By Ron
Bartanen
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts
4:12).
The name referred to by which we are saved
is “the name of Jesus Christ” (4:20z0.
His is “the name which is above every name…the name before which every
knee shall bow” (Philippians 2:8-10. The
name signifies one’s power and authority.
Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach “repentance and remission of
sins…in His name…” (Luke 24:47). The
power to become sons of God is given “to them that believe on His name” (John
1:12). The convicted multitude at
Pentecost were commanded to “Repent and be baptized… in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Christians are admonished, “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
Faith, repentance, baptism and Christian
worship and service are all in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of
religious leaders or churches. Why,
then, do some wear human names in religion? To paraphrase Paul, who opposed the
wearing of his name: “Is Christ divided? Was (your denomination or preacher)
crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of (your denomination or
preacher)?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Human, denominational names give honor to
others than to Christ, and divide those who claim faith in Christ. We urge all to honor Christ alone in faith
and obedience.
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