“But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge,” (Daniel 12:4). These words spoken by the angel of Yahweh to Daniel have certainly come to pass. The vast amount of information available today on virtually every subject has significantly increased man’s general understanding of the world in which we live. Due to the “information super highway,” access to that information is unprecedented. One area of increased knowledge is the subject of the Sacred Names of our Heavenly Father and His Son1. Most scholars and religious leaders readily acknowledge and accept “Yahweh” as the most accurate transliteration of the four letters of the Tetragrammaton (that is, the four Hebrew letters that comprise the name of our Heavenly Father). The hybrid form “Jehovah,” which has been more accepted and in common use for centuries, has been widely cast off as a poor substitute for the true name of Yahweh. Yahweh’s name has been used in pop songs, on weekly television shows, in movies, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and in many personal discussions throughout the world. Today, even the correct name of our Savior, Yahshua, is more recognized. We must remember that He had the same name as the Israelite general and judge who is more familiar to most as Joshua, the son of Nun. (See Hebrews 4:8-9.) However, the most accurate English transliteration of this name is Yahshua. Perhaps the greatest contribution to the increase and availability of knowledge was the invention of the printing press. Prior to this innovation, knowledge, study, and instruction were for the most part limited to religious leaders, royalty, and scholars. The common man had little access to learning, and in most societies the average citizen could neither read nor write. The printing press made it possible for information to be passed on efficiently and affordably to the common man. With literacy rates higher than ever, nearly everyone can obtain information on almost any subject. One of the major problems the sincere seeker of truth faces in this era of increasing knowledge is the negative influence of the world around us. The pervasive effects of radio and television, and the internet’s intrusions into everyday life, seem to be leading to a one world culture—a culture which is diametrically opposed to the worship of Almighty Yahweh. We can witness the popularity of oriental writing on shirts, sweaters, coats, and jackets in every nation even though the wearer is usually unaware of the meaning. We note the increase of slang terms and expressions, which are generally—but not always—American in origin, being used in even the most remote villages around the world. Living in a non-Hebrew or non-Israelite society is not a problem in and of itself, nor is dealing with potential influences of these cultures something new. We remember Lot living in Sodom, Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon and the Apostolic Assembly under Roman governance. In fact, Yahweh tells us that we must make every effort to live as normal a life as possible while living in such circumstances (Jeremiah 29:4-9). The True Worshiper makes every effort to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh (Deuteronomy 4:4; Matthew 4:4). One of the problems with the explosion of cultural influences imposed on us is complying with the command given in Exodus 23:13. “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods (Hebrew Elohim i.e. mighty ones), neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” (KJV) This same warning appears in Yahshua 23:6-7. “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods Hebrew Elohim) or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them.” (NIV) How do these verses harmonize with the prophetic message in Zephaniah 3:9? “For then will I turn to the peoples of a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of Yahweh, to serve him with one consent.” (ASV) How do we obey the command of Exodus 23:13 and practice the pure language of Zephaniah 3:9 while living in today’s world with all of its contrary influences? PAGAN INFLUENCES IN DAILY LANGUAGE The modern English language is built on the foundations of other languages. Latin, Greek, French, and German roots form the basis for most of the words we use today. Even those words thought to be based on Old or Middle English are generally traced back to these same four sources. Frequently, we use terms with no concept of the full range of their actual meaning. In many cases words are used to express ideas which are diametrically opposed to biblical principles. One example of this is the common expression, “Good Luck.” When people use this phrase, it is usually with the intent of wishing a good outcome to someone else on a particular matter. However, a close examination of the roots and origins of this phrase reveals that the speaker is actually requesting intervention or blessings from Fortuna, the Roman goddess of chance, fortune and good luck. Her worshipers regularly petitioned her for intercession in their personal affairs. This tradition continues today whenever one wishes “good luck” to someone else. Another example involves the names applied to the days of the week. The Bible names only one day, the Sabbath, which is the 7th day of the week. All other days are referred to sequentially—1st day, 2nd day, etc. But if we, as True Worshipers, were to use these terms exclusively instead of the more recognized names used by nearly all around us, who would understand? If one sets an appointment for the Third Day at 9:30 a.m., would all parties know when … Continue reading A Pure Language