Practically every single Christian out there concludes their prayers with the phrase “In Jesus’ Name”; many also conclude letters and other things with it. This of course is based on the scripture that says “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14) - A promise which is repeated several times in various forms throughout the gospel. And God meant exactly what He said - but no one seems to UNDERSTAND what that is! Asking for something, and concluding your prayer with the words “In Jesus’ Name” IS NOT WHAT GOD MEANT! God had more in mind when He said that than mere words, and He was not just giving you some sort of a prayer formula to follow!
When you ask for something “In the name” of Christ, what are you asking for? If you believe that it just means you tack a little “In the name of Jesus Christ” at the end of your prayer, then you have to consider this scripture:
Acts 19:13-15 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are YE?
But these people USED the name of Jesus. And they used the RIGHT name, and they used it CORRECTLY! But it DIDN’T WORK FOR THEM! Because using the phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ” does nothing for you! Doing something “in His name”, or being gathered someplace “In His name” (Matthew 18:20) cannot mean that you mentioned His “magic” name in a prayer, because they tried that, and it didn’t work!
It didn’t work for them, and it WON’T work for you, because just “signing” your prayers “in Christ’s name” is little better than the gentiles who believe they will be heard because of their many words, and repetitious speaking! Read the rest of this entry »