#Iesous

[kemetic-dreams]

Was Christ a common name around the time the Bible was written?

No, because “Christ” is not a name; it is a title. It comes from the Ancient Greek word χριστός (chrīstós), which means “anointed one.” The Greek word comes from the verb χρίω (chrī́ō), which means “to anoint.” The word in Greek is used in the New Testament as a calque of the Hebrew word מָשִׁיחַ‎ (māšîaḥ), which also means “anointed one.” Neither of these words were names; they are both, in fact, titles. Nonetheless, because Jesus is so often referred to in the English-speaking world as “Jesus Christ,” many people have come to incorrectly believe that “Christ” is Jesus’s last name.

Ironically, although Christ was certainly not a common name in Jesus’s time—or even a name at all—Jesus actually was an extremely common name. The name Jesus is an Anglicization of the Latin name Iesus, which is a Latinization of the Greek name Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs), which is a Hellenization of Jesus’s original name in Aramaic ישוע (Yēšū́aʿ).

Yēšū́aʿ was an extremely common name for Jewish men in the early first century AD. Indeed, Jesus of Nazareth is not even the only person by that name who is mentioned in the New Testament. Other notable Jesuses mentioned in the New Testament include Jesus Barabbas in the gospels and Jesus Justus in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

[idealog]

🐁 🐁 🐭

- The Honest Christ

(Betrayers go to Hell.)

[wisdomfish]

The earliest Christian creedal statement was most likely the simple yet profound New Testament proclamation, “Jesus is Lord! Saying “Jesus is Lord” (Greek: Kyrios Iesous) was the New Testament equivalent of saying, “Jesus is Yahweh” (the Lord God). This declaration of Jesus’ Lordship as the Messiah and Savior set first-century Christians apart both from Judaism and from the Romans’ worship of Caesar. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord lies at the heart of the Christian faith...

For Protestants, the authority of the creeds is not intrinsic but rather derived from Scripture. According to the Protestant principle of ‘sola Scriptura’ even creeds are subject to the supreme authority—the written Word of God. While creeds provide a valuable summary of universal Christian beliefs, they are not divinely inspired… Creeds are at least conceivably open to correction, reform, or modification, but always in light of Scripture...

The Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed identify the three divine Persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit), focusing on their unique roles in redemption… Because too many Christian churches today fail to focus adequately on the full triune nature of God, many Christians live as functional Unitarians… The creeds which reflect a balanced trinitarianism can serve as a helpful corrective to today’s theological imbalances and lack of theological training...

The church fathers formulated the Nicene Creed in large part to address the Arian heresy that denied the unqualified deity of Jesus Christ by making him a creature. Arianism is still seen today in the theology of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphiams, and Iglesia ni Cristo...

The Athanasian Creed sets forth the Christian doctrine of the Trinity (three in unity), rejecting both polytheism (the belief in more than one god) and modalism (belief that the one God merely changes modes of expression). Polytheism is evident today in Mormonism, and modalism lives on in the United Pentecostal Church (Jesus only)...

The Creed of Chalcedon set forth the normative theological standard concerning the two natures of Jesus Christ (divine and human), thus rejecting various christological heresies (such as Monophysitism, the doctrine that there is only one nature in Christ, a belief still held by the Coptic Church)...

A creed is not, and was never meant to be, a substitute for personal faith. It attempts to give substance to a personal faith that already exists. You do not become a Christian by reciting a creed. Rather the creed provides a useful summary of the main points of your faith...

Contrary to the message too often heard in churches today, doctrine and theology are critical to an individual's spiritual growth and can provide a much-needed biblical foundation to stand on...

~ Kenneth R. Samples; Alister E. McGrath

[queerprayers]

very silly ask but

how do u feel about people being named Jesus or Messiah? Or is there anything condemning that dort of practice in the bible? It always feels a little funny to be calling someone bu their name but they share it with such an important biblical figure

Okay, this is so interesting, beloved! The answer is it does kinda feel strange to me, because in English those aren't normal names. My siblings and I were all named from the Bible, so sharing a name with an important Biblical figure was a value of my parents, but they would never have named someone Jesus or Messiah. I think this is just cultural, though--the people I know named Jesus are Hispanic, and that's very normal.

Messiah just means "anointed one," and is translated into Greek "christos"--Christians use this to mean Jesus. I think if you named your kid that as a religious statement about the child, I would have a problem theologically, but as a way of honoring Jesus, again, that's cultural.

It doesn't offend me--naming someone after someone else is done to honor them. I can't think of anything in the Bible or other Christian teaching that would condemn this.

I do want to point out that "Jesus" is not what he was named. His name was Yeshua, which in Greek was Iesous, in Latin Iesus. The J appeared much later and slowly--the first edition of the KJV actually still used "Iesus." (The I/J distinction in language is not something I know much about but it was pretty late in English.)

I think this is important--first of all, because his name wasn't Jesus, and also because they didn't make up the name Yeshua for him--that's just the name Joshua. Jesus was named a normal Jewish name, shared with Biblical figures--most notably Moses's successor, of The Book of Joshua fame.

God's name was just Josh, is what I'm saying. His name is holy to us because of who he was, and rightly so, but the way that's it's holy, and what we know his name as, is completely cultural. And I think that's okay. God was named culturally, too.

<3 Johanna

[ptseti]

The History Of Jesus (Yeshua) #4biddenknowledge

jesus #yeshua #iesous #zeus #biblehistory #christianity #mothermary

what do you think?

[creature-wizard]

Figured I'd pop in to YouTube and see what the conspiracy theorists are up to, and I found this dude making some wild claims about Christmas and Santa Claus.

He claims that Santa is actually a reptilian, based on the old "Satan is an anagram for Santa" canard. (In reality, "Santa Claus" comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas, AKA Saint Nicholas.) In New Age mythology, Satan is just another name for Enki, whom they regard as a reptilian alien.

It doesn't take long before he starts claiming that Christmas is just a new form of Saturnalia, which has been pretty thoroughly debunked by scholars. Next he leaps to the Black Cube of Saturn conspiracy theory, which for those of you who don't know is another Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion redux. And from here of course he jumps into the blood libel/witch panic tropes, claiming that the elite of Rome practiced child sacrifice.

Next he claims that Apollo (!) is another incarnation of Enki and compares Santa's chariot and claims that Jesus was a sun god created by the Catholic Church, which is extremely ridiculous for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that Christianity existed for three hundred years before Emperor Constantine decided to make Christianity the official Roman religion. (Psst, by the way, if early Christianity interests you, check out Bart D. Ehrman.) This conspiracy theorist claims that Jesus's name derives from "Iesous," which means "hail Zeus" - again, completely made-up etymology.

He shows a graph claiming that the Christmas tree star represents a Satanic pentacle, the Christmas garland on the tree represents the serpent in Eden, the ball ornament represents Ba'al, and the lights represent the torch of Lucifer. In fact, Christmas trees have late medieval origins among Christian peasants from the Rhineland, not the early Catholic Church, and this supposed symbolism is literally just a malicious reading by people who want something sinister to be behind the Christmas tree.

This is why literacy in these topics matters. Without this kind of knowledge, you can watch a video like this and get sucked down into believing the world's deadliest conspiracy theories. The body count is in the millions, and it's still growing with every act of deadly violence motivated by belief in these conspiracy theories.

[kushblazer666]

And if my Calculations are correct, when this Baby hits 88 miles per hour, we're going to SEE some Serious Shit...'

88 Miles per Hour represents Divine Meditation, going Within Ourselves to Activate our Pineal Gland, and Meeting God Face-to-Face in a place called Pineal, just as Jacob did...where we Receive the Promised Land Flowing with Milk and Honey...

Iesous 88 (Jesus in Latin)

Bloodline 88

Vision 88

TRUMP 88

Eighty Eight Miles Per Hour = 282 in Simple Gematria, what else is 282, you ask???

Put on the Full Armor of God 282

Truth Will Set You Free 282

Trust the Plan God Knows 282

Jesus Mary Love Story 282

He Who Opens The Seven Seals 282

The Builders of the Pyramids 282

Proud Mary Keep On Burning 282

Transition to Greatness 282

Ain't No Mountain High Enough 282

Yeshua Christ The Revealing 282

The Truth Let that Sink In 282

Twenty One Twenty One 282

There Will Be Peace in the Valley 282

Operation Infinite Wisdom 282

The Messenger Of The True God 282

Perception is Everything 282

I've Got to Tell the Truth 282

I'll Be With You In My Dreams 282

You Will Get Everything 282

Operation Not Forgotten 282

Everything About Kamala Is Fake 282

Excalibur Sword of Truth 282

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together 282

The Lion Shall Lie with the Lamb 282

Thought Carried On Light Beams 282

The Whole World Fell Silent 282

My Voice is My Passport 282 (The Movie, Sneakers)

[apilgrimpassingby]

Found this piece I made two years ago, based on the O Antiphons, an ancient set of Latin prayers that inspired the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Explanation below "Keep Reading", but before that I want to know.

(If so, then good; that was my intention. Why should occultists have all the cool diagrams?)

The column on the left edge is ero cras, Latin for "I will be [here] tomorrow", the traditional acronym formed by the titles of Christ in the O Antiphons, done in colours that seemed festive (red, dark green and gold).

Those titles are around the points of the seven-pointed star: Emmanuel, Rex Gentium (Desire of Nations), Oriens (Dayspring), Clavis Davidica (Key of David), Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), Adonai and Sapientia (Wisdom)*. They are, as you can see, associated with the seven classical planets - Emmanuel with Saturn (the Messiah is associated with Saturn in Judaism), Rex Gentium with Venus (desire of nations, planet of love), Oriens with Mercury (dayspring, planet closest to the sun), Clavis Davidica with Jupiter (shared kingly associations), Radix Jesse with Mars (the traditional English translation** has a military theme the others lack), Adonai with the Sun (primary divine title, primary "planet"), and Sapientia with the Moon (it mostly just seemed fitting). The top two of the letters between the points of the star are Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13), and the rest, read anticlockwise, are ben 'adam, Hebrew for "Son of Man". The colours mean something but I don't remember what. There's a circle around that in green, representing creation, and a wider circle around that in red, representing Christ's blood, which contains, read anticlockwise, ego eimi, Greek for "I am". In the middle of the star are the Greek words Iesu Christi Theoi Uios, meaning "Jesus Christ Son of God".***

Between the titles are Hebrew names (misspelled) for the traditional divisions of the Bible, Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim (Law, Prophets, Writings) in red, green and gold respectively. At the top, with one letter taken from each (as indicated by the colours) is 'emet, Hebrew for "living".

In the corners, clockwise from top left, are the names of the Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) in the colours I associate with them - dark green for St. Matthew, light purple for St. Mark, light blue for St. Luke, dark red for St. John. They each come with a stylised wind design, collectively representing the four winds, with each having a letter in their respective colours making up 'ehyeh, Hebrew for "I am".

Above and below the design are dark blue, representing the division of the waters above and below (Genesis 1:7); at the top of the former are the words Gaude! Gaude! Nascetur pro te Israel (Rejoice! Rejoice! [He] will come for you, o Israel), the refrain in Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, the hymn based on the O Antiphons that O Come, O Come Emmanuel is in turn based on.

On the right edge of the design are the Greek words theos kai soter (God and Saviour); the colours mean something but I don't remember what. Beneath that, though only partially visible, is the name "Jesus" in Aramaic (Yeshu')

*These titles are the traditional English translations, not strictly accurate ones - for example, "Rex Gentium" is properly "King of the Nations", not "Desire of Nations".

**O come, o Branch of Jesse's tree/free them from Satan's tyranny/and trust Your mighty power to save/and give them victory o'er the grave.

***Greek-knowledgeable people may realise that I made this before I realised how Greek inflection worked; hence, the Evangelist's names are in the accusative and Jesus' name in the vocative when they should both be nominative. Also I misspelled Iesou as Iesu.

[semusepsu]

I've always been fascinated by the way names change in translation. In the Koine of the new testament, Mary's name is Μαριὰμ (Mariam) and Jesus's name is Ἰησοῦς (Iesous). Hebrew names in Koine are usually not declined, but when these Greek versions get ported into Latin, the fact that tons of Latin feminine words end in -am in the accusative case means that that that final /m/ was almost definitely going to end up getting rebracketed. And then French just got rid of that final A, and then we picked it up as Mary. Meanwhile all the weird phonology shit that happened to turn Iesous (pr. Yey-sooce) with an initial Y consonant sound into the English word Jesus with that postalveolar affricate.

[apilgrimpassingby]

Agios o Theos, agios Ischyros, agios Athanatos, eleison emas.

Kyrie Iesou Christe, Theoi Huios, eleison me, ton amartolon

Christos anesti ek nekron, thanato thanaton patisas, ke tis en tis mnimasi zoin charisamenos!

Apparently they're selling post content to train AI now so let us be the first to say, flu nork purple too? West motor vehicle surprise hamster much! Apple neat weed very crumgible oysters in a patagonia, my hat. Very of the and some then shall we not? Much jelly.

[wisdomfish]

The earliest creed...

The earliest Christian creedal statement was most likely the simple yet profound New Testament proclamation, “Jesus is Lord! (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11). Saying “Jesus is Lord” (Greek: κύριος Ἰησοῦς, kyrios Iesous) was the New Testament equivalent of saying, “Jesus is Yahweh” (the Lord God). This declaration of Jesus’ Lordship as the Messiah and Savior set first-century Christians apart both from Judaism and from the Romans’ worship of Caesar. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord lies at the heart of the Christian faith. 

"...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;... Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit... For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants on account of Jesus... and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~ Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11

~ Samples, Kenneth Richard. ‘Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions. p. 53

[rosaliachristian]

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Bishop Robert Barron

Cycle C

Ordinary Time

2nd wk of Ordinary Time

Daily Reading

First Reading

Hebrews 6:10-20

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm

Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c

Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart     in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord;     they are pondered by all who delight in them. He has caused his wonders to be remembered;     the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him;     he remembers his covenant forever. He provided redemption for his people;     he ordained his covenant forever—     holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;     all who follow his precepts have good understanding.     To him belongs eternal praise.

Gospel Reading

Mark 2:23-28

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grain-fields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain.The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Reflection

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledges that he is “lord even of the sabbath.”

And the claim of the first Christians was Iesous Kyrios—Jesus is Lord. This was bound to annoy both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews would be massively put off by the use of the term Kyrios in describing an ordinary human being. Moreover, the implication that this man was the Messiah of Israel—when he had died at the hands of Israel’s enemies—was simply blasphemous.

And for the Greeks, this claim was subversive, for a watchword of the time was Kaiser Kyrios—the emperor is lord. A new system of allegiance was being proposed, a new type of ordering and lordship—and this was indeed a threat to the regnant system. Christians should enter the public arena boldly and confidently, for we are not announcing a private or personal spirituality, but rather declaring a new King under whose lordship everything must fall. If Jesus is truly Lord, then government, business, family life, the arts, sexuality, and entertainment all come properly under his headship.

[christprotogonus]

888: The Sacred Number of Jesus in Greek Gematria

My latest collection of the Sacred Number 888

In the mystical world of numerology, few numbers hold as much spiritual significance as 888. Rooted in Greek gematria, a system that assigns numerical values to letters of the Greek alphabet, the number 888 is intrinsically linked to the figure of Jesus Christ. Known as the “Sacred Number of Jesus,” 888 resonates with profound spiritual meaning and offers a unique lens through which to explore the divine nature of Christ, His life, and His role in creation.

This article serves as an introduction to a more extensive exploration of 888 in Gematria, offering insights into its theological, historical, and numerological importance. We will delve into the origins of this sacred number, its connection to Jesus Christ, and how it symbolizes divine perfection, harmony, and the eternal nature of Christ’s existence.

Read also:

Gematria: The Numerical Language of the Ancient World

Gematria is a system of assigning numerical values to letters based on their position in the alphabet. The ancient Greeks utilized gematria not only for practical purposes such as accounting and record-keeping but also for mystical and spiritual exploration. By assigning numbers to words, scholars and mystics could uncover hidden meanings, connections, and divine truths encoded within sacred texts.

In Greek gematria, each letter of the alphabet is associated with a specific number:

Alpha (Α) = 1

Beta (Β) = 2

Gamma (Γ) = 3

… and so on, continuing through the Greek alphabet.

This system allows for words and phrases to be given numerical values by adding together the values of their individual letters. One of the most powerful aspects of gematria is its ability to uncover connections between different words that share the same numerical value, revealing deeper layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent.

The Number 888 and Its Connection to Jesus Christ

The number 888 arises from the Greek name for Jesus, Ἰησοῦς (Iesous), whose gematria value is 888. This numerical result is no accident; it holds profound theological significance and symbolizes key aspects of Christ’s nature and mission.

To understand why 888 is considered the Sacred Number of Jesus, we must first examine how the gematria calculation works for the name Ἰησοῦς:

Ι (Iota) = 10

Η (Eta) = 8

Σ (Sigma) = 200

Ο (Omicron) = 70

Υ (Upsilon) = 400

Σ (Sigma) = 200

When we sum these values, we arrive at a total of 888 (10 + 8 + 200 + 70 + 400 + 200 = 888).

This number 888 is significant not only because it is associated with the name of Jesus but also because it is a reflection of divine harmony and perfection. In Christian mysticism, numbers often symbolize deeper spiritual realities. The number 888, being a multiple of 8 (the number of new beginnings, resurrection, and eternal life), highlights the role of Jesus as the eternal and resurrected Savior.

Here is an introductory list of English Gematria results related to Jesus:

WHO IS JESUS = 888

WHO IS Y’SHUA = 888

888 = WHO IS JOSHUA

888 = WHO IS THE KING

888 = WHO IS MESSIAH

HE IS THE MESSIAH = 888

HE IS CHRESTOS = 888

HE IS GOD ON EARTH = 888

HE IS THE EGO OF GOD = 888

HE IS THE HAND OF GOD = 888

HE IS THE CODE OF GOD = 888

HE IS ATONMENT = 888

HE IS HEAVEN’S GATE = 888

HE IS ETERNAL LIFE = 888

HE IS ATONEMENT = 888

THE LOGOS OF GOD = 888

GOD IN MAN’S FORM = 888

RIGHTEOUS GOD = 888

GOD OF HOLINESS = 888

LORD GOD OF EARTH = 888

LIVING LORD GOD = 888

THE LORD OF GODS = 888

THE LIVING WATER = 888

LORD MOST HIGH = 888

GOD OF ALL HUMANS = 888

Validate at: gematrix.org

Gematria anαlysis:

Who is Jesus = 888: According to Christian teachings, Jesus is the Messiah, God’s chosen one to bring salvation to humanity. Here, gematria confirms Jesus as the Christ (Christ = Anointed) and God on Earth, that is, the incarnation of God in the world of humans. This theological approach aligns with the Christian belief that Jesus is the divine incarnation of the Word, as described in the Gospel of John: “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).

He is the Messiah = 888: Jesus is recognized as the Messiah, which means the chosen savior of the people. According to the prophecies of the Old Testament, the Messiah was to come to redeem the world from sin and bring eternal life. This gematria confirms Jesus as the Messiah that humanity awaited.

He is God on Earth = 888: Jesus is not only human but also God. This fundamental Christian doctrine, the Incarnation of Jesus, asserts that Jesus is fully God and fully human, thus embodying the divine presence on earth. The gematria here emphasizes the unity of the human and divine elements in Jesus.

He is the Hand of God = 888: Jesus, as the Hand of God, is the instrument through which divine plans are executed. This phrase signifies the absolute authority of Jesus and his ability to intervene and carry out God’s will in the world.

He is the Code of God = 888: Jesus is the “code” that reveals the mystery of the divine nature and salvation. Just as codes contain hidden information that needs deciphering, so Jesus reveals God’s plan for humanity.

He is Atonement = 888: Atonement is the fundamental role of Jesus, as through his death and resurrection, he brought atonement for the sins of humanity. This act redeems the faithful and opens the gate to eternal life.

He is Heaven’s Gate = 888: Jesus is the sole gateway to salvation and eternal life. As stated in the Gospel of John (14:6): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

He is Eternal Life = 888: Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in him. This gematria is associated with the promise of eternity given to the faithful through the resurrection and faith in Jesus.

He is the Ego of God = 888: This phrase refers to the divine identity of Jesus as part of the Holy Trinity. The “Ego” of God refers to the full revelation of the divine self through Jesus.

The Logos of God = 888: Jesus Christ is recognized as the Logos of God, according to the beginning of the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Logos of God represents the creative and revelatory power of God, which is incarnated in Christ, making Him the divine incarnation of the divine will.

God in Man’s Form = 888: The divinity of Jesus Christ is based on the fact that He is God incarnate, that is, God who took on human form. This idea is central to Christian faith because Jesus was not just a prophet or teacher but God Himself who came to earth to bring salvation to humanity through His crucifixion.

Righteous God = 888: God’s righteousness is one of the fundamental qualities that make Him Holy and Infallible. Jesus Christ, as the Righteous God, is the final judge who will come to judge the world according to His righteousness, bringing truth and restoration.

God of Holiness: Holiness is a characteristic of God that sets Him apart from all creation. Jesus, as the God of Holiness, came to earth to sanctify humanity and bring it back to purity and full union with God. The very incarnation of Jesus Christ testifies to this Holiness.

Lord God of Earth: Jesus is the Lord God of the earth, who has full authority over all creation. His authority extends not only to heaven but also to earth, as evidenced by His miracles and teachings. This authority is also confirmed by His Resurrection, with which He abolished the power of death and sin.

888 = Living Lord God: Jesus is not just a historical figure but the living God who was resurrected and remains alive forever. He is the Lord of all things and maintains His living presence through the Holy Spirit within the faithful. His Resurrection is proof of His living power and His immortal Divine Self.

888 = The Lord of Gods: In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is recognized as the Lord of all deities and spiritual beings. This supremacy, depicted in the gematria 888, places Him above every other power and authority, both on earth and in heaven.

888 = The Living Water: Jesus offers the Living Water, which is spiritual life leading to eternity. As He said to the Samaritan woman (John 4:14): “The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This water symbolizes the Grace of the Holy Spirit given to the faithful.

888 = Lord Most High: The title of the Most High Lord is attributed to Jesus Christ, who is the Sovereign of the Universe and the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. All saints and angels bow before Him, recognizing His absolute dominion.

888 = God of All Humans: Jesus is not just the God of Jews or Christians but the God of all humans, regardless of race or nationality. His sacrifice on the cross pertains to all of humanity, and the salvation He offers is available to everyone.

Theological Significance of 888

The number 888 is deeply symbolic in the context of Christian theology, representing several key ideas:

Eternal Life: In Christian belief, Jesus’ resurrection marks the triumph over death and the promise of eternal life. The number 8, in biblical numerology, often symbolizes new beginnings and resurrection, as seen in the story of Noah (Genesis 7:13) and the early Christian observance of the eighth day as a symbol of the new creation in Christ. Since 888 is a multiple of 8, it signifies Jesus as the source of eternal life and the new creation.

Perfection and Harmony: The number 8 itself is viewed as a symbol of divine perfection. It is the first number to break free from the cycle of seven (which symbolizes completion and spiritual fullness) and ushers in a new era, just as Jesus’ resurrection ushered in a new covenant between God and humanity. The tripling of the number 8 in 888 amplifies this idea of perfect divine order and the eternal, unbroken nature of Christ’s divinity.

The Divine Nature of Jesus: The number 888 is often viewed as reflecting the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures. In Christian doctrine, Jesus is both fully God and fully man, and the number 888, when broken down, reinforces this duality. Each part of the name Ἰησοῦς contributes to the total in a way that reflects the complex and complete nature of Jesus Christ.

Christ as the Alpha and Omega: Jesus is referred to in the Bible as the “Alpha and the Omega,” the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). The number 888, with its repeated cycles of 8, symbolically echoes this idea of Jesus being the eternal, unchanging force that exists outside of time, encompassing all that was, is, and will be.

Note that: WHO IS THE OMEGA = 888

The Significance of 888 in Christian Mysticism and Numerology

Beyond its direct connection to Jesus, the number 888 has also been studied in the context of Christian mysticism and numerology. Many early Christian mystics, such as the Church Fathers, saw the number 888 as a reflection of the divine order of the universe. Some Christian numerologists believed that the number 888 revealed a hidden harmony that reflected God’s design in creation. For example, the concept of “three times eight” in 888 could be seen as representing the fullness of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) combined with the fullness of divine resurrection and eternal life.

Note that in English Gematria: THE TRINITY = 888

Moreover, the number 888 has been interpreted as a symbol of spiritual victory and transcendence. In the context of the life of Jesus, His resurrection after three days, symbolized by the number 8, brings forth a spiritual renewal and victory over death. In this way, the number 888 serves as a spiritual map of the journey from death to resurrection, from imperfection to divine perfection.

A Deeper Exploration: The Extended Research on 888 and Its Results

The sacred number 888 holds a wealth of potential for deeper exploration, as the number’s spiritual significance can be linked to various aspects of Christian theology, sacred texts, and the structure of the cosmos. This article merely introduces the foundational understanding of 888 and its connection to the name of Jesus Christ. However, as we continue our exploration, we will delve deeper into:

Biblical references to the number 8: Examining passages in Scripture where the number 8 appears, and understanding its connection to resurrection and renewal.

Historical interpretations of 888: Looking at how early Christian mystics, Church Fathers, and numerologists interpreted 888 in relation to Christ’s divinity.

Mathematical and symbolic connections: Unpacking how the number 888 reflects the divine order and sacred geometry that pervades creation.

Theological implications of 888: Exploring the deeper layers of meaning behind 888 in relation to the nature of Jesus, His sacrifice, and His eternal role in the salvation of humanity.

Through this research, we will uncover the layers of spiritual and theological wisdom embedded in the number 888 and gain a deeper understanding of its role in the divine design of the universe.

As we continue to investigate this sacred number, we invite readers to explore its mysteries and seek a greater connection to the divine harmony that is woven throughout creation, revealed most profoundly in the person of Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word and the Sacred Number 888.

Blaze to spread the Truth that will set people free.

[freebiblestudyhub]

Why is the Fish a Symbol of Christianity?

The fish has been a prominent symbol of Christianity since the early days of the faith. Its significance can be traced back to the New Testament, where the image of the fish is used in both symbolic and practical ways. For centuries, this simple aquatic creature has carried deep spiritual meaning for Christians worldwide, representing aspects of Christ’s teachings, the concept of salvation, and the identity of the Church. But why did early Christians choose the fish as a symbol of their faith? And how has this symbol endured through history to remain a prominent emblem of Christianity today?

In this article, we will explore the historical, theological, and biblical reasons behind the fish symbol in Christianity. We will also examine its origins, its development over the centuries, and its continued relevance in the life of the Church. Through this exploration, we will gain a deeper understanding of why the fish remains such an important symbol for Christians across the world.

Introduction: The Fish and Early Christianity

The fish symbol, often depicted as a simple outline of a fish, is one of the earliest and most enduring symbols of Christianity. It is especially significant considering that in the initial stages of the Christian faith, believers were subject to persecution under the Roman Empire. Christianity was not a legally recognized religion, and Christians faced severe oppression for their beliefs. In this context, symbols like the fish provided a means for Christians to identify each other, communicate their faith, and express their devotion to Jesus Christ in subtle yet powerful ways.

The fish symbol is also deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and in the ministry of His apostles. For instance, Jesus called His disciples to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:9) is one of the many stories that associates fish with Christ’s mission and divine power. The fish symbol, therefore, encapsulates themes of evangelism, sustenance, and the spread of the Gospel.

But why, specifically, was the fish chosen as a symbol? To answer this question, we must delve deeper into the cultural, historical, and theological context of early Christianity.

The Historical Origins of the Fish Symbol

Early Christian Persecution and Secrecy

During the first three centuries of Christian history, believers were often forced to worship in secret due to the threat of persecution by the Roman authorities. Christians faced the possibility of arrest, torture, and execution for their faith, so they were cautious about openly displaying their religious identity. The fish symbol served as a discreet yet effective way for Christians to recognize one another in a hostile environment.

The fish became an early Christian “code” that allowed believers to communicate their faith without raising suspicion. One of the most famous early Christian uses of the fish symbol is found in catacombs—underground burial sites where Christians held secret worship services. There, Christians painted or carved the image of a fish on the walls, often accompanied by the Greek word “ΙΧΘΥΣ” (Ichthys), which translates to “fish.”

Ichthys: The Greek Acrostic

The Greek word “ΙΧΘΥΣ” (Ichthys) is often interpreted as an acronym that holds theological significance for Christians. The letters of “ΙΧΘΥΣ” stand for:

I: Ἰησοῦς (Iesous) – Jesus

Χ: Χριστός (Christos) – Christ

Θ: Θεοῦ (Theou) – God’s

Υ: Υἱὸς (Hyios) – Son

Σ: Σωτήρ (Soter) – Savior

Thus, “Ichthys” is a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. The use of the fish as a symbol, therefore, carried both a theological and practical meaning. It was a shorthand way for Christians to profess their belief in the core truths of the Christian faith—Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. This acrostic and its connection to the fish symbol would have provided early Christians with a sense of identity and unity amid their persecution.

Biblical Connections to the Fish Symbol

In addition to its use as a secret symbol of Christian faith, the fish also has rich biblical roots. The most direct connection is found in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ Himself.

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

In the Gospel of Luke, one of the most significant episodes involving fish is the miraculous catch of fish. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs Simon Peter to cast the nets one more time, resulting in an overwhelming catch (Luke 5:1-11). This event is pivotal because it marks the calling of Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to become “fishers of men.” Jesus uses the fish as a metaphor for their new mission to spread the Gospel and bring others into the Kingdom of God.

In this sense, the fish symbolizes evangelism, the spreading of the message of Christ, and the drawing of people into the Church. The image of the fish thus becomes intertwined with the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Feeding the Five Thousand

Another well-known biblical episode involving fish is the feeding of the five thousand. In John 6:9, Jesus takes five loaves of bread and two fish, blesses them, and uses them to miraculously feed a crowd of five thousand people. This miracle is rich in symbolic meaning. The fish represent Christ’s provision for His followers, and the abundance of the meal signifies the spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers to those who come to Him.

The image of fish in this context also recalls the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, where the bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. In the feeding of the five thousand, the fish and bread can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sustenance Jesus offers to believers through His sacrifice on the cross.

The Resurrection and the Fish

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to some of His disciples while they were fishing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus prepared a meal for His disciples, including fish and bread (John 21:9-13). This meal is significant because it symbolizes the continued presence of the risen Christ with His followers and foreshadows the coming of the eternal banquet in the Kingdom of God. The fish in this context represents the ongoing relationship between Christ and His disciples, even after His death and resurrection.

Theological Significance of the Fish Symbol

The fish symbol carries a range of theological meanings within the Christian faith, drawing upon both the Old and New Testaments. Let’s explore some of the key theological ideas associated with the fish.

The Fish as a Symbol of Christ

At its core, the fish is a symbol of Jesus Christ Himself. As we have seen, Jesus called His disciples to become “fishers of men,” which ties the fish directly to Christ’s mission on Earth. Jesus, as the Savior, is the one who calls people from the “sea” of sin and death and draws them into the “net” of salvation. The fish, therefore, symbolizes Christ’s role as the Savior who brings people into His fold.

The Fish as a Symbol of Baptism

Baptism, which represents the believer’s death to sin and rebirth in Christ, is another important theological concept tied to the fish symbol. In ancient Christian art, the fish was sometimes used to represent the believer’s passage from the waters of death into the waters of life. The fish, which lives in water, symbolizes the Christian’s identity as one who has been washed clean by the waters of baptism and who now lives in Christ.

The Fish as a Symbol of the Church

The fish also symbolizes the Church itself, the community of believers who follow Jesus Christ. Just as fish swim in schools, so Christians are called to live in community, united in faith and purpose. The early Christian community, which was often small and persecuted, saw itself as a “school” of believers, bound together by the teachings of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The Fish as a Symbol of Hope and Resurrection

Finally, the fish symbolizes hope and resurrection. Early Christians believed that the fish, which was often found in fresh water, represented life and vitality. Just as the fish swims in water, so too does the Christian live in the life of Christ. The fish symbol points to the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

The Fish Symbol in Christian Art and Culture

The fish symbol remained important throughout Christian history and continued to appear in Christian art and iconography. In the early centuries of Christianity, the fish was often depicted in Christian catacombs, where it served as a visual marker of the Christian faith. Over time, as Christianity became more accepted and eventually the official religion of the Roman Empire, the fish symbol found its way into church decorations, stained glass windows, and Christian artifacts.

Today, the fish symbol continues to be a widely recognized emblem of Christianity. It appears on bumper stickers, jewelry, church signs, and other Christian materials. The “Jesus Fish,” a simple outline of a fish, is commonly displayed by Christians to identify their faith and witness to others.

Conclusion

The fish symbol holds deep theological, historical, and cultural significance for Christians. From its early use as a secret symbol during times of persecution to its present-day role as a sign of Christian identity, the fish has proven to be a resilient and powerful emblem of the Christian faith. It encapsulates key aspects of the Gospel message: Jesus Christ as the Savior, the call to evangelism and discipleship, the provision of spiritual nourishment, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

[tj-van-heerden]

Hebrew name of Jesus.

"Jesus" is the English of the Greek, "Iesous", which is used for the real name of Jesus in Hebrew when he was on the earth, namely "Yahushua" (which means "Yahweh saves.") which is still his name now. You can use either "Jesus" or "Yahushua".

"Christ" is the English for the Greek "Christos", which means "Anointed One". In Hebrew it is "Mashiach", where the English "Messiah" comes from.

"Yahweh" is the name of God the Father, (wrongly) translated in some Bibles as LORD or Jehovah.

So you can pray to God our Father in Heaven and call Him "Yahweh", and you can pray in the Name of Jesus or in the name of Yahushua.