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Most Christians have a vague notion of the concept that the name of Jesus supposedly has power. But does it? If so, how is that power accessed? Simply by speaking that phrase out loud? How is it that a name has power? Is “in the name of Jesus” simply a formulaic verbal expression which God requires us to use in order to manifest forth the power and authority of Jesus Christ? That just seems so, so superficial! But what is the spiritual reality behind the idea of there being accessible power in the name of Jesus? Let’s take a look.
Who (Jesus), being in the form of God (spirit), thought being equal with God not something to be grasped at as plunder; But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men; And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore 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 things in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:6-10)
Why and when did God give Jesus “the name which is above every name?” It was because of and after he’d lived his whole life with the yoke of humility and meekness to his heavenly Father unto the death of the cross. But in contrast, Jesus got his name “Jesus” because of the angel’s command (Matthew 1:21) at the time of his birth (Matthew 1:25). So this “name which is above every name” can not be the actual name “Jesus.”
You may think, “But it then says, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, …” and you’d be right. Let’s stop and take a closer look at “the name of Jesus.” The little word “of” holds the key to proper understanding here. This word “of” usually represents (as it does here) the genitive case, of which there are 8 or more different kinds. “The cup of coffee” is the genitive of contents. “The cup of my wife” is the genitive of possession. “The cup of porcelain” is the genitive of material.
Most believe (including me for a long time) that this “at the name of Jesus” is the genitive of apposition … that is, “at the name which is Jesus.” But by the context this must be the genitive of possession, because it just said that God gave the name to Jesus, which would mean that now Jesus owns or possesses it. This phrase should be understood as “the name which belongs to Jesus.” And what is this name?
We have an expression, “Stop in the name of the law.” We know that doesn’t mean that the word “law” has any authority or power, but rather “the name of the law” means all the power and authority the law represents. The name which belongs to Jesus represents all the power and authority given to him by God after his death, resurrection and ascension! This name was bestowed upon Jesus upon his being seated at the right hand of God. If any “name” sums up all this authority, it would be “Lord.”
This Jesus has God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God (which represents his active authority over all His creation) exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of (which is) the holy spirit, He has shed forth this, which you now see and hear. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:32, 33, 36)
Jesus was made Christ (the Anointed One) on the very day of Luke 4:18ff. He was made Lord after his death and resurrection.
Now stay with me, because this study is about to get interesting. This same word, “exalted” is used both here in Acts and back in Philippians 2, tying both sections together. Now we’re going to take a look at two short sections from the gospel of John which will not only tie together this receiving and sending of the holy spirit by Jesus, but also help us understand the power and authority of the name which is above every name which Jesus was given.
But the Comforter, which is the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from (para – from beside)) the Father, even the spirit of truth, which proceeds from (para – from beside) the Father, he shall testify of me. (John 15:26)
Jesus sending the spirit from beside (para) the Father is the exact same as the Father sending the spirit in (en) Jesus’ name. The Father would send us the promise of the spirit in (en – the vehicle being) the power and authority over heaven and earth which would be given to His son, Jesus; that is, in Jesus’ lordship. This is also stated by Jesus saying he would send the Comforter from beside his Father; that is, while seated at his Father’s right hand. This seating at the right hand of God was Jesus’ glorification, and did not happen until after Jesus had died in his perfection, rose and ascended into heaven).
But this he spoke of the spirit, which they who believe on him should receive; for the holy spirit was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39)
Confessing, or acknowledging the lordship (power and authority) of Jesus, places you under his authority, thus opening you completely up to becoming a recipient of everything good which God has intended for you but can only supply to you in and by means of the lordship of Jesus.
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, believing in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved; For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9,10)
This is what it means that God sends us the spirit in the name of Jesus, that Jesus sends us the spirit from beside the Father. The spiritual authority (lordship) of Jesus is the means by which all good things are given to us by God.
And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by means of him. (Colossians 3:17)
Now you know this doesn’t mean, as I walk down the street, “I now move my foot in the name of the Lord Jesus. I now breathe in the name of the Lord Jesus. Etc. Etc.” It means I walk in the spiritual authority which belongs to Jesus and is the means by which all good things are and have been given to me by God. I have to take this right upon myself and exercise it. I have confessed Jesus as my Lord, as my authority; therefore, I am subject to and am a recipient of his wisdom, revelation and power. I have a right to it, a right to claim it, a right to express it and walk in the reality of its power and authority.
Who (God) has delivered us from the authority of darkness, and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. (Colossians 1:13)
Only by partaking of a continual spiritual growth of (genitive of contents) the revelation of the Christ within can we hope to effectively partake of the benefits of the supreme authority bestowed upon Jesus after his resurrection.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory; may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the intimate experiential knowing (epignosko) of him; The eyes of your heart being enlightened; that you may know what is ….the exceeding greatness of his power toward us to believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, Far above all principality and authority, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things for the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
(Ephesians 1:17,18a,19-23)
“In the name of Jesus” simply means our existence in and expression of the power and authority given to the Son of God, after he became obedient unto the death of the cross and by means of his resurrection and subsequent glorification, and which is passed on to us from God by means of Christ when and as we partake of his lordship, by means of our humble acceptance of his spiritual authority over us. Do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks onto God, our Father, by means of him!
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Other related studies:
Power and Authority
What is the POWER of God?
Discerning Devil Spirits
MMFN – The Man No One Knew
