We open this new Study on “Finding Grace in the Names of Jesus” with a comment by Dr. Elmer Ray Masters. Dr. Masters is an esteemed speaker, author, and theologian. He Has four earned doctorates in Psychology, Ministry, and two in Theology. He is the former president of a Seminary where he was also dean. In addition, he holds two honorary doctorates.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
The many names of Jesus in Scripture paint a portrait of the God-Man and His special acts of Grace. John 1:14 (KJV) makes this clear and unquestionable statement about our Savior and Lord, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
The names of Jesus reflect the essence of that grace and, at the same time, its intent and impact on nonbelievers and believers alike. Grace is when we do get what we don’t deserve. Our Lord’s grace is given to all (Romans 1:16) through the offer of salvation by his grace through the gift of faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).
In this study, Bruce has given its readers only a glimpse of the wonder of Jesus as Lord, The Christ, The Messiah, God Himself in the flesh, to name only a few, and through the clear teaching of scripture, has explained how each of these descriptors mirror the Grace of Jesus given to us.
Jesus not only begins and completes every action out of grace, but He is grace itself. He is the picture of grace because grace is his very nature.
It is only fitting and right that we begin with the name that introduces Jesus as being a human being who walked on this earth. Jesus was from the town of Nazareth and, as a result, was called a Nazarite. This aspect of His life does not seem special when we consider the lowly nature of this relatively unimportant town. However, God does not do anything in an ordinary manner. Thus, it is important that we take a close look at the name and seek to discover its relationship to grace.
To introduce this avenue of discovery and these messages themselves, we have sought the help and intellect of a man who knows far more than we about the names of God and of Jesus since one of his many doctoral dissertations covered the subject. Dr. Elmer Ray Masters gives us an in-depth look at Jesus as the Nazarite in this opening chapter.
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