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The Great I AM: Exploring the Profound Meaning Behind God’s Name – Viral Believer
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The Great I AM: Exploring the Profound Meaning Behind God’s Name

Introduction

The Bible is filled with countless examples of God revealing Himself to His people, often through the names He is called. One of the most significant and I AM: Exploring the meaningful names found in Scripture is “I AM.”

This name, which is also translated as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah,” holds deep significance for Christians and can help us grow in our understanding of God’s character and purposes. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning behind “I AM” and why it is so important in the Christian faith.

Using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, we will dive into the story behind the name “I AM,” its meaning, and its relevance to our lives as believers.

By understanding the meaning of this powerful name, we can come to know God on a deeper level and experience a closer relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The name “I AM” is rooted in the Hebrew word for “to be,” signifying God’s eternal existence.
  2. “I AM” conveys God’s self-sufficiency, independence, and sovereignty.
  3. The name “I AM” is used throughout the Bible to highlight God’s nature and attributes.
  4. Jesus refers to Himself as the “I AM” in the New Testament, affirming His divinity.
  5. Understanding the meaning of “I AM” can deepen our relationship with God.

The Origin of the Name “I AM”

The name “I AM” first appears in the Old Testament when God speaks to Moses from the burning bush. God had called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and Moses asked for God’s name to tell the people when they asked who sent him.

In Exodus 3:14 (NKJV), God responds, “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”‘” The Hebrew word for “I AM” is יהוה (YHWH), which is derived from the verb “to be.”

This encounter reveals God’s eternal existence, as “I AM” signifies that God exists outside of time, space, and any limitations. He is the unchanging, self-existent One who always was, is, and will be.

The Meaning of “I AM”

“I AM” is a profound statement that encompasses many aspects of God’s nature. It indicates that God is self-sufficient, independent, and sovereign.

As the eternal and unchanging One, God does not depend on anything or anyone for His existence. He is the source of all life and the Creator of everything that exists.

In Isaiah 43:11 (NKJV), God declares, “I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.” This statement emphasizes that God alone is the One true God, and there is no one else like Him. He is sovereign over all creation and the only source of salvation.

“I AM” Throughout the Bible

The name “I AM” appears in several passages in the Old Testament, revealing different aspects of God’s nature and character.

For example, in Isaiah 41:4 (NKJV), God says, “Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD, am the first; and with the last I am He.'” Here, “I AM” highlights God’s sovereignty and eternal existence as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

In another instance, God uses the name “I AM” to comfort and reassure His people. In Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV), He tells the Israelites, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” In this context, “I AM” emphasizes God’s presence, protection, and faithfulness to His people.

Jesus as the “I AM”

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the name “I AM” to refer to Himself, affirming His divinity and oneness with God the Father.

One of the most well-known examples is in John 8:58 (NKJV), where Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” By using “I AM,” Jesus declares His eternal existence and identifies Himself as the same God who appeared to Moses in the burning bush.

Jesus also employs “I AM” statements to reveal His nature and mission. In John 14:6 (NKJV), He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Other “I AM” statements include Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:35), the light of the world (John 8:12), the good shepherd (John 10:11), the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), the true vine (John 15:1), and the door of the sheep (John 10:7).

These statements demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the embodiment of the attributes and character of “I AM.”

The Impact of “I AM” on Our Lives

Understanding the meaning of “I AM” has profound implications for our lives as Christians. As we grow in our knowledge of God’s eternal existence, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty, our faith can be strengthened, and our relationship with Him can deepen.

In times of uncertainty or difficulty, we can find comfort and hope in the knowledge that the great “I AM” is with us, guiding and sustaining us. As we meditate on the various “I AM” statements found in Scripture, we can draw closer to God and gain insight into His nature and purposes.

In conclusion, the name “I AM” is a powerful reminder of who God is and what He has done for us. It is a name that conveys His eternal existence, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty, as well as His presence and faithfulness in our lives.

Through Jesus, we see the “I AM” embodied, and we are invited to experience the love, grace, and power of God in a transformative way.

By embracing the meaning of “I AM” and seeking a deeper understanding of God’s character and attributes, we can grow in our faith and develop a more intimate relationship with our Creator.

As we reflect on the great “I AM,” let us be encouraged and inspired to live lives that honor and glorify Him, knowing that He is always with us and working on our behalf.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.