FAQ about 'Bearing God's Name' (IVP)

For the past four months, since before Bearing God's Name was even released, I've spent a good deal of energy traveling to speak about the book and interviewing for blogs and podcasts. Now that many hundreds of copies of Bearing God's Name are in circulation, thoughtful readers from around the world have written to tell me how much the book has meant to them. (I love hearing from readers!) Some of them have also asked me questions. Maybe you've wondered these things, too:

1. Which Bible translation are you reading that says "You shall not bear the name of Yahweh your God in vain"? I've checked all over the place and I can't find that one.

I'm using my own translation from the Hebrew "original" (we don't have the very first Hebrew texts, but I'm translating from the standard Hebrew text used today, which is the product of very careful scholarly reconstruction). English translators have apparently been befuddled by Exodus 20:7 in Hebrew and concluded that it is figurative or shorthand for something related to speech. But there are no speech-related verbs or other clues in the verse that would make it about speaking God's name. And nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible is the verb "bear" used to mean speech without explicit clues in the immediate context. Instead, the verse appears in close proximity to a passage where the high priest is physically bearing or carrying names (Exodus 28:29). 

2. If all believers wear an invisible tattoo of God's name, what does that mean for actual tattoos? Are they okay for Christians or not?

In the Torah, tattoos and other permanent body markings are prohibited (Lev 19:28 and Deut 14:1-2). In that ancient context, markings like this apparently showed allegiance to the dead or to other deities. In my view, Yahweh was asking his people not to send mixed messages about their allegiance. While tattoos today do not usually carry the same connotations as in ancient times, I think the same principle can be applied. If you're considering a tattoo, ask yourself whether it competes with your claim to belong fully to God. Does it send mixed messages? 

3. Is bearing God's name similar to being made in the image of God? Is Genesis 1 really talking about the same concept?

There are similarities between these concepts, but they are not the same thing. Every human being is the image of God, but only members of the covenant community bear God's name. I talk about this briefly in Bearing God's Name, but I'm hoping to write a prequel that explores more fully what it means to be God's image.

4. How do you know that 1 Peter was written to a Gentile audience? If you're wrong about that, does the whole thing fall apart?

Not everyone agrees that Peter was writing primarily to Gentiles, but all scholars agree that he was writing to followers of Jesus. Peter clearly saw Jesus-followers as covenant members, no matter their ethnicity. Acts 10, 11, and 15 bear clear witness to Peter's theology -- he no longer sees a distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The early church leaders made a clear call that Gentiles who follow Jesus "bear God's name" (see Acts 15:14). So my argument does not rely solely on the audience of 1 Peter. There are other persuasive ways to make the case.

5. In this book do you talk about all the names of God?

No. Strictly speaking, God only has one name -- Yahweh. The rest are titles that describe aspects of his character or role. The focus of my book is on how God claims people as his own by placing his unique, personal name on them.

6. What did you mean on page 66 when you said that God repented? Are you saying God sinned?

No, God did not sin. To repent is to change your mind about something. In Exodus 32:14, the same word that is elsewhere translated "repent" is used to describe what God did in response to Moses' intercession. God had decided to destroy the rebellious Israelites, but Moses persuaded him not to on the basis of God's own character. What a mystery! 

7. How long did it take you to write this book?

I began writing in May of 2018 and finished in early September of 2018, so basically 4 months. That's fast, but I had 8 years' worth of research already completed (for my doctoral dissertation and several other research projects during seminary and grad school), so it was simply a matter of saying what I already knew.

8. Is there a study guide to go with Bearing God's Name so that a small group can read it together?

Yes! The study questions are listed in the back of the book, along with suggested Scripture passages to read and Bible Project videos to illuminate each chapter.

9. Are you going to make a video curriculum to go with the book?

Yes! I'm filming a video curriculum at the end of February 2020 to go with the book. Watch this space for information about where to find it!

10. Are you available to come speak to my church or small group?

I love speaking to church groups. Contact me about speaking for your congregation, small group, church retreat, or other special events. Because I'm a full-time professor, I have constraints on when I can travel, but I'd love to explore whether we can work something out.

If you have other questions, feel free to post them in the comments below!

falling into his hands

"Falling into His Hands" by Jasmine May

Today I wanted to share another of Jasmine May's stunning watercolors (with her permission). Describing this scene, Jasmine says, "Many times, in order to trust God, you have to let go of what you are holding onto. Trusting God often feels like falling into chaos and storm and losing solid ground. But only when you let go, do you find God's strong hands."

Take a few moments to think about your own life. Where is God asking you to trust Him? Does it feel like to trust you'll have to let go of everything comfortable and familiar and enter into a season of chaos?

Last fall I let go of the rope. In the chaos that ensued I felt God's strong hands cradling me, protecting me. Had I clung to the rope, trying to maintain control of my situation, I would have missed out on some priceless gifts.

Trust is easy when all is well, but it also isn't very impressive. Life's greatest difficulties are the true test of our faith in God. At the precise moment when life feels most out of control, God is inviting us to fall back into His hands. It would be easy to let go if we already felt the strength of His hands beneath us. But we can't. And that's where trust comes in — believing that He will be there to catch us, even when we can't see or hear him.

As Peter puts it, "Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold— gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away— and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7 New English Translation)

waiting for the glory

I received a precious gift earlier this week made by one of my students. Its stunning beauty spoke in parables to me about the glory that comes through suffering -- so appropriate for this holy week.

The rim of the bowl is blood red. This vessel has been filled to overflowing with suffering. And yet, forged in the fire of adversity, the glaze is transformed to striking purple, the color of kingship, with hints of radiant sapphire.

Deep in the center a surprise awaits -- a vibrant green -- proof of life after suffering, even in and through it.

Peter was convinced that the sufferings of Christ provide a paradigm for our own suffering as believers. The fires of adversity work out a glorious finish in us.

"Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed.'" (1 Peter 2:21-24)

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

 Today we stand midway between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Though the piercing pain and raw wounds are behind us, we have yet to see the full glory that is promised. May this parable remind us of the beauty wrought through suffering, forged in the fire, and stamped by the Great Designer whose purposes are being worked out in ways we cannot yet see.

Pottery: Rebecca Ito / Photos: Carmen Imes

a time to abandon ...

I have heard it said that 'Writing is never finished, only abandoned.'  I know from personal experience that this is true.  Writing can always be reworked, polished, and made to shine.  Every blog post I've written has been abandoned ... the moment I click the button to publish it.

I will be abandoning a larger writing project this week.  My thesis has been revised and approved.  All that remains is a final read-through to make sure nothing was missed.  I know there will be the temptation to massage it some more.  There is always room for improvement.  The clock is ticking, though, and soon I will have no choice but to submit it to the registrar: 2 copies of all 86 pages printed on high-quality, acid-free paper, ready to be bound and placed on the library shelves of our two main campuses.

The likelihood that it will be used in that format by future students of Gordon-Conwell is slim to none.  That explains why this summer I plan to take up the project again and try to have it published in some form.  No use having all that hard work go to waste!  Please pray that God would show me where and how to have it published.  The message of 1 Peter 2:9-10 needs to be recovered by the church today -- our identity is at stake!  There is a time to abandon ... and a time to engage a project once again.

spouse appreciation day

I just stumbled across a gem in the preface to a book by Frank Thielman entitled Paul and the Law. I almost always read the preface because it tells me so much about the author and what is most important to him or her.  After listing all those who helped in the writing of his book, Thielman says this:

"More than from anyone else, however, the time and energy to write this book were a gift from my wife, Abby.  Her constant love and unselfish concern for the advancement of the gospel make my work possible.  If the book clarifies to any extent the shape of Paul's theology, it is largely because Abby's unselfish help with my other responsibilities gave me the time to think about Paul and the law.  We will both be satisfied that the long hours were worthwhile if the result edifies the church and brings glory to its King and Head." (13)

This captures so beautifully how I feel about my work as a Christian scholar. It is a joint effort, Danny's as much as mine.  This morning I successfully defended my masters thesis entitled "Treasured Possession: Peter's Use of the Old Testament in 1 Peter 2:9-10" with Danny by my side. In the acknowledgments I say this:

"Though his name will not appear anywhere on the following pages, this thesis is as much as product of my husband's hard work as it is mine.  Not only has he arranged our schedule so as to maximize my study time, but Danny has managed to make this a joy-filled journey for all of us.  How many wives have the blessing of returning to a clean and peaceful home, with a hot meal on the table or the children bathed and tucked in bed? Danny has given me this gift more times than I can count.  It is with joy that I dedicate this work to him and to the precious children God has given us."

Like the Thielman's, Danny and I are one in our desire to see scholarship advanced and (most importantly) the church edified by this work.  I am so grateful to be doing this together!

priesthood of all believers?

There is a widespread, popular assumption that the Bible teaches the concept of the "priesthood of all believers."  This is usually taken to mean that each of us individually has access to God without needing a mediator (other than Christ).  Since all of us are priests, we are free to interpret Scripture on our own, and (in its most extreme form) the line between clergy and laypeople should be erased altogether.

In my research on 1 Peter 2:9-10 for my thesis, I was exposed to a book by John Elliott entitled, The Elect and the Holy, where he sets out to explore the biblical foundations of the doctrine of the “priesthood of all believers.” Such doctrine is usually traced to 1 Peter 2:9, where Peter calls believers a “royal priesthood” (or “kingdom, body of priests” depending on how you translate it). Elliott traces the Old Testament development of that theme as it arises from Exodus 19:5-6, and demonstrates that when Moses called Israel a “kingdom of priests” (the source of Peter’s phrase in 1 Peter 2:9), this does not preclude the establishment of a Levitical priesthood just a few chapters later. In other words, “kingdom of priests” was NOT an attempt to abolish a distinction between clergy and laity. Jews were not being encouraged to strike out on their own. Exodus 19:5-6 was expressing that Israel as a whole was elected and set apart for God’s service.

Similarly, the New Testament church is elect and set apart for service. First Peter 2:9 describes the purpose of this election: “that you may declare the praiseworthiness of the one who has called you from darkness into his marvelous light” (my translation). Peter does not intend to do away with clergy and laity. He goes on to give special instructions to the elders in chapter five. Clearly he sees a role for church leaders.

Those entrusted with leadership roles in the church are responsible to explain the scriptures to those who do not or cannot understand. I am all for English Bible translations and personal Bible study (see my preceding post). But all of us wear glasses when we come to the Bible, and we need one another in order to see what we’ve missed because of our own faulty perspective or expectations. We need our leaders to guide our understanding of the big picture of biblical theology so that we are not swept away by wrong interpretations. The Bible is, as the Reformers insisted, perspicuous (that is, understandable), but we are not all equally skilled at understanding it. That is why God gave teachers to the church (Eph 4:11). There is no shame in not being a teacher. “Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet 4:10)  All of us are elect, and we all serve the Lord, but we still need teachers and leaders in the church to help us understand and choose the best path. Rugged individualism simply can't be found in God's design for the church.

"Mom's stunning!"

Well, that's what it sounded like Easton said.

What he meant was, "Mom's studying."  Which was true.

I've been doing quite a lot of studying lately.

And loving it.

I'm working on my thesis -- an exploration of the Old Testament background of 1 Peter 2:9-10:

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may declare the mighty deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  Once you were no-people, but now you are God's people; once you were 'un-mercied,' now your name is 'Mercy'."

Peter is writing his letter to a mostly Gentile church made up of Christians who are scattered throughout an empire full of unbelievers who are making life very difficult for them.  They are discouraged and wonder if they've joined the right team.  Peter does not just think up nice things to say to make them feel better.  He bestows on them the very titles that were first given exclusively to the Jewish nation! (See Exodus 19:5-6 and Isaiah 43:20-21 for starters.) He is making the very radical claim that believers in Jesus the Messiah are the true Israel, God's treasured possession, chosen to carry out his mission on earth.  If they are suffering, it's because they have chosen to follow the Messiah who suffered and died on behalf of the world.  Their suffering is not a sign that they have done something wrong, it's confirmation that they are doing God's work.  And since they belong to Him, wonderful things await them.

I may just be studying, but that's stunning news.

what good is the old testament?

Top 3 Reasons to Read the Old Testament:

(1) It is impossible to truly understand Jesus without it.
(2) It is impossible to truly understand the New Testament without it.
(3) It is impossible to truly understand our identity as Christians without it.

These are not the only reasons.  But they are enough to make my point.

John Bright argues the same thing in his book, The Kingdom of God, where he says it is impossible to understand the New Testament apart from the Old because “Christ has come to make actual what the Old Testament hoped for, not to destroy it and replace it with a new and better faith” (193). This is bad news for the church today because it has long since forgotten the Old Testament. Bright laments the “widespread biblical illiteracy” that characterizes our generation of Christians. And he points out the danger of reading only the New Testament because it results in a superficial understanding of the Bible. Bright uses a building to illustrate his point: “If the Old Testament be a building without a roof [i.e. because its hopes are yet unfulfilled], the New Testament alone may be very like a roof without a building—and that is a structure very hard to comprehend and very hard to hold up!” (192-193)

A wonderful example of this is the book of 1 Peter. If you crossed out all of the Old Testament quotations and illusions in that short NT book there would be hardly a full sentence left over!  Peter bases his entire message for how the church should behave on their identity as the people of God (1 Peter 2:9-10) and in the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-25).  How does that relate to the OT?

The ‘identity’ language is taken straight from Moses’ words to the Israelites in Ex 19:5-6 (which are later repeated in Deuteronomy 7:6 and several times later) where he calls them a “holy nation,” a “kingdom of priests,” and "God's treasured possession." Peter was not just making up nice things to say about NT believers.  What Moses said about Israel, Peter applies to a mixed church of both Jews and Gentiles! This radical shift is made possible by their faith in Jesus, the Messiah, who is the only true Israelite (because of his faith and perfect obedience). As Jesus took on the role to which Israel was called in Isaiah (Isa 42:1- as a light to the nations), he became the Servant whose suffering brought healing to the nations (52:13-53:12). Now the church, in following this suffering Servant, can expect also to suffer. Understanding the background for Peter’s words brings the rich depths of his theology into view. Without it we may scratch our heads and wonder why so many different metaphors are crowded into such a short letter.

This is just one example of why knowing the Old Testament is so vital.  It would not be exaggerating to say that it is impossible to accurately and fully understand the New Testament without a basic understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures.  I challenge you to read 1 Peter and underline everything that you think you've read in the Old Testament before.  I'm going to try it one of these days.  I've heard there are as many as 40 quotations and allusions there.  (And if you're really up for a challenge, try Romans 9-11, where there are reported to be no less than 100 quotes and allusions in just 3 chapters!)