What’s in a name?

July 03, 2008 10:05 am

— The Bible has much to say about one particular name—the NAME of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. First, the Apostle John states that man is “condemned already, because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
God pronounced a curse upon the earth on account of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Rom.5:12). This is what the Psalmist meant when he said: “For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told” (Psa.90:9).
In the virgin birth of Christ, however, the Lord Jesus became the God-man. “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil.2:8).
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a NAME which is above every name:
“That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil.2:9-11).
Even Peter’s words in Acts 4:12 are applicable here, when he challenged national Israel to turn in repentance and true faith in their Messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and be regenerated:
“Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12; Matt.19:28).
The Apostle Paul, confirmed this principle, declaring:
“For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom.10:13).
Paul declares that the only remedy for sin today is the Lord Jesus Christ, and His death on Calvary’s cross:
“For [God] hath made Him to be sin for us, [Christ] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (IICor.5:21).
In writing the Corinthians concerning carnality, their once lost condition, and the great victories that could be won by simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—cleansing, sanctification, justification, and salvation—Paul declared:
“And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the NAME of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (ICor.6:11).
Paul also says of those who trust Christ as Saviour that they should depart from doing wrong:
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let everyone that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity” (IITim.2:19).
But what about you, my dear friend, have you trusted Christ as your Saviour? Don’t wait until the Judgment Day when it will be too late to call upon the Name of the Lord.
This wonderful Name, has changed millions of lives.

Will you call upon this precious Name, and ask Him to save you from your sins, and give you a new life? Do it today.