Warning: Do Not Misuse His Name
Jesus declared: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:22
These words of Jesus pierce the heart of religious self-deception. These were not atheists, but people who claimed to know and serve Him. Yet His response is devastating: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”Matthew 7:23. Their problem was not that they had performed works in His name, but that they had used His name without surrendering their lives to His authority. They mistook religious activity for relationship and ministry for obedience.
This is a solemn warning: success in ministry is not proof of salvation. The coming judgment will reveal not merely what was done, but the heart and motive behind it. Jesus also warned: “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”Matthew 24:5
The danger is not always found in those who openly reject Christ, but in those who use the familiarity and authority of His name while leading others away from His truth. The counterfeit can appear remarkably close to the genuine. Therefore, every believer carries a personal responsibility to remain discerning—to be led by the Holy Spirit, to test every teaching by the Word of God, and to examine every messenger by the character of Christ.
His Name Carries Authority—and Responsibility.
To minister in the name of Jesus is to represent Him before the world. His name is not a religious formula or a phrase added to our prayers and activities. His name represents His person, His character, His authority, His truth and His will. To claim His name while refusing His lordship is a contradiction. Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”John 14:15
The evidence that His name has truly taken hold of a life is not merely what that person says or does publicly, but whether Christ’s character is being revealed through them—love, mercy, humility, holiness, truth and obedience. When believers live contrary to Christ, His name is dishonoured. But when they walk faithfully before Him, His name is honoured through their lives.
The Cost of Carrying His Name.
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.”1 Peter 4:14. To suffer reproach for His name is not something to be ashamed of. It can be the clear evidence that a believer is being identified with Christ and His character.
The world may misuse, mock and blaspheme His name, but that must never cause those who truly belong to Him to become ashamed of it. The question is therefore not simply, “Do we use the name of Jesus?”The far more searching question is: “Does the life we live honour the name we profess?”
- To believe in His name is to surrender to Him.
- To pray in His name is to submit to His will.
- To represent His name is to reflect His character.
- To suffer for His name is to share in His reproach.
The name of Jesus is not merely a syllable upon the lips—it carries the weight of His person, His authority, His holiness, His mercy and His will. Therefore, let every believer examine their own heart. Are they merely using His name, or are they living under its authority? For the day is coming when every claim will be tested, every motive exposed, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.