"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3)
There are so many titles and names that are and have been associated with God, that it is almost impossible to enumerate them all. At different times, different names have been more popular. Even in modern times, there are some people who prefer to call him The Lord, some Jesus, some Christ, some the Messiah, and some Jehovah. A popular title among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Savior. Some of these names and titles are less common, such as John's reference to the Word of God, the title of I AM in Exodus 3, Alpha and Omega in Revelation 22, the Amen in Revelation 3, or the Holy One of Israel in Isaiah 1.
Why there are so many names? I cannot think of another person for whom there are as many names and titles as Jesus Christ.
Perhaps that is the point. There is no one like God. There is no one word in any language that captures the magnitude of what he did, the significance of who he is, or the end of his role in our future. Perhaps that is why he prayed to his Father saying "and this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) What man can truly say that they know him? There is almost always another name, another title, or another aspect of his destiny that could be better understood.
Perhaps it is also a matter of reverence. In the Church of Jesus Christ, there is an order of the Priesthood called after a great High Priest named Melchizedek. (Hebrews 7:17) It is not the original name of this Priesthood. "Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood." (D&C 107:3-4) Thus, having many titles, and ensuring that none of them is overused or misused shows respect for the unimaginably massive investment he has made in the children of men.
Whether it is because of the great plurality of his powers, or to aid us in finding context for one who is greater than any of us, I believe that there is a right way to refer to him.
While it is well that he is the subject of conversation, it is hardly appropriate to rattle off as many different names as come to mind. Using many titles for the sake of using many titles is in the same school of thought as using vain repetition to be heard for much speaking. (Matthew 6:7)
On the other hand, overuse of a single name or title can be equally thoughtless. Being a member of the LDS faith, I personally tire of the title "Savior." While I do not question the faith of those that use it, I find that overuse of "Savior" as a title cheapens it. In both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, when it becomes necessary to refer to him repeatedly, the name Jesus or the title Christ appear to be most effective. When it is necessary to address a specific role, or to emphasize an attribute or power, then another name or title becomes appropriate.
There are some titles or methods of reference that I would prefer never to be used. Using "my" before a title such as "my Savior", "my God", or worst of all "my elder brother" seem to limit the scope of the power of Christ.
While establishing a personal connection with God is vital, I appreciate emphasis on his universal and general power. "King of Kings", "Master", or even "our God" resonate the fact that his gospel is not just for a few. He is the way, the truth, and the life for all. (John 14:6).
In the end, the most important thing is not necessarily sticking to my personal preferences on this matter. It is recognizing the importance of the one who bears these titles. He is more than a philosopher... he is the source of all truth. He is more than a teacher... he is as a good shepherd. He is more than a Governor... he is the King of Kings. He is more than an influential leader... he is the one. Those that have gone before, those that are here now, and all those that will come hereafter... we all depend upon him. Though he may be known by different names to different people, let no one doubt that when Jesus Christ speaks, we hear the Word of God.
