The Name of Jesus-Not a Magic Formula

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Wansvic

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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Not a Magic Formula

"The name Jesus is not a magical formula; the sound
waves reverberating from the spoken name do not remit
sin or bring other special powers. However, when we call
the name Jesus in faith, Jesus responds. The name represents
His presence and work. We must have personal
faith in Jesus for the name to have any meaning and for
anything to happen (Acts 3:16; 10:43).
That the name of Jesus cannot be taken as a magical
incantation does not detract from the need to invoke the
name orally. Peter prayed for the lame man by saying, “In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”
(Acts 3:6). When the man walked, Peter explained, “And
his name through faith in his name hath made this man
strong” (Acts 3:16). It takes the name of Jesus called in
faith. We cannot separate inner faith from obedience to
God’s Word. At baptism, when we invoke the name Jesus
in faith as His Word commands, He comes and remits
our sins.

Biblical reasons for baptism in the name of Jesus.
Every class of believers was baptized in Jesus' name.

(1) The Bible gives this formula and no other.
(a) Matthew 28:19 describes this formula. (in the name...)
(b) The apostolic church adhered to this formula
(Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16; I Corinthians 1:13).

(2) Baptism is a burial with Christ and no one else
(Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).

(3) Baptism is a personal identification with Christ
(Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and His name identifies us
as His possession.

(4) At baptism we take on our new family name, as
part of our new birth, adoption, and spiritual circumcision.
The name God’s spiritual family bears is Jesus (Ephesians 3:14-15).

(5) Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38),
and Jesus is the only name that remits sin (Acts 10:43).

(6) The name of Jesus represents all the power and
authority of God (Matthew 28:18; Acts 4:7, 10). When we
invoke His name in faith, that power and authority
become available to us (Acts 3:6, 16).

(7) Everything we do in word or deed should be
done in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17), and baptism
is both word and deed.

(8) The name of Jesus is the highest name known to
man, and everyone must bow to that name (Philippians
2:9-11).

(9) Baptism is part of our salvation, and Jesus is the
only saving name (Acts 4:12).

(10) Baptism in Jesus’ name manifests complete
faith in Jesus as our only Savior and our only access to
God (John 14:6-11).

(11) It signifies belief that the fulness of the
Godhead is manifested in Jesus (Colossians 2:9).

(12) Jesus is the name by which God has revealed
Himself in the New Testament (Matthew 1:21; John 5:43;
14:26).

(13) Baptism in the name of Jesus demonstrates reverence
for and obedience to the Word of God over and above
human tradition.

In view of all the important things baptism in Jesus’
name signifies, why would anyone refuse to use the
name? Why would anyone hesitate to take on the name of
the One who died for them and be identified publicly with
Him? Why would anyone reject the only saving name—
the name that is above every name?"

Excerpt from New Birth book by author David Bernard
 
The Bible strongly emphasizes using the name of Jesus for healing and salvation, not as a magic formula, but as invoking His divine authority and character, with faith in Him being the key power source, as seen in Acts where believers heal "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" because His name signifies God's saving power, meaning the essence and reality of Jesus, not just the sounds, brings the miracle. While some sources suggest the specific utterance isn't the only way, the consistent biblical pattern points to His name representing His full power and authority for spiritual and physical restoration.


Biblical Basis for the Name's Power

Authority: Jesus is given the name above all names (Philippians 2:9-10), meaning sickness, pain, and death must bow to His authority.

Interchangeable with Person: In the Bible, "the name of Jesus" often stands for the person himself, His character, and His work (Colossians 3:17).

Examples in Acts: Peter and John healed a lame man saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).

Calling on the Lord: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13), which presupposes faith and connection with Him.

"In My Name" Signs: Jesus said signs like healing the sick would follow believers who operate "in my name" (Mark 16:17-18).


In Essence, the Bible teaches that the power for healing resides in the person of Jesus, and calling on His name is the way believers access that divine power, rooted in genuine faith and understanding of who He is. AI generated
 
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