This essay continues a sequence. Read the previous one here.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
— KJV, John 14:14
That an Eternal Reality has incarnated in flesh and blood does not change It to a human being. Reinterpret Christ’s Word accordingly.
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Christ’s “I” Is Not A Human “I”
In earlier essays (e.g. “Rediscovering The Word: Interpretation Challenges“), we discussed the mindset required to understand The Word, and stressed the need for greater impersonality in our interpretations.
This applies when Christ says “In My Name“.
We have established that The Word, Truth, Divine Love, and the Laws of Creation cannot be separated (ref. “What The Word Is, Part 2: Truth“), and that they are universal manifestations of God.
If Christ is a Part of God, then He is not a mere person. He embodies these eternal realities. 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.
So to build a personal relationship with Christ does not involve “person-to-person familiarity” with Christ, as is the case in our human relationships. Rather, it 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 to live according to Love, which is equivalent to obeying God’s Will, which is equivalent to obeying the Laws of Creation.
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Such a decision and resulting lifestyle automatically connects the human spirit to The Word, whether he is conscious of it or not. It is a spiritual matter, not a religious one.
The name “Jesus”
Christ, as a Part of God, existed before human beings and human names came into existence. So we should not conflate the human name “Jesus” and His Being, His mission as the Christ, and Who He really Is.
The earthly name “Jesus” is a name that was and is borne by many people, then and now. If Christ’s parents had chosen to call Him by another name it would not change His Being or His Mission.
Therefore the idea that “In Jesus’ name” means uttering the word “Jesus” as some sort of mantra or prayer is wrong. Christ was referring to the eternal 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.
This is not say that there is something “wrong” with using the name Jesus as a sort of “bridge” or help to greater concentration and focus in prayer. But it is important to keep it in context.
“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 cannot be “In Jesus’ 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.
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