This is undoubtedly one of the most uttered parts of sentences in so-called neo-evangelical or Pentecostal circles.
Speaking in someone's name presupposes one of the following two things: either that one is invested with their authority (at this moment one is addressing one's "inferiors") or that one is invested of his legitimacy (at that moment we are addressing people with whom he benefits from a privileged relationship). This is why we can on the one hand address evil spirits and all creation in the name of Jesus, and on the other hand we can address the Almighty God in his Name. This is also what we observe in our human relationships where a man can, on the one hand, take actions in the name of the law, and even mandate someone else to do so in his name; but on the other hand also when we often ask a loved one to provide a service to a third person, we very generally ask that they do it on our behalf. However, the difference in the latter case with Christ is that there we ask for a favor in our name, while Christ asks his Father for Justice in his Name, because He the Christ, He the Holy One has made Himself our Justice.
THE MANDATE
Once this reminder has been made, allow us to recall an episode from the life of the first disciples:
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?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
When reading this passage, we feel relieved and say to ourselves: “fortunately, God will not allow charlatans to use his Name, this would be of great harm to his Church.” Indeed, it would be a real shame for authentic followers of Christ to be diverted by false servants of God using his name, without being authorized to do so. Because there is indeed an illegitimate use of the beautiful name of Christ, just as there is an illegitimate use of earthly authorities. And if we can rejoice that sometimes, when this is the case, God allows the usurper to be unmasked; However, we must be aware of one fact: this is not always the case!
AND HOWEVER, IT SEEMED TO WORK
Unfortunately, it also happens that people not only deceive themselves and even more so mislead those who follow them, by using, without legitimacy or mandate, the name of Christ. Let’s read this extract together:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 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.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
This is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling, but above all salutary, warnings that Christ gave us: someone can not only believe themselves a child of God, but also a servant of God, because blinded by supposed miracles performed in the name of Christ, and yet be lost! Certainly if such men put themselves in dispute with Christ during the judgment, it is because they believed they were authentic servants of God; but God's warning is clear: to be his child is to build on the Rock, on His Word.
No matter how much you feel that God manifests Himself every time you speak in His name, my brother, my sister, never forget it, it will never be a guarantee that you are indeed His child, much less his servant. Together let us reassure ourselves daily to build on the Rock, on his Word, fleeing far from any form of iniquity. Let us be open to the voice of His Holy Spirit, and if there is any duplicity or critical ignorance in our lives, then He will enlighten us; but let us never forget it; service will never be our testimony; with men it could be, but never with God!
I am speaking to myself, and to all those who want to watch over their souls!
In Christ Jesus!
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