Jesus, Name of

<<believers’ authority>>

1/. A name represents a person. “In the name of Jesus” is a claim to be speaking on God’s behalf. While on earth He freely spoke of people acting in His name and He also gives believers the permission, right and power to enforce what He would do if

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

He were in that situation, for the name represents all that He is (Mt 18:20, 28:18-20; Mk 16:17; Act 3:6; Jas 5:15,16). He invests His authority in us, confirming it by actioning what we say and do, provided it is done under His instructions. 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). There must be a right relationship with Him for this delegated authority to be used appropriately and effectively. We need to be under authority to have and exercise true authority (Mt 8:5-10).

Delegated authority is only as good or powerful as the one who is being represented – 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, and under authority while trying to exercise authority will have disastrous consequences – deception and being overcome by evil (Act 19:13-16). By ourselves we can do nothing for Him, its 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). When we pray we are instructed to 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). There is no other way to achieve this (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12). Our sins are forgiven, having been put on Jesus’ account (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 desecrated

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).

Recognising what Christ has achieved, many will come ‘in Jesus name’, claiming to speak on His behalf but deceiving multitudes of people with lies. 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 (Mt 24:5; Act 17:11).

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).