The Name of Jesus

The Name of Jesus
SALVATION’S NAME
Terry R. Baughman

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1–2).

The ministry of Jesus began with clear purpose and His intention was made known through His reading from the prophets. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18–19). These passages in Isaiah were read in the synagogue of Nazareth after the launch of His ministry. It was His application that caught the attention of the crowd and caused many to reject His words, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Regardless of their response His message was clear; He was the one that was prophesied to come and bring salvation to those who called on His name. 

Isaiah said, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:2–4). The prophet predicted a joyous day of salvation and made the inexorable connection with the Name of the Lord. Salvation came in His name and His name became salvation!

An angel appeared to Joseph and instructed Him concerning the child that Mary would bear, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Savior was coming and His name declared His mission, Yahweh Saves!

Jesus came to bring the good news of hope, healing, and the restoration of broken relationships. He came to bring release from bondage, vision for the blinded, and freedom for the oppressed. Salvation brings all these benefits and makes everything right in our relationship with God. All the benefits of His provision were made possible through the authority of His Name!

The name of Jesus is the ultimate authority and everything is possible through Him. Paul wrote, “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” (Philippians 2:9–10). 

His name is efficient for salvation. Paul also said, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). For these reasons it is easy to see the importance of His name in baptism. Peter responded and the other apostles agreed when the question came, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The instruction and examples are clear. Everyone baptized in the New Testament church were all baptized in the name of Jesus Christ … the saving Name of the Lord! 

So what is Salvation’s name? It is Jesus! Take on His name in baptism. Call on His name. Paul wrote, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Paul himself was baptized after the command of Ananias, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Call on His name today!
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Theme passage:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).

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