Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
December 12, 1968
NUMBER 32, PAGE 9b

The Correct Name?

Larry R. Devore

The religious organization called the "Jehovah's Witness" claim that the name they wear is the correct one. In their book, "What Has Religion Done For Mankind." page 311, they claim "In that same year of 1925 there began to be brought to the remnant's notice the present application of Isa. 43:10-12, "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah..." On July 26, 1931 at the International Assembly in Columbus, Ohio came the public adoption of the name Jehovah's Witnesses."

What the watchtower folks have failed to notice, is that the "name" of Isa. 43:10 is rather referring to a mission, a work for God's people. "Ye are my witnesses..." And even if it was a name of wear, it was a name given to the Jews. It was never was intended for us. The Jehovah's Witnesses have gone back too far, because 12 chapters later God said regarding His "sons and daughters"... "I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off." Isa. 56:5 He said, "I will give..." not that they would continue to be called "witnesses" if they ever were (which I doubt), but that He would give them "an everlasting name." And further, in Isa. 62:2, it was prophesied that the Gentiles would be brought into a covenant relationship with God, and that all of God's people would be called by "a new name." I affirm that this "new name" came into use in Acts 11:26. "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." This name was not a term of derision, but a name that was approved of God. Peter, by inspiration said, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name." I Pet. 4:16. I contend that "Jehovah's Witnesses" is not the Bible name that God's people are to wear. We are to call ourselves Christians, nothing more, nothing less, and to be content therewith. To do differently is to go beyond the doctrine of Christ. II Jno. 9; I Peter 4:11. What name do you wear?

— P.O. Box 5, New Carlisle, Ohio 45344