What does "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" signify in Ephesians 5:20? Context: Spirit-Filled Gratitude “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Signifies • Authority: we approach the Father under the full authority Jesus claimed after His resurrection (Matthew 28:18). • Mediation: He alone bridges the gap between a holy God and sinners (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16). • Alignment with His character: a “name” in Scripture represents the person; our gratitude must match His will and nature (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14). • Union with Christ: believers are “in Him,” so our thanksgiving flows from that union (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 2:6-7). • Confession of His lordship: every expression of thanks publicly acknowledges that “Jesus is Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11). • Worship focus: He is the focal point and conduit of all true praise (Hebrews 13:15). Why This Matters for Thanksgiving • Guards against vague or self-centered gratitude—our thanks is directed to the Father through the Son. • Keeps the gospel central; we remember the cross every time we give thanks. • Breeds humility; we stand before God only by grace, never by merit. • Unifies believers around a shared confession, regardless of background or culture. Related Passages That Echo the Phrase • Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” • John 14:13 “And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” • Acts 4:12 “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” • Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” Living the Truth Today • Begin prayers of thanks by consciously recalling Christ’s finished work. • Ask: “Does my gratitude reflect Jesus’ character and purposes?” • Offer thanks in all circumstances, trusting His sovereign authority (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Let verbal expressions of gratitude become a testimony to others of His lordship and grace. |
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