In the Name of Jesus

The opening verse of the song “There’s Something About That Name” by Bill and Gloria Gaither reads:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
There’s something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus
It’s like the fragrance after rain

The closing verse reads:

We love the name
The holy name
Your precious name

These are inspiring, uplifting words, and lovers of the Lord Jesus embrace them. However, such sentiments are not shared by the world. To the world, the name “Jesus” is a swear word or an expression of anger, frustration, or disbelief. Among unbelievers, the name “Jesus” is not fragrant, but a stench; not loved, but abhorred; not holy, but accursed; not precious, but worthless.

The Bible has much to say about the name of the Jesus. Far from being a dreaded curse word, the name of Jesus is a fountain of blessing to all who embrace and honor it. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about this most wonderful of names.

In the name of Jesus, eternal life is granted. “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

In the name of Jesus, sinners are forgiven and the Holy Spirit is bestowed. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38).

In the name of Jesus, miracles are performed. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).

In the name of Jesus, people are willing to sacrifice their lives. “So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul – men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:25-26).

In the name of Jesus, spirits, demons, and the doings of Satan are defeated. “She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her” (Acts 16:18).

In the name of Jesus, lives are transformed to the point of death. “Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus’” (Acts 21:13).

In the name of Jesus, every created being will kneel and pay homage. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

And in the name of Jesus all who worship Him have forgiveness of sins, redemption, peace, and eternal life. Let us join the psalmist as he invites us to “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together”!