)"
"'It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God (p. 61).'"
"As the Savior stated in His prayer, to know God the Father is to have eternal life. A knowledge of the true fatherhood of God is the crowning doctrine of Christ's ministry and of the gospel itself. It is the key to the true identity and destination of the children of God (p. 61)."
"Why do so many scriptures refer to believing in or having faith in the 'name of Jesus Christ' rather than in Jesus Christ Himself (p. 63)?"
"We take upon us our Savior's name in this sense when we become members of the Church that bears His name. By His commandment, His Church is named The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (p. 64)."
"We call ourselves his children, and we testify that he is the only source of eternal life (p. 65)."
"By witnessing our willingness to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, we signify our willingness to act in His authority and to do His work, which is to bring to pass the eternal life of man. By this means we covenant to accept callings in His Church and to be diligent in fulfilling the responsibilities of those callings (p. 65)."
"'The Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart. And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature.' (D&C 18:27-28) (p. 69)"
"An Apostle is a witness of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He holds its keys... Second, an Apostle is uniquely commissioned to serve as a witness of the work of the Savior: His roles as Creator, Resurrector, Redeemer, Savior, and Judge, the light and life of the world... As a witness of the name of Jesus Christ, an Apostle is the preeminent teacher and testifier of the ultimate purpose of the plan of salvation--for each of the sons and daughters of God to attain his or her divine potential of eternal life, or salvation/exaltation, which modern revelation calls the 'fulness' of the Father (p. 71)."
"Numerous scriptures say we must have faith in or believe in His name. This seems to mean having faith in or believing in His work or His plan: His priesthood, His ordinances, His commandments, His covenants (p. 74)."
"To take up our cross and follow the Savior results in personal growth toward our divine destination (p. 75)."
"As we seek to follow in His footsteps, we are reminded that He 'received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness' (D&C 93:13). So it must be with us, His followers (p. 75)."
"Those who 'do the will of my Father who is in heaven' will 'enter into the kingdom of heaven.' The difference is apparently between (1) those who do their own work in the name of Christ (anyone can speak His name or put His name upon anything), and (2) those who do the will (the work) of the Father (p. 76)."
"To 'enter into the kingdom of heaven' we must take His name upon us by doing the will (the work) of the Father (p. 77)."
February 28, 2021
A good way to rediscover Elder Oaks' analytical thinking. I love how he always lays it out straight for us. Like another reviewer pointed out, this read like an apostle's study journal. It contains none of his talks, this is Elder Oaks speaking to us plainly. Published in 1998 (just after his wife died and before he remarried in 2000) it is only 79 pages with 6 chapters expounding on the many names of God as found in the standard works (This is where Elder Holland got his idea for "Witness for His Names" [2019] and why I went back to the library to check out this book by Elder Oaks and review it first!) and all the ways we use His Name which, when you stop to think about it, is quite profound. We take His Holy Name upon us every Sunday in sacrament meeting just for starters.
We also use His Name when we are engaged in His work. Both men AND women in the church have the authority to use His Name whenever we teach or bear testimony either as a speaker in sacrament meeting, teaching a class or serving a mission and, if male, in giving blessings and administering ordinances. All activities celebrated in scripture of His coming, praising His name and hallowing it-all these scriptures references can be found in this book. We also suffer for His Name which any return missionary (especially those who served in the Bible Belt Southern States!) can relate to. So many scriptures testify of our responsibility when we take His Name upon ourselves and, again, you will find them all here in this book.
Finally, in Chapter 6, Elder Oaks poses this very deep question: Why do we have so many scriptures referring to having FAITH in His Name rather than just in having faith in Jesus? The answer is we are saved BY Jesus Christ through the NAME of Jesus Christ.
There is so much wisdom in this little book. Read it and gain a deeper testimony of His Holy Name and how to draw closer to Him. Then go read "Witness for His Names" by Elder Holland.
We also use His Name when we are engaged in His work. Both men AND women in the church have the authority to use His Name whenever we teach or bear testimony either as a speaker in sacrament meeting, teaching a class or serving a mission and, if male, in giving blessings and administering ordinances. All activities celebrated in scripture of His coming, praising His name and hallowing it-all these scriptures references can be found in this book. We also suffer for His Name which any return missionary (especially those who served in the Bible Belt Southern States!) can relate to. So many scriptures testify of our responsibility when we take His Name upon ourselves and, again, you will find them all here in this book.
Finally, in Chapter 6, Elder Oaks poses this very deep question: Why do we have so many scriptures referring to having FAITH in His Name rather than just in having faith in Jesus? The answer is we are saved BY Jesus Christ through the NAME of Jesus Christ.
There is so much wisdom in this little book. Read it and gain a deeper testimony of His Holy Name and how to draw closer to Him. Then go read "Witness for His Names" by Elder Holland.
December 19, 2022
At barely sixty pages, this is a relatively quick read. But of course, it's not. Elder Oaks shares some wonderful insights abt the parallel meanings of the word 'name' as it is used in scriptures. Many verses in the Old and New Testament, along with latter-day scriptures like the Book of Mormon, require His follows to not only believe in Him but also on His name. I admit this is not a point I have really considered. Oaks lays out the four primary purposes used in the scriptures - identification, authority, work or plan, and essence - them cites several verses to support each interpretion. He closes with an overview of the meaning or interpretation, tying everything together.
Honestly, you would likely come to similar conclusions - and probably grow spiritually far more - by spending the time in study and prayer yourself. In a way this is a bit of a short cut, a synthesis of the years Oaks spent in study. However, I found it inspirational and encouraging to review the scriptures myself - that is, I feel the desire to do so. Of course, I came to this book as part of that study - this was a reference provided in Jeffrey R Holland's book, Witness for His Names - so I'm already sort of on that path. But I found the insights gleaned very helpful, and often stopped to ponder before continuing on.
I did like that Oaks not only referenced LDS scriptures but also quotes from other Old Testament scholarly sources, including some from Rabbi Harold S Kushner. This suggests he did his homework in full, in an effort to fully understand the scriptures, and I appreciate it recommendations.
Honestly, you would likely come to similar conclusions - and probably grow spiritually far more - by spending the time in study and prayer yourself. In a way this is a bit of a short cut, a synthesis of the years Oaks spent in study. However, I found it inspirational and encouraging to review the scriptures myself - that is, I feel the desire to do so. Of course, I came to this book as part of that study - this was a reference provided in Jeffrey R Holland's book, Witness for His Names - so I'm already sort of on that path. But I found the insights gleaned very helpful, and often stopped to ponder before continuing on.
I did like that Oaks not only referenced LDS scriptures but also quotes from other Old Testament scholarly sources, including some from Rabbi Harold S Kushner. This suggests he did his homework in full, in an effort to fully understand the scriptures, and I appreciate it recommendations.
July 14, 2024
I decided to combine of personal goals of reading more and doing gospel study more by reading this book about the gospel. And I'm so glad I did! It was a great spiritual experience for me. Elder Oaks analyzes the use of Christ's name in the scriptures to represent His identity, His authority/Priesthood, His work or plan, and His essence. Then he applies that to our own covenant at baptism, renewed each week by the sacrament, to take upon us His name. Elder Oaks' explanations made me think about familiar scriptures in new ways and I loved it!
May 4, 2023
Thoughtful Analysis of the Name of Christ
I never realized before there was a difference between believing in Christ and believing in the name of Christ. And that the latter is pronounced significantly more often than the former. Oaks explains the difference clearly and in a way that makes one do a better job not just passively believing, but acting on that belief for the good of ourselves and others.
I never realized before there was a difference between believing in Christ and believing in the name of Christ. And that the latter is pronounced significantly more often than the former. Oaks explains the difference clearly and in a way that makes one do a better job not just passively believing, but acting on that belief for the good of ourselves and others.
December 21, 2025
Wow, this was phenomenal! I had so many answers to prayer answered in this incredible book and my reading of the scriptures has opened up so much more. I loved this so much. It will have a sweet spot in my heart through answers I have received. This gospel is so true! The deeper I dive in the sweeter and more beautiful it becomes. I’m so grateful for apostles that teach us what it truly means to believe on his name. Beautiful!
August 8, 2024
An interesting intellectual exercise from a deeply logical thinker who has researched and studied the use of the name of Christ in the scriptures. Underpinned by deep feeling and reverence. It sensitized my understanding of that phrase and deepened my appreciation for the Savior. Instructive and eye opening, if a bit academically dry.
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