August 7, 2004

THE SAVING NAME

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21, NIV).

In his moving keynote address at Pentecost, Peter proclaimed the name of Jesus to be the miracle-working name. Ever since that bold declaration, the wonderful name of Jesus has been the strength of the redeemed.

To the Hebrews in Bible times, a name was identified with character, identity, and personality. To call upon the name of Jesus, then, is an act of faith in Christ's power and character. The angelic message to Joseph was: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, NKJV). Jesus' very name means salvation. Everything about Jesus is fully embodied in His saving name. To call upon His name is equivalent to worshiping Him, trusting Him, and believing in Him.

Everything in the life of the Christian is linked to the name of Jesus. The Holy spirit is bestowed on Christians in the name of Jesus (see John 15:26). Salvation is based on our belief in the name of Jesus (see John 3:15, 16). Christians do good deeds in the name of Jesus (see Colossians 3:17). They are to pray in the name of Jesus (see John 16:24); heal in the name of Jesus (see Acts 3:16); work in the name of Jesus (see Colossians 3:17); and worship in the name of Jesus (see Matthew 18:20). The unequivocal declaration of the gospel is that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name... by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NIV). The simple, yet profound, fact is that, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13, NIV). Therefore, "Let every son and daughter of Adam unite to exalt the name of Christ as our King and our Redeemer. For there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."--Acts of the Apostles, p. 28.

My Prayer Today: Lord, the power of Your name is infinite. I confess that wondrous name today. Amen.