The Revelation of the Name of Jesus

Trevor Ferguson

November 26, 2011

Philippians 2:5-13 (NKJV)
⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
¹⁰ 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,
¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

INTRODUCTION

In modern societies the concept of a name has lost much of its significance. This is in contrast to ancient societies, such as in biblical times, in which names were rich with meaning and often carried prophetic significance. For example, Abraham was originally called Abram, meaning ‘high father’, but God changed his name to Abraham meaning 'father of a multitude' to indicate the promise of the mighty nation that his offspring would become. Isaac’s name meant ‘laughter’, indicating the joy he brought to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Jacob’s name meant ‘supplanter’ or ‘trickster’ but was changed to Israel, meaning ‘he who prevails with God’, after his encounter with God at Peniel.

Just as the names of the Patriarchs were significant, the name of God is also significant and rich with meaning. As we read the bible, we see a progressive revelation of the name of God, culminating with the revelation of the name of Jesus in the New Testament. Today, I want to share with you on the great revelation of the name above all names, the name of Jesus.

EXPOSITION

When God revealed himself to Abraham and the patriarchs he revealed himself as The Lord Almighty. The Hebrew term is “El Shaddai”, the all sufficient God, indicating His power to accomplish that which he says He will accomplish and His ability to bless – richly, abundantly and continually. As El Shaddai, there was no limit to His power, specifically as it relates to Abraham, God could fulfil His promise of a son and a mighty nation, even though Abraham was then 99 years old.

In Exodus 6, God further reveals Himself to Moses as JEHOVAH. Jehovah means The Self-existing One or in other words ‘He is’ (or, ‘The One Who Is’). As Jehovah He lived in the everlasting present tense, thus He was able to say to Moses when Moses had asked for His name in Exodus 3 – ‘I AM THAT I AM’, ‘I AM’ sent you. As “the Great I AM”, God exist from the beginning of beginnings, He is “the First and the Last”, “The Alpha and Omega”. He is creator of all things, and also Judge of all the earth. He called the earth into existence and will cause this present earth to pass away. Nothing can exist without Him. He is the Self-existing One

In addition to the revelation of the name Jehovah, God has further revealed aspects of His character:

In Genesis 22:14, He revealed Himself as Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord Who provides”, when Abraham needed a lamb for the sacrifice.

In Exodus 15:26, He reveals himself as Jehovah-rapha – “The Lord that heals”. Israel would therefore not experience the plagues of Egypt.

In Exodus 17:15, He is Jehovah-nissi – “The Lords our banner” (The Lord who gives us Victory).

In Judges 6:24, He is Jehovah-shalom – “The Lord our peace” (Gideon was assured of peace in a time of conflict).

In Psalm 23:1, He is Jehovah-raah – “the Lord our shepherd” (A revelation of God’s care and protection to David in a time uncertainty).

The Old Testament prophets prophesied concerning the further revelation of the name of God. In Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah declared – behold a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel i.e. is God with us. Isaiah further declares in Isaiah 9:6 “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father and the prince of peace". Despite these prophetic utterances the precise saving name was not revealed to the Old Testament prophets. Isaiah however prophesied in Isaiah 52:6 “therefore my people shall know my name.”

In the fullness of time however, God did reveal his saving name. When the angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1: 21, he declared: “And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” This name Jesus literally means Jehovah-Saviour or Jehovah is Salvation. It incorporates all that the name Jehovah denotes and adds to it the attribute of salvation.

Jesus is thus the saving name of God: Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Repentance and remission of sins is preached in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47)

Baptism is correctly administered in  the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)

The Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus (John 14:26)

We are sanctified though his name (1^st Corinthians 6:11)

Healing occurs in Jesus name (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 4:10)

Deliverance comes in Jesus name (Luke 4:18)

In Philippians 2:9-10, Paul describes the name of Jesus as “a name which is above every name. Note that he uses similar terminology in Ephesians 1:21 when he writes that, God had set Jesus “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” Jesus is the greatest revelation of the name of God. Paul therefore declares … at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow … every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

APPLICATION

Having made the above declaration Paul now challenges the Philippians “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. It is good to know about God, but knowledge of God cannot save. Today the appropriate response to this revelation is to make sure that we have obeyed the word of God and are ready for his coming. Remember, every knee shall bow! It is better to bow now than to be forced to do so when he returns.

How does one receive salvation? The response is simple and is given in Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ … and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note however that after initial salvation we must live a life of holiness and righteousness before God as we prepare for His coming.

God's Abundant Grace

Trevor S. Ferguson

November 5, 2011

Romans 5:15-21 (NKJV)
¹⁵ But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
¹⁶ And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
¹⁷ For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
¹⁸ Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
¹⁹ For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
²⁰ Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV)
¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

INTRODUCTION

 
"Grace" is a commonly expresses theme in the New Testament. 

Salvation is by grace, not works: Ephesians 2:8-9 states: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 
The New Testament letters begin and conclude with the wish that grace will be with the readers, and the New Testament closes with these words: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21). It is clear therefore, that if we are to appreciate the message of the New Testament, we need to have some understanding of the concept of grace.
 
What is GRACE? 
Grace is commonly defined as the unmerited favour of God. In the Greek language, "grace" is charis. It means a gracious favor or benefit bestowed. Grace is God’s free gift of salvation to man. It is God’s work in man. Grace expresses that salvation is an undeserved, unearned blessing that God bestows on man freely

EXPOSITION

Why does man need salvation?

The sinful nature and consequent sentence of death was pronounced upon all men through the sin of Adam. Romans 5:12 tells us: “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
 
The sinful nature was transmitted by inheritance to all humanity, because we all descended from Adam; this results in all humanity being subject to physical death. The sinful nature results in sinful acts – this results in judgment for sin and separation from God

What then is the solution to the sin problem?

Just as it was with Adam, by one man sin entered the world, so also by one man, Jesus Christ, many (i.e. all humanity) now have access to the free gift of God’s grace and therefore salvation through Jesus Christ. (Read vs. 15-17)
 
Are there limits to God’s grace? Can anyone or every one be saved? What if I have committed some terrible sin? Is the grace of God able to cover all my sin?
 
Can the grace of God save a murderer? A thief? A terrorist? An adulterer? A fornicator? A homosexual? What are the boundaries of God’s grace? Will God’s grace run out on some people?
 
By no means! Look at verse 20 of Romans 5: "... Where sin abounded grace did much more abound"! 
The greater the sin the greater the supply of grace. God’s grace is sufficient, enough, abundant, overflowing. It can never run out. Where sin is abundant, grace is super abundant!!
 
1^st Corinthians 6:9-11 tells us that many in the church were guilty of terrible sins but now have been washed! God's grace is super abundant!

God’s grace extends beyond bringing us to salvation

Look at Titus 2:11-13 (see above). God’s grace teaches us to:   deny ungodliness; deny worldly lust; live soberly; live righteously; live godly lives in this world; and look for our blessed hope – the appearing of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

God has made available to us undeserved favour – the opportunity of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Through his grace we can live righteous lives as we await His glorious return
 

Today if you have not yet received the grace of God, the opportunity is available to you right now! You must repent of your sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and seek for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It does not matter how deep you are in sin, the word tells us that where sin abounds God’s grace much more abounds.
 

If you are a backslider or have fallen from you steadfastness, God’s grace is available to you as well. Today you can be restored to a right relationship with God.
 

For those who are walking steadfastly with Jesus, let me admonish you to grow in grace as we look for the appearing of our Saviour 

God’s abundant grace is available to us all. Amen