These essays are written in sequence and build on each other. Read the preceding essay here.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
— KJV, John 14:14
In the last few essays we have been discussing the concept of The Word.
In earlier essays, for example here and here, we discussed the need for a particular mindset when studying the words of Christ.
We stressed the need for greater impersonality in our attitude to The Word.
It is no different when Christ says “My Name“. The hearer must not unduly personalise this matter.
Christ is not a mere person. He is a Part of God.
We have established that The Word, Truth, Divine Love, and the Laws of Creation cannot be separated, and they are universal manifestations of God.
This being so, a human “relationship” with Christ is a “relationship” with Love and Truth.
He that hath my commandments,
— John 14:21
and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
To build a personal relationship with Christ involves a personal decision to live a life of Love and Truth, as explained in The Word.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,
— Matt 25:37
Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee?
or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?
or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me
This is the same as a decision to live according to Love, which is equivalent to obeying God’s Will, which can also be called obeying the Laws of Creation.
Such a decision automatically connects the human spirit to the Word, whether he is conscious of it or not. We shall return to this particular issue in a later essay.
The name “Jesus”
The Reality of Christ is far above human words and names.
The name “Jesus” is incidental to Christ’s mission. If He had been called by another name it would make no difference.
Therefore “In Christ’s name” has nothing to do with the word “Jesus”, but only with the objective realities of Truth, Love, and Divine Lawfulness.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
— Matthew 7: 21-23
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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?
And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The above is not to say that there is something “wrong” with using the name Jesus as a sort of “bridge” or help to greater concentration and focus. But it is important to keep it in context.
Christ, as a Part of God, existed before human beings and human names came into existence. Therefore it is important not to confuse the name “Jesus” (which is also borne by many human beings) with His mission as the Christ, and Who He really Is.
“In Jesus’ name” means:
- In accordance with the Word.
- In accordance with Truth.
- In a spirit of Love.
- In accordance with God’s Will.
- In accordance with the Laws of Creation.
Whatever does not fulfill these criteria is not in Christ’s name.
Today’s Resolution
- We shall avoid lip-worship of the Name of Christ.
- We shall pray and work towards a living connection with Christ, made possible through a life of love towards our neighbour.
The Word, (Re)Discovered 