Bible Connections 36: Jesus and Divine Name

The New Testament clearly states that Jesus shares in the very identity of God. This profound truth is underscored by prophetic promises and apostolic declarations, showing that the saving name, the sovereign rule, and the universal worship that belong to the God of Israel are uniquely applied to Jesus.
This connection becomes clear when we look at Joel 2:32, which declares, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." The Apostle Paul, in Romans 10:9-13, takes this precise promise and applies it to Jesus, stating, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Furthermore, Philippians 2:9-11 echoes the language of divine worship from Isaiah, proclaiming that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." The New Testament consistently places Jesus within this high, divine context.
Understanding this truth deepens our reverence and shapes our faith. We are not to view Jesus merely as a subordinate or a helpful figure, but as intrinsically knit into the identity of God Himself. This means that the salvation promised through calling on the divine name is fulfilled in calling on the name of Jesus, and the ultimate worship due to the Creator is rightly offered to Him, reinforcing the immense significance of who Jesus is within the divine narrative.