A few illustrations of acting in the name of Christ will help to the understanding of the whole subject. When Peter and John encountered the lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, Peter expressly disclaimed acting in his own authority or power, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). In like manner Paul, "in the name of Jesus Christ," commanded the evil spirit which possessed the damsel who followed him day by day, to come out of her (Acts 16:18). In both cases they acted as His servants and used, in the exercise of faith, His power in the miracles wrought.

So likewise, when correcting disorders among the saints at Corinth and at Thessalonica, the apostle acted in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (judging immorality in 1 Corinthians 4:5; and responding to disorderly behavior in 2 Thessalonians 3:6). These instances will suffice to show that in all service, as well as in all the duties and responsibilities of daily life, it is the privilege of the believer to act in the name of his Lord. It is, indeed, his true calling to stand before men as the representative of Christ.

This may be seen in another aspect from a scripture in the epistles of Peter. "If you are reproached for (literally, in) the name of Christ, blessed are you" (1 Peter 4:14). Here it is evident that the enemies of Christ look upon His people as bearing His name and thus standing forth in the world as representing Him. Hence their enmity to Christ is manifest in the persecution of His followers.

Christians can never divest themselves of this relationship to their absent Lord. Whether in the assembly, in the home, or moving amongst their fellow men, everywhere and at all times they must remember that they bear the name of Christ to act in His interest, under His authority, and on His behalf.

What an unutterable privilege to be endowed with the liberty of appearing before God and men in the name of Christ! It is, on the other hand, the very greatness of the privilege which indicates the vastness of the responsibility. If we are entrusted with the name of Christ, as with a holy standard, what incessant vigilance and what realization of our dependence are required to maintain it in all its purity and to guard it from all dishonor?

To encourage ourselves to be diligent in this object, we may remind ourselves how precious it is to the heart of Christ to behold His people zealously and jealously caring for the honor of His name. As we read in the prophet Malachi, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name" (Malachi 3:16).

It was a day of abounding iniquity and corruption amongst God's people; but this pious remnant were drawn apart from the evil into the bonds of holy fellowship by their godly fear and their love of Jehovah's name. The eyes of the Lord were upon them, and in the joy of His heart He proclaimed, "'They shall be Mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'on the day that I make them My jewels'" (verse 17). That is, in the day of coming judgment He would put them into His treasury-house amongst His precious things. May we all covet the Lord's approbation for caring for the honor of His most precious and peerless name.

Edward Dennett