The Name of Jesus
This study explores the profound significance, divine authority, and redemptive power found in the name of Jesus, revealing its central role in God's plan for humanity.
1. The Revelation of God's Name
1.1 God's Name in the Old Testament
Verses:
- God revealed Himself through various names (e.g., Elohim, Jehovah, Adonai), each signifying an aspect of His nature.
- These names pointed to a future, more complete revelation of His identity.
- The singular God of Israel promised to manifest Himself fully.
1.2 The Name "Jesus" Revealed
Verses:
- The angel declared His name would be Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
- Jesus is the name given to the Son, who is the visible manifestation of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
- In Jesus, the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9).
1.3 Jesus as the Fullness of God
Verses:
- Jesus declared, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9).
- The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not separate persons, but different manifestations or roles of the one God, Jesus Christ.
- Jesus is the "Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) and the "Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8).
2. The Authority and Power in the Name
2.1 Jesus' Divine Identity
Verses:
- Jesus is Lord of all, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Colossians 1:16-17).
- He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).
- All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18).
2.2 Power Over Sin and Sickness
Verses:
- Only Jesus has the power to forgive sins, demonstrating His divine nature (Mark 2:7-10).
- He healed all manner of sickness and disease, showing His dominion over physical ailments (Matthew 4:23).
- Through His name, believers can experience forgiveness and healing (Acts 3:6, 16).
2.3 Power Over Demonic Forces
Verses:
- Jesus cast out devils with a word, demonstrating His supreme authority (Mark 1:27).
- Demons recognized and trembled at His name (Mark 5:7).
- Believers are given authority to cast out evil spirits in His name (Mark 16:17).
3. Salvation and Baptism in the Name
3.1 Repentance and Forgiveness
Verses:
- Repentance and remission of sins are to be preached in His name (Luke 24:47).
- There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
- Through faith in His name, we receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43).
3.2 Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses:
- The apostles consistently baptized converts in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5).
- This baptism identifies believers with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
- It is the proper New Testament formula for water baptism, fulfilling the command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as Jesus is the embodiment of all three (Matthew 28:19).
3.3 Receiving the Spirit
Verses:
- After baptism in Jesus' name, believers are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, dwelling within believers (Romans 8:9-10).
- Being filled with the Spirit empowers believers to live a holy life and witness (Acts 1:8).
4. Prayer and Miracles in the Name
4.1 Praying in Jesus' Name
Verses:
- Jesus instructed His disciples to ask anything in His name, and it would be given (John 14:13-14).
- Praying in His name means praying according to His will and authority.
- It signifies our reliance on His merit, not our own, for answered prayer.
4.2 Healing and Deliverance
Verses:
- The apostles performed many signs and wonders, healing the sick in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6-8, Acts 9:34).
- Through faith in His name, the lame man was made strong (Acts 3:16).
- Believers can minister healing and deliverance to others through the power of His name.
4.3 Casting Out Devils
Verses:
- Jesus gave believers authority to cast out devils in His name (Mark 16:17).
- The name of Jesus is the ultimate weapon against all forces of darkness (Philippians 2:10).
- Demons must obey and flee at the mention of His powerful name.
5. The Name Above All Names
5.1 Jesus' Exaltation
Verses:
- God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9).
- This exaltation is due to His obedience and sacrifice, revealing His divine nature.
- He is the head over all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
5.2 Every Knee Shall Bow
Verses:
- At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
- This signifies universal submission and recognition of His supreme authority.
- All creation will ultimately acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
5.3 The Eternal Reign of Jesus
Verses:
- Jesus will reign forever and ever, His kingdom having no end (Revelation 11:15).
- He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
- His name will be glorified throughout eternity as the one true God.