Jesus, Name of

<<believers’ authority>>

1/. Repeatedly in Scripture, the phrases, "In my name, In Jesus' name" or "In His name" are used. A name represents a person, and so are interchangeable – with the power in Christ's person embodied in His name. Using any of these variations is a claim

Only pray for things that are in agreement with God’s will when you pray ‘in His name’

to be speaking on His behalf to invoke His power, the one who came to bind up the wounded, restore the broken and free the human heart from captivity to sin in its multitude of manifestations (Lk 4:18,19,21). While on earth He authorised His disciples to act in His name, and today He also gives us believers the permission, right and power to enforce what He would do if He were in that situation, for the name represents all that He is (Mt 18:20, 28:18-20; Mk 16:17,18; Lk 9:1, 10:19; Act 1:8, 3:6; Jas 5:15,16). He invests His authority in us, confirming it by doing what we say, provided it is done according to His instructions and He receives the credit for it. Using His name is not a magic formula or open invitation to claim everything we want, but rather an opportunity to ask for that which is His will, with the expectation of faith that we will receive (Lk 11:9-13; Jas 4:3, 5:14). Jesus' name is not a tool to gain power but a way of life, requiring a right relationship with Him and walk of obedience with a God-honouring lifestyle for this delegated authority to be used appropriately and effectively (Jn 14:15; Eph 4:1; 1 Thes 2:12). We need to be under authority to have and exercise true authority (Mt 8:5-10).

Delegated authority is only as powerful as the one who is being represented and so able to back up the requests or enforce the orders. This necessitates there being a right relationship, so the servant knows what the master wants or has received explicit instructions as to what is to be followed through (Lk 12:43). Not being rightly connected to, by being under the covering and authority while trying to exercise this divinely delegated licence will have disastrous consequences of being deceived and overcome by evil (Act 19:13-16). With genuine humility we must always recognise that by ourselves we can do nothing for Him, it is only by being in close union with God that the divine life can flow to and through us to touch others (Zech 4:6; Jn 5:19,30, 15:4,5). He gives us the privilege to pray and ask boldly ‘in His name’ (Jn 14:13,14, 15:16, 16:23,24; Act 4:29,30).

God told Mary and Joseph to call their son Jesus because He was to be the Saviour (Mt 1:23). All who ‘call on His name’, that is, reach out to Him, will be saved and have eternal life, while those who don’t are condemned (Jn 1:12, 3:18, 20:31; Act 2:21, 4:12, Rom 10:13). Regardless of humanistic teaching there is no other way to achieve salvation except through Jesus – all other paths are futile (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12). Our sins are forgiven, having been put on Jesus’ account (1 Cor 6:11; 1 Jn 2:12). His name indicates powerful action so we are to do everything in Jesus name, as unto Him (Col 3:17). Jesus prayed to His Father for the disciples saying, “Protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me…” (Jn 17:11,12).

Everyone who claims to be a Christian by confessing the name of Christ [that is, identifying with Him] must turn away from wickedness (2 Tim 2:19). Do I claim to be a believer? If so, have I turned from a sinful lifestyle, including using His name in profanity as a swear word? We are to be water

Be careful how you use the name of Jesus – it should never be dishonoured

baptised “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” – signifying we are finished with the old carnal life and are walking with Christ (Mt 28:19). In heaven, His name will be written on our foreheads indicating our allegiance (Rev 22:4). Having received physical ill-treatment the early Christians rejoiced in being associated with the name of Jesus (Act 5:41, 9:16, 16:22-25; Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 3:12; Heb 10:34). This same attitude has helped many Christians to sustain their testimony down through the ages (1 Pet 4:13,14,16). When we speak the name of Jesus, we speak the most powerful name there is. It is Jesus who saves us, sets us free, and makes us whole and we are privileged to share of Jesus to others and speak Him into situations that need His intervention.

Recognising what Christ has achieved, many will come ‘in Jesus name’, claiming to speak on His behalf but deceiving multitudes of people with lies (Mt 24:5). Some of these deceptions present a false hope of salvation such as relying on good works, membership in a church or cheap gospel. Thus it is essential to search the Scriptures for the truth ourselves rather than just believing what is told us and test the validity of all teaching ( Act 17:11; 1 Jn 4:1). This involves discerning the character of the speaker and observing the fruit of their doctrine.

2/. A name as an honour. As the outcome of His saving activity on our behalf Jesus has been given a name above all others [literally a title] – "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" – and at the last judgment everyone will ultimately bow and acknowledge His authority but unfortunately it will be too late for unrepentant sinners to benefit (Phil 2:9,10; Rev 19:16).