The name of Jesus is above all names. Paul, in Philippians 2:5-11, proved this about Jesus when he said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
While Jesus manifested humility on Earth by way of His modest and unassuming life, He was destined to ascend in glory to the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:25, 33-34; 5:31; 7:56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). His name also ascended above all other names. But what exactly does this mean? I’d like for you to consider six blessings that are found in Christ’s name.
First, salvation is found in His name. This means the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Jesus said that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). People who are baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” will receive “the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). John declared that the miracles Jesus did were for the purpose of us believing in Him. When we do believe, we’ll have “life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
Second, sanctification is found in His name. “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’” (2 Timothy 2:19). After listing many sins that the Corinthians committed, Paul added, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Third, service is found in His name. The Thessalonians were commended by Paul: “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39) and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2) were beautiful servants of Jesus. They continuously remind us that we serve others in His name (Matthew 25:31-46).
Fourth, suffering is found in His name. “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:16). This is the same as being “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10-12). Suffering for His name will bring a blessing.
Fifth, supplication is found in His name. Jesus said, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). This unequivocal promise was made to the men who carried the gospel to the world. While we don’t have the same level of promise extended to us, we’re still told, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). We may not have answered prayer like an apostle, but we have a heavenly Father who hears us in His name; i.e. according to His will.
Sixth, strength is found in His name. Paul, after having lived through many different circumstances in his ministry, said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When speaking of his “thorn in the flesh,” Paul recorded the words of Christ who said, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). If you want strength to survive life, look in Christ’s name.
We sometimes wonder what it means when Paul said that all spiritual blessings were in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). By looking “in His name,” we now know. Remember that eventually every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. That’s the ultimate power of His name.
Kyle Campbell