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It is quite interesting to listen to the feeble attempts to justify those
things for which men have no authority. It would seem that once we have
decided to embark upon a certain course, that reason is thrown to the wind,
and common sense is ignored. Names are important, and there is
something in a name. If you doubt that for a minute, why not try cashing
a check made out to someone other than yourself. How much success do you
suppose you would have borrowing money from a bank if you refused to sign
with your legal name?
Why, then, do we assume that when it comes to religion we can attach any name we select to identify the church of our Lord? It is His church (Matt. 16:16-18), He paid the price (Acts 20:28), and it is His followers, and only His followers, that will be saved. We are told that there is "neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The God given name for His people, as well as that soul saving institution, the church, is extremely important. Would to God that names devised by human beings forever cease, and His name be glorified. Let us wear the name of Christ only. If you have heard that there is nothing in a name, don't you believe it for a second. The Bible tells us that the disciples were called "Christians" first in Antioch. Why can we not be satisfied with the name provided by God, and glorify God in that name? Look at 1 Pet. 4:16 and tell me again, "There's Nothing In A Name"! Think about it! |