HAVING RESULTS WITH THE NAME OF JESUS IS NOT A GUARANTEE

By Gavin Aleogho

A beloved brother asked me this question: “If the scriptures in Acts 1:8 says that we would received power after that the Holy Ghost comes upon us…, how come we have some individuals in Mark 9:38-40 and even the Apostles in Luke 10:17 who cast out demons in the name of Jesus. And this was before the death of Jesus Christ”?

I helped him to understand that even before or after the Holy Spirit was given to the Church, there was a provision available by which anyone could invoke the power of God in any situation through calling on the name of Jesus Christ.

As it is written: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord (Jesus) shall be saved” Acts 2:21.

While the coming of the Holy Spirit is to enable believers in Christ Jesus to effectively do the work of witnessing as seen in Acts 1:8, the name of Jesus is available to all for salvation.

This implies that anybody can experience the saving power of God not just for salvation but for any situation, simply by calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is why we have testimonies of unbelievers like Muslims, atheist and traditionalist who were saved from danger simply by calling on the name of Jesus. Nevertheless, the fact that the name “Jesus” saved or helped them does not imply that they have a good standing with God.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23 that: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord (Jesus), Lord (Jesus), have we not prophesied in thy name (Jesus)? and in thy name (Jesus) have cast out devils? and in thy name (Jesus) done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

What are the lessons here?

1. The name of Jesus will work for anybody who believes in it.
2. The fact that the name of Jesus is working for you doesn’t mean that Jesus knows you.
3. You can be having result with the name of Jesus yet still be living in sin.
4. You can have results with the name of Jesus and still go to hell fire.
5. The fact that “ministers” of the gospel are doing great miracles in the name of Jesus does not mean they are known of God.
6. It is better to be without iniquity than to seek for only temporal results with the name of Jesus.

Take advantage of this great name of Jesus Christ, but most importantly, have a personal relationship with Him; only then can you experience the full packages of God and also be guaranteed of eternal life.