What is the Power in the Name of Jesus?

There is Power in the Name of Jesus

The Bible is full of references that tell us there is power in the name of Jesus. It enables our salvation, deliverance, and sanctification. But, what does the name of Jesus mean?

Here are some verses regarding the name of Jesus to help to frame this review:

• There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12
• At the name of Jesus every knee should bow. – Philippians 2:10
• You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 6:11
• Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do. – John 14:13
• Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! – Luke 10:17
• Signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. – Acts 4:30
• For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Romans 10:13

What Does the Name of Jesus Convey?

By engaging the power in the name of Jesus, we are calling to mind the victory Jesus won for us. Paul tells us that Jesus was given this name because of His leaving heaven, coming to earth, and dying on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11). He was humble, obedient, and loved us. In showing us this greater love, He was given the name above any other name.

A person’s name represents who they are – their essence and character. Jesus is the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, and the way, the truth, and the life (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:11, 11:25-26, & 14:6). He is the embodiment of God and of love (Colossians 1:15 & Romans 5:6-8). The name of Jesus conveys all of these meanings with it.

What Does the Name of Jesus Accomplish?

By allowing us to use the power in the name of Jesus, we can have all that Jesus has and all that He has gained. It is like being given the royal robe and the family ring. When we proclaim the name of Jesus, we tell the world that we have been given the same authority as Jesus Himself. When we come across obstacles, we speak the name of Jesus like an all-access pass getting us by the guards. Jesus’ death demolished the powers of this world and then He gave us the power to do the same (Colossians 2:13-15 & Matthew 10:7-8).

How Do We Apply the Power in the Name of Jesus?

We apply the name of Jesus as a policeman uses a badge. A policemen can step out into traffic and stop all the cars. They are not physically using their strength to make sure the cars don’t move, but as they stand they’re confident in their protection because of the authority that comes with the badge they wear. They know if the cars don’t stop, a greater authority will come down on that driver and enforce the demands of the police officer.

The obstacles we face may test us, seeing if we believe there is power in the name we proclaim. However, we can trust God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to come to our assistance at the sound of Jesus’ name. God is true to His promises and will do what He says. We don’t have to say the right set of words; we just need to say one: Jesus.

For more in depth look about what the power in the name of Jesus is, check out Power in the Name of Jesus by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.

Warnings About Using the Name of Jesus

While the name of Jesus is not meant to be hard to use, there are some precautions we should be aware of. By declaring the name of Jesus, we are associating ourselves to the person that holds that name. We are saying we have the same mindset as Him. We are seeking to glorify the Father by what we are requesting. And, we are declaring we have a relationship with the One who holds that name.

There is story about the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-17). They decided to deliver people of evil spirits using the name of Jesus. For awhile they had success using His name, but one day the evil spirits answered them saying they knew Jesus, they knew Paul, but they didn’t know these seven sons. The man afflicted by evil spirits jumped on the seven sons and beat them. To use the name of Jesus assumes we have a relationship with Jesus.

Using Jesus’ Name Assumes a Relationship With Him

Jesus emphasis this point further (Matthew 7:22-23). He says many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ The graciousness of God and the power in the name of Jesus will allow for some forms of success in miracles when calling on that name even done with the wrong motives. But Jesus says when it all comes to the last day, He expects to have known you. Using the name of Jesus without knowing His heart is careless and an offense to what He came for.

As bearers of the name of Jesus, we are to take on His likeness. We are to love others the way Jesus loved them and to desire their best in every circumstance even if it comes at what seems to hurt us. Although we know we are amazing, we don’t seek glory because we trust God will lift us up in due time (James 4:10). We pray in Jesus name because we are seeking to continue to advance the kingdom Jesus established.

For me, I too often forget to pray about many things. I press through obstacles moving towards those things I feel God is leading me. I reduce the miraculous in my life by thinking too highly of I can accomplish on my own. Let us realize there is no problem too small to which to apply the name of Jesus. As we properly appropriate His name to all situations, we will have confidence to call on His name in those times we cannot see a way out. Nothing is impossible with God. Let’s start to pray more in the name of Jesus and find that there is power in that name.