The 100th Name of God

There are 99 names by which Muslims can know God.  Each af those names describes a certain aspect of God's character and nature.  Allah is the first of the 99 names.  It is also said that there is a secret, hundredth name of God. To the one who knows this hundredth name of God, eternity in paradise is promised.  An ancient riddle asks, "Why does the camel smile?  Because he knows the hundredth name of God."

Christians also know God by many names, many of which are quite similar to the names by which Muslims can know God.  But there is one name that Christians have for God that Muslims do not know.  Christians also know God as "Father."  It is not just that God is Creator of all.  It is not just that God is Sustainer of all.  It is that those who have experienced God's grace and mercy, love and forgiveness through faith in Christ have experienced the new birth.  They have been born from above.  Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3)  And again Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5)  And yet again he says, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." (John 3:6)

To be  born of the Spirit is to be born of God.  To be born of God is to be a true child of God.  The Christian is the one who knows the hundredth name of God - Abba... Father.  It is not really a secret because it can be known by anyone who wishes it.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, you, too, can know the hundredth name of God.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, you can experience the unrestrained love of God the Father, his complete forgiveness of all your sins, and his divine power - the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:18-20).

You, too, can smile with the camel.