A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SACRED NAME MOVEMENT

Submitted by: Robert Wells

The Sacred Name Movement began in the 1930’s among the Church of God, 7th Day members who pondered the question of Proverbs 30:4, "What is His name and His Son’s name if you can tell?" The Church of God 7th Day is a Sabbath-keeping group which came out of the Millerite movement of 1844 as did the 7th Day Adventists.

Up to that time there was little teaching or discussion of the return of the Messiah. The general understanding was that upon dying one went either to heaven or hell, or in the case of the Roman Church, to purgatory. Those who became known as Millerites came from various religious denominations including the 7th-Day Baptists.

Most churches in Christianity taught that the Son’s name was Jesus. They could not answer the first part of Proverbs 30:4. The Son said that He came in His Father’s name. Would not His name be much the same or very similar?

Titles such as "God" and "Lord" certainly are not names, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:5, "there are gods many and lords many" in heaven and in earth. A title is different than a name, it was freely admitted, but didn’t the Heavenly Father have a name of His own? What was our heavenly Father’s true name? Some of those precious few who can remember back to those early years contend that an initial discussion of baptism raised the question of which name is the candidate to be immersed into according to Acts 2:38.

Noteworthy of the early pioneers of the Sacred Name persuasion in the 1930’s were John Briggs, Paul Penn, Joseph Owsen, William Bishop, Larue Cessna, Ralph Kinney (who had a radio broadcast at that time), Angelo B. Traina, Clarence O. Dodd, William Bodine of Arkansas, L. D. Snow of Oklahoma, James Roley of Ohio, Pearl Smith of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

When these Bible students researched various reference books, they found the Heavenly Father’s name represented by the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, four letters which were transliterated in various ways such as YHWH, YHVH, IAUE, JHVH, JHWH, but pronounced Yahweh, Yahveh, Yahueh, Yahvah, Jehovah, Jahahveh, Jahweh. Scholarship had not yet agreed at that early time that the proper English transliteration is YAHWEH.

Elder Clarence O. Dodd began publishing "THE FAITH" magazine in March of 1937. He promoted the keeping of the Feast days of Leviticus 23. He was asked to resign from the Church of God 7th Day with headquarters in Salem, West Virginia, of which he was secretary-treasurer. His introduction and teaching of the Feast days brought this about.

The following filler article Elder Dodd placed in "THE FAITH" magazine created a stir of interest: "It is interesting that throughout His life, Jesus Christ never heard Himself called by that name. ‘Jesus’ was the Greek word for the Hebrew ‘Joshua’ or ‘Jeshua;’ and ‘Christ’ or ‘Christus’ was the Greek word for ‘Messiah’ or ‘Redeemer,’ page 241, "Man’s Great Adventure," by Edwin W. Pahlow, professor of history, Ohio State University."

In October 1938 "THE FAITH" magazine carried an article by A. B. Traina, "What is His Son’s Name?" In this article he used Jahovah for the Father and Jah-hoshua for the Son. Included in this issue was an article by Wm. Bishop and John Briggs "The King James Version Regarding Sacred Names." Combing various resource books, they showed the various forms in English for the four Hebrew letters of the Tetragrammaton: IHVH, JHVH, JHWH, YHVH, YHWH, JAHAVEH, JAHAVEH, JAHVAH, JAHVE, JAHVEH, YAHVE, YAHVEH, YAHWE, YAHWEH, etc. Apparently the "Kadesh Name Society" of Detroit, Michigan authored this article. The Kadesh Name Society started as early as 1936.

It is interesting to see Elder Dodd’s growth in grace and knowledge as he first began to use the popular hybrid but erroneous "Jehovah." Upon discovering that Jehovah was a philological impossibility, he then used Jahweh. When he learned there never was (nor is there now), a letter J in the Hebrew or Greek, he began using Yahvah. Finally, upon further diligent research he ascertained that the best spelling was Yahweh. His growth and understanding is evident as we trace his acceptance of truth and his putting into practice each new piece of knowledge and understanding that Yahweh gave him.

The October 1941 issue of "THE FAITH" magazine commented that Elder Herb Armstrong would be holding the Feast of Tabernacles in Oregon. Although he kept the Feast days and the Sabbath, Mr. Armstrong, like the COG 7th Day, apparently decided the Third Commandment was not important and did not accept the Sacred Name. However, Kenneth Whitney and a few early Sacred Name believers contend that Mr. Armstrong did use Yahweh’s name for a short while in his Radio Church of God broadcast in the early 1940’s but lacking good response, he soon dropped the Sacred Name.

Now thoroughly convinced of the Name, in November of 1941 Elder Dodd placed the names of Yahweh and Yahshua in the masthead of "THE FAITH," and stated that in referring to the Father and the Son, the titles Lord, G-d, and Jes-s Christ would no longer appear in his publication.

Many were persuaded by the sound teaching of Elder Dodd’s presentation of Bible truth. A group of Sabbath-keepers rallied around his deeper teaching of truth and supported his efforts in publishing "THE FAITH" and other Bible literature. Following his death in December 1955, his wife continued to print and distribute his Bible-based literature. Today his daughter, Mary Dodd Ling, continues the distribution of tracts from Ohio.

The first charter in the Sacred Name Movement was issued in Michigan on July 11, 1939 to the Assembly of YHVH. Not being certain of the correct name at the time, the organization decided to include YHWH, YHVH, JHVH, and also Yahweh, Yahvah, Yahveh in their application. The organizers evidently felt they would include these forms and names and settle on the correct and proper form when Yahweh provided proof for the correct name.

According to Richard Nickels, it was under Elder A. N. Dugger in the 1920’s that the Church of G-d 7th Day had its biggest growth upsurge. Traveling by train in those early days and selling his book, "THE BIBLE HOME INSTRUCTOR," Elder Dugger financed his evangelical work and left a legacy of Bible truth.

Elder Dugger joined with Elder Clarence Dodd in writing a history of the Sabbath-keeping groups. He was deeply interested in the Sacred Names and actively promoted them in this country before moving to Israel where he published the Mount Zion Reporter. Hindered from proclaiming the Sacred Name from Jerusalem, he nevertheless carried out an extensive ministry in Israel and Asia. He died in late 1975. His wife, Effie, died the following year. Gordon Fauth, their son-in-law has taken over publishing the Mount Zion Reporter, but does not use the Sacred Name.

The Sacred Name groups are growing in number and actively promoting both the Sacred Names and the weekly and Annual Sabbaths. Malachi prophesies that the last message to be given to mankind is the name of Yahweh and His Son Yahshua. This message is being proclaimed at the end of the age by Sabbath-observing groups.

Elder Angelo B. Traina published a pamphlet called "The Deed" in 1940 in which he used the Holy Name Yahweh. In 1950 he published the Sacred Name New Testament, and in 1963 the complete Holy Name Bible based on the King James Version. He started the Scripture Research Association, 14410 S. Springfield Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613, for the distribution of the Holy Name Bibles. The Bibles are no longer available from Maryland today. Elder Traina died in 1971 in his 82nd year. His wife, Ida Mae, ran a nursing home to provide for their family while Elder Traina labored in the vineyard. She passed away 11 years later.

Currently the Assembly of Yahweh in Eaton Rapids, Michigan is in the final production stages of a current Sacred Name Bible edition called "The Word of Yahweh." This edition is based mostly on the KJV, with footnotes in the New Testament from the Aramaic Peshitta. The amount of money to get this new Bible into print is way above our means. For this reason, we are asking all who are interested in purchasing a copy to order and pay for it in advance. You must keep in mind when you order that we will not send this Bible to the printer until we have enough advance orders and donations to cover production costs, so please be patient. If you are interested, see page 6 (next page) of this issue. You can copy that page, fill in the blanks, and mail it in.

The Assembly of Yahweh, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, began with a Bible study class meeting in a private home in the late 1920’s where the Sabbath and the Commandments were stressed. Sister Pearl Smith felt moved to establish a "Camp of Yah," where from the early 1940’s the Feast days were observed for many years. Eventually the Eaton Rapids Assembly acquired the present property at Gunnell Road. About 1969 they took over the publication of "THE FAITH." The Assembly continues with the magazine to this day.

Today there are many autonomous groups, as well as organizations, that promote the Sacred Names and the whole word of Yahweh. Most of them have their roots, in one way or another, in the brief history described above.
 
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

YAHWEH The Father is the Supreme Deity, the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and earth and all things therein. (Gen. 1:1, Isa. 40:26, Isa. 44:24) Yahweh hath both raised up Yahshua, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Yahshua the Messiah is the only begotten Son of Yahweh, and was sent from Yahweh to be our Redeemer and Savior. Yahshua was with Yahweh at Creation. (Pre-existence - John 1:1, John 17:5-24, John 3:31). Yahshua was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Miriam. Yahshua died for our sins according to the scriptures; and was buried, and he rose again the third day. (1 Cor. 15:3-4, Matthew 12:40) "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (KJV)

SALVATION is through the acceptance of Yahshua the Messiah, who died for our sins. Sin is transgression of the law and without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. Acts 2:38, "REPENT and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Yahshua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Baptism by immersion in water.) Matthew 24:13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Rev. 21:7, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things."

HOLY SPIRIT ... We must be born of the water and of the spirit. Yahshua said if He departed, He would send the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, and the Comforter would teach all things. (John 14:26, John 15:26 and 16:7) Yahweh gives the Holy Spirit to those who Obey Him. (Acts 5:32).

The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of Yahweh. The Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Yahshua the Messiah. 11 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (Deut. 12:32 and Proverbs 30:6 - add not to the word.)

Yahshua came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. The Ten Commandments are still in effect today. John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Love Yahweh with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-40.) Only the ordinances that were against us or contrary to us were taken away. (Col. 2:14.)

The Sabbath is a sign between Yahweh and the Children of Israel (Ex. 31:13-17, Ezekiel 20:20). The seventh day Sabbath is from sundown Friday night until sundown Saturday night. Genesis 1:5, "And Yahweh called the light day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." Yahweh finished the heavens and earth and everything in them in six days, and rested the seventh day and blessed it and sanctified it. (Gen. 2:1-3.)

Lev. 23 lists the various feasts or set times that we are to observe, including the Sabbath, Passover-Memorial Supper - in the fourteenth day of the first month at even. The three feasts - Feast of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits (Pentecost), Feast of Tabernacles and the seven annual Sabbaths (holy-convocations).

The evil one (known as the adversary, Satan or the Devil) exists as a being. (Rev. 20:2-10, 1 Pet. 5:8.)

Clean and unclean foods, Lev. 11 and Deut. 14. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 6:19.)

All the tithe (tenth) of the land is Yahweh's. (Lev. 27:30.)

Yahshua is in heaven and is sitting on the right hand of Yahweh. When Yahshua returns, the trumpet shall sound, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor. 15:52.)

Assembly of Yahweh

Eaton Rapids, MI

GIFTS

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of' lights ... James 1:17.

When we realize we have been a sinner, that we have transgressed our Maker's law (1 John 3:4), and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), we might decide we would rather have life, and more abundantly (John 10:7-10). We might become very sorry for what we have been. We might decide to make a turn around in our life and ask Yahweh to forgive us. He wishes none would perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

If we then repent and earnestly ask Yahweh to forgive us, thanking Him for the provision He has made through His Son, Yahshua the Messiah, for our sins to be blotted out, and begin to obey Him, we can receive of His set apart Spirit, which He gives to them that obey Him (Acts 5:32). We then want to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). We ought to that is. We should not want to live by just part of the words, because Yahshua said, "It has been written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word that comes from the mouth of Yahweh.’ " We should be hot for ALL Scripture Yahweh-breathed, useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). If one doubts some of the "new testament" writings as inspired Scripture, let him consider that Peter indicated that Paul's writings were Scripture with the rest of them; and that the rest of them including the "old testament" are inspired (2 Peter 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:21).

Repent and be immersed in the Name of Yahshua the Messiah for the remission of sins (note it is two things to do), and you shall receive the GIFT of the set apart Spirit (Acts 2:38). See also Acts 8:14-20 showing that the receiving of the set apart Spirit is a GIFT of Yahweh. The Greek word for GIFT here means FREE GIFT, PRESENT. The same word is also used at John 4:10 where Yahshua mentioned the GIFT of Yah, and that He would have given living water. Yahshua’s atoning offering for our sins to be forgiven is also the same type GIFT. "... the GIFT by favour by one man, Yahshua the Messiah, has abounded unto many " (Romans 5:15). Thanks to Yah for His unspeakable GIFT (2 Corinthians 9:15, same word). We see these gifts as important for our everlasting salvation. Having Yahweh's Spirit enables us to obey Him. We cannot fully obey Him without the gift of His Spirit; and without it we are none of the Messiah's (Romans 8:4-10). It is the obedient who will be saved (1 Peter 4:18). And we could not be saved without the gift by Yahshua, giving His life that our sins may be atoned for.

Let us now consider a different Greek word translated GIFT which means FAVOUR, SPIRITUAL ENDOWMENT, MIRACULOUS FACULTY. These gifts are not specifically pertaining to our everlasting salvation, but rather for a better salvation of this present life. (Note however that a man is justified by FAITH, which is one of these gifts, Romans 3:28, 5:1, & Galatians 2:16. And "by favour are you saved through FAITH...," Ephesians 2:8. We need to believe, have FAITH, that provision for our justification, sins being blotted out for salvation, is by the death of Yahshua the Messiah for us. Also consider Yah's people destroyed (cut off) for lack of KNOWLEDGE, another of the gifts, (Hosea 4:6).

Every man has his proper GIFT of Yah, one after this manner, and another after that (1 Corinthians 7:7). Neglect not the GIFT that is in you... (1 Timothy 4:14).

At the 1995 Festival of Tabernacles we attended, more than one speaker emphasized the fact that gifts of the Spirit are upon the body of the Messiah, and that they ought to be put to use for the benefit of the assembly of Yahweh.

Read chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians. We find that Yahweh by His Spirit gives certain gifts to His assembly, the body of the Messiah. The reading is "are" and "is" -- not "was" and "were". Mentioned are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing (curing), miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. Yahweh has also set apostles, prophets, teachers, helps, governments. And in Romans 12 we also find ministry, exhorting, giving, ruling, and showing mercy. We find all members do not have all the gifts, but Yahweh gives severally as He will -- to one this, and to another that. We are to eagerly desire the greater gifts. To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (verse 7, NIV).

When we come together in convocations as Yahweh directs, or any time, or by phone or letter, or tape, computer, etc., we ought to be willingly ready to help others with the gift or gifts with which we have been endowed. And we all should be willingly ready to partake of what other members have for us -- not forgetting that those members of the body which are thought to be weaker, are necessary -- or as the NIV has it, are indispensable (verse 22). We need to keep remembering to consider other members better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). I have been somewhat endowed with wisdom, knowledge, faith, discerning of spirits, healing (cures), and teaching. Which gifts do you have?

We find that FAITH (verse 9) is a very important gift to be seeking. Even the apostles (disciples) who had been given power by Yahshua, needed FAITH to bring about the miracles of healing and casting out of demons (Matthew 10:1) They couldn't cast out a demon once because of unbelief, which is lack of faith (Matthew 17:19, 20). And Peter indicated that it was Yahshua’s Name, through FAITH (believing) in His Name that made the lame man strong (Acts 3:16). Peter had FAITH, doubted not, knew the lame man would walk (verse 6).

Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Having the gift of knowledge is one thing; but having the gift of wisdom is knowing how to best use what we have. If we ask in FAITH, we can have wisdom; but if we doubt, we needn't think we shall receive anything from Yahweh (James 1:5-8). "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask Yah who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he wil1 receive anything from Yahweh. He is a double minded man, unstable in all he does."

On the other hand, note that Yahshua said, "All things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer BELIEVING you shall receive." (Matthew 21:22). He was talking to His disciples -- ones following Him. It is the righteous that receive what they ask in prayer. "Whatsoever we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22 also Psalm 34:15, Proverbs 15:29 and 28:9, 1 Peter 3:12, James 5:16). But remember, we must believe -- have FAITH.

Elders should be eagerly desiring the FAITH gift. We note in James 5:14-16 that the sick should call for the elders of the Assembly and they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of Yahshua. And the prayer of FAITH shall (will) save the sick. I also feel the one prayed for (the sick one) should have faith. Notice that the woman with the flow of blood that the physicians did not help, knew (had faith) that if she but touched Yahshua’s garment she would be healed. Yahshua didn't know of this till He felt power go out of him (Mark 5:25-34). So apparently it was just the woman that had the faith in this case. She was healed because of her FAITH; but the power from Yahshua did it.

Now as to calling for the elders, and the prayer of faith saving the sick, I would like to relate of a time at a Feast of Tabernacles that a brother with a hernia asked for the elders to pray saying, "I know Yahweh can heal me." I said, "Yahweh WILL heal you." We prayed, and he later said that the healing was almost immediate. I know he had a hernia for because of his affliction, some of us had gone to his place to cut some wood for him. And at the 1995 Feast of Tabernacles a brother called for the elders to pray for the healing of a spur. He announced at or about the next meeting, that he was healed. These miraculous healings are not because of any power the elders have -- unless it be the power of FAITH. Always remember that it is Yahweh that does the healing (Exodus 15:26). I once even heard the then president of the American Medical Association indicate that it wasn't them that healed, but that it was the Almighty One.

Now to consider "gifts of healing," note that in 1 Corinthians 12, three verses (9, 28, 30) refer to gifts of healing, or gifts of healings. Note that they are gifts (plural); and they are given to an individual one. Verse 8 starts, "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom..." Verse 9 says, "... to another the gifts of healing..." We see by the context of the whole chapter that Yahweh by His Spirit gives the gifts to individuals severally as He will. An individual person can have one or all of the gifts. The point I make now is that individual ones have gifts, more than one gift of healing. Checking in Strong's Concordance for the meaning of the word "healing", we find that it means "a cure". Therefore individuals, some of them in the assembly, are endowed with gifts of a cure, or have the cure, or cures, when necessary. A cure brings about a healing.

Let's read an example of this in 2 Kings 20:1-7. King Hezekiah was sick and near death. He was told by Yahweh through Isaiah that he was going to die. Hezekiah prayed to Yahweh, weeping bitterly. Isaiah was leaving; but Yahweh told him to go back and tell Hezekiah He had heard his prayer and seen his tears, and He would heal him, and add fifteen years to his days. Isaiah said, "Prepare a poultice of figs." They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. The healing really came about because of Hezekiah’s prayer; but the cure was the figs, and Isaiah had it. Asa, another king (2 Chronicles 16:12-13) was diseased severely. He sought the physicians; but not Yahweh. He died. What would have been the cure in his case? We do not know; because he did not seek Yahweh. Which would you rather do?

So knowing that these verses in 1 Corinthians 12 mean "gifts of a cure", we can respect those that Yahweh has set in the assembly who have these gifts, and enjoy the benefits as Yahweh provides them when needed (1 Corinthians 12:28). These saints very much want to share what they have. Maybe we'll then go less or not at all to the doctors of Egypt, gladly listening to the saints' messages of healing and how we ought to be eating etc. too, knowing that it is Yahweh that gives them these gifts to not only benefit themselves, but the whole assembly.

Ones having these gifts likely know of numerous cures for numerous ailments. That is why the Word says gifts, plural. If it meant one gift of miraculous healing, it would read gift, singular. There were, and are, of course, miraculous healings as previously mentioned; but Scripture does not say they are the result of someone having the gift (singular) of healing. Healings brought about by means of a cure are really a miracle too.

With the disciples, a power from Yahshua and FAITH was involved, and maybe sometimes a cure too (see Luke 9:6, Rotherham). Today it is FAITH, and a CURE may be involved. Yahweh still heals almost instantly sometimes; but probably more often a cure is shown after prayer. Prayer of faith and cures can go hand in hand; and Yahweh does the healing.

In my own personal family life there have been instances of Yahweh healing after prayer, and a cure or cures involved. Once our son was very, very sick abed. I called for elders -- not physicians. One elder brought along a book telling some things to do. I gave the boy cures – steam, hot fomentations, garlic, lemon juice. He was well in 3 days; and a cough he had had for months also disappeared. Before calling for the elders, I didn't know what to do. Another time my back "went out" while driving to work. Yah got me home, and my wife drove me to a chiropractor I was better for a while; but the back got bad again. I decided to do as Yahshua said about praying believing. I prayed that I wouldn't have to go to the chiropractor any more for my back; and repeated, "He will heal me. He will heal me." By a miracle He did. I had no pain for about 2 weeks. But then it began to come back. Why? I didn't know. Talking to an Adventist friend about my cousin's wife's bad back, he said, "She needs carrot juice." I had the sense to realize the message was for me, and began to drink it. Probably knowing nothing about gifts of cures at the time, I thought likely my pain had come back so I would get myself and family on a better diet. I didn't realize the raw carrot juice was the Scriptural gift of a cure the Adventist had for me; and he didn't know it was for me either. I also decided on my own (right or wrong) to eat almost all raw food for about 3 years. To this day, many years later, I have never had to go back to the chiropractor for my back. I've drunk many gallons of carrot juice. I also had been told I had a heart leakage. I'm not told this now.

I have given some examples of GIFTS in action. HalleluYah! Praise Yahweh for the gifts He gives us. Let us be glad for them, use them, and benefit by them.
Elder George Kinney

Yahweh’s 2010 Calendar

 New Moons

Jan.   17

Feb.   16

Mar.  18

Apr.   16

May  16

June 14

July  13

(Borderline)

Aug.  12

Sept.   11

Oct.    10

Nov.     8

Dec.     8

 YAHSHUA’S MEMORIAL (Passover)

MARCH 31

Celebrate MARCH 30 after sunset
    
Annual

Convocation

Days

April      1

April      7

May     21

Sept.    11

Sept.    20

Sept.    25

Oct.       2

 7 days in all - the number of   completeness

FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD

APRIL 1 through APRIL 7

FEAST (appointment) OF WEEKS

MAY 21

See Leviticus 23:10, 11, 15, 16, 21

FEAST (appointment) OF TRUMPETS

SEPTEMBER 11

DAY (appointment) OF ATONEMENT

SEPTEMBER 20

FEAST OF TABERNACLES (Booths or Huts)

SEPTEMBER 25 through OCTOBER 1

LAST GREAT DAY

OCTOBER 2

Begin YAHWEH’s days with the sunset preceding the indicated Roman days lasting