The word “name” appears eleven times in these six verses, signaling something very important and essential in the use of the term. In the Church we conclude prayers, talks, ordinances, and covenants “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Moses 5 adds light on this concept: “Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord” (Moses 5:4; emphasis added). And when the angel appeared and instructed them about the purposes of blood sacrifices, he taught: “Thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore… . And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God” (Moses 5:8–12; emphasis added).
In our day the Lord has warned that he will not be mocked in sacred matters: “Let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—For behold, … many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority… . Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care” (D&C 63:61–64).
“There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God,” which all of us have done who have been baptized. We renew that covenant every time we take the sacrament, recommitting to take upon us his name, always remember him, and be like he is—Christlike. “This is the name that I said I should give unto you” (see also Mosiah 1:11). That name will never be blotted out if, when we sin, we immediately repent and “retain the name written always in [our] hearts,” so he can ultimately “seal [us] his” (Mosiah 5:15). We receive new names at different stages of our eternal progression, particularly when we enter into new, higher covenants. The new name of Jesus Christ is foundational.