📖 Biblical Definition
The name of Jesus is not merely a label but the revelation of His person, work, and authority. In Scripture, to act "in the name of Jesus" means to act under His authority and in accordance with His character. God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (Philippians 2:9-11). There is salvation in no other name under heaven (Acts 4:12). Baptism, prayer, healing, casting out demons, and the proclamation of the gospel all operate in and through the name of Jesus — not as a magic formula, but as an invocation of the living authority of the risen Christ.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
JESUS: The Savior; the name of the Son of God.
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JESUS, n. The Savior of men; Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The name signifies Savior. Webster understood the name of Jesus as inseparable from His office as Redeemer — not an abstract religious concept but the personal name of the incarnate God who saves His people from their sins.
📖 Key Scripture
• Philippians 2:9-11 — "God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name."
• Acts 4:12 — "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
• Matthew 1:21 — "Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
• John 14:13-14 — "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
• Colossians 3:17 — "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The name of Jesus has been stripped of its exclusive saving authority and treated as one name among many.
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Pluralism and interfaith theology deny the exclusivity of the name of Jesus. The claim that "all paths lead to God" directly contradicts Acts 4:12. Word-of-faith movements reduce the name of Jesus to a formula for material gain — a magic word that forces God's hand rather than an appeal to His sovereign authority. Meanwhile, cultural Christianity uses the name casually, as an expletive or a brand identity, draining it of its power and holiness. The name that demons tremble at has been made a bumper sticker.
Usage
• "There is no salvation in any other name — not Buddha, not Muhammad, not human philosophy. Only the name of Jesus saves."
• "To pray in Jesus' name is not a closing formula; it is a declaration that you come under His authority and according to His will."