Called by the Name of Israel

1 Nephi 20:1

Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in righteousness.

The ancient Hebrews identified with the name of Israel. The name was a unifying characteristic. When God wanted to call His people together, He could simply call for Israel, and every Israelite knew they were included.

King Benjamin gave his righteous people a new name by which they should be called, namely, Jesus Christ. We likewise take upon us the name of Christ through baptism, the sacrament, and in the temple. This is the name by which we should be known. 

We keep our individual names, just as the Israelites and Benjamin's people kept their individual names. But when God calls for Christians, we should recognize that name and know that we are included. 

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