The Name of Jesus
The angel said to Mary, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” means Savior. That is what Jesus truly is. Man is lost in sin and needs a Savior, Jesus. What do the scriptures tell us about the name of Jesus?
There are some who live contrary to the name of Jesus. “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). What does it mean to do things contrary to the name of Jesus? It simply means one is not doing the will of Jesus. It may be out of ignorance (Acts 23:1). It may be done willfully (Heb. 10:26). In either case the result is the same. A soul will be lost if it lives contrary to the name of Jesus. Are you living in harmony with or contrary to the name of Jesus?
All that is commanded of us is in the name of Jesus. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Would not it be great if every thing we say and every thing we do would be in the name of Jesus? If such were the case then life would have no regrets. Too often the commandments of God are cast aside in favor of man’s teaching. Jesus confronted those of His day with the same problem (Matthew 15:1-9). Mechanical instruments of music in singing praises to God cannot be done in the name of Jesus. There is no authority for this. Women cannot be preachers because of the name of Jesus. A woman in the pulpit is contrary to the commands of God (1 Tim. 2:11; Titus 2:15). May we seek to do “all things” in the name of Jesus.
If one is going to be converted it will be in the name of Jesus. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:18-19). Baptism is the culminating act that results in conversion. One is not converted until he is baptized in the name of Jesus. Paul was asked why he was waiting to be baptized (Acts 22:16). The washing away of sin takes place in baptism by calling on the name of the Lord. Peter wrote that “baptism doth also now save us…” (1 Peter 3:21). The process of conversion involves faith (Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:17; John 8:24); repentance of past sins (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30); confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:36, 37; Rom. 10:10). The first verse given for faith, repentance and confession also includes the need for baptism. You cannot have one without the other. It is necessary to be converted. Conversion is the same as salvation. Luke records that “salvation” is in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). No other name will do. Only through the authority of Jesus can one be converted. Calling on the name of Jesus is the same as obeying the gospel.
Truly, the name of Jesus should be precious to us. Surely, we understand that it is not merely saying His name. May we not live contrary to His name but follow His commands so that we can be converted.
Terry Claunch