None Other Name
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
“The name” referred to, by which we are to be saved, is “the name which is above every name,” even the name before which “every knee shall bow” (Philippians 2:9-10)—the name of Jesus Christ. 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 ye 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.
When a thing is done in the name of another, it is by the authority of that person. Every check you sign with your name gives authority to the bearer of that check to draw money from your account. It is not so much the repetition of the name “Jesus Christ” as it is the recognition that we seek and honor His authority.
Denominational names imply a loyalty to the authority of that denomination. Paul corrected those who declared, “I am of Paul,” saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13). Human, denominational names give honor to others than to Christ, and divide those who claim faith in Him. May we honor Him alone in our faith and obedience.
–Ron Bartanen is a retired preacher, living in Milton, FL
