Power in the Name of Jesus
By Capazin Thornton
Four things stand out to me as to why the first century churches were so powerful: (1) They were filled with the Holy Spirit; (2) they walked in love and unity; (3) they knew the Word of God; and (4) they believed there was power in the Name of Jesus.
What’s in a Name?
A name is a word, designation or title by which one is called, known or identified. A name represents the whole person—his individuality, nature, character, fame, reputation (good or bad). It represents all a person is, all he possesses, and all he can do (his power and authority).
Meaning of the Name of Jesus
The Lord’s name in English is Jesus, in Greek Ihsous (Yesous), and in Hebrew Yeshua, a shortened form of Yehoshua, which means Yahweh is salvation. The root word (yasha) means to be open, wide or free, to be safe, to free or succor. It also means victory. Jesus is our total salvation and victory.
In addition, the Name of Jesus includes all the descriptions, pictures, name-titles, character, fame, reputation, power, wisdom, authority, majesty, greatness, awesomeness, beauty and unsearchable riches of the Lord revealed in the Holy Scriptures from Genesis through Revelation.
Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is appointed heir of all things. He is the brightness of God’s Glory, the express image of His person. He is all that, and so much more! (Col 2:9; Heb 1:1-3)
The Name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the universe
The Name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the universe because:
- Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (the A to Z, the totality of God, the beginning and the end).
- He is Almighty (omnipotent).
- All things were created by Him and for Him.
- He is the eternal Word of God who became flesh and died on the cross for our sins. God raised Him up, highly exalted Him, and gave Him a name above every name.
- He has all authority in heaven and earth.
- He is exalted Lord over all.
- His throne is established forever.
[Scripture refs: Rev 1:8; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:3; Jn 1:1; Jn 1:14; Acts 4:12; Phil 2:9; Rev 1:18; Mt 28:20; Ps 103:19]
Every knee must bow to the Name of Jesus
At the Name of Jesus every knee must bow. That includes all principalities, powers, dominion, might, rule, government, and authorities. Every sickness and disease—cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s . . . you name it. Every created thing is subject to the Name of Jesus. (Phil 2:10-11; Eph 1:21)
Power and authority to those who believe in the Name of Jesus
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” –Mk 16:17-18
Power of asking the Father in the Name of Jesus
“. . . Most assuredly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.” —Jn 16:23
Power in the Name of Jesus to agree
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” – Mt 18:19-20
Power in the Name of Jesus to praise and offer thanks
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” – Heb 13:15
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If you are Christ’s, He is yours. He is in you and you are in Him. You have authority and power in the Name of Jesus over the forces of darkness. Declare your victory in the matchless Name of Jesus!
Have you seen power in the Name of Jesus in your life? Please share your comments.
Capazin Thornton is Christian speaker and author in Orange County, California.