Read: Acts 3:1-11 NLT – Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar – Peter – Bible Gateway
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NLT
What’s in a name? Well, that depends on whose name it is. Reference to someone’s name will bring a visual picture of them to your mind. Names of well-known people will draw up images both good and bad as to their character, and their achievements or non-achievements. Being associated with a name will likely put you in the same boat of the name in question. It’s called ‘guilty by association.’ So, it is wise to keep our name free from scandals and from associations with those whose names recall bad images.
What about the name of Christ? Luke writes in the book of Acts, “God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (4:12 nlt) His name, Jesus Christ, is the only way of salvation and assurance of heaven after this life. Being associated with that name would be a good thing, and I trust that you are. However, there are people who would disagree that the name of Jesus is the only way to heaven, which puts Christians in a bad light being associated with Jesus’ name. Jesus, Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) Being associated with Jesus may tarnish your name a bit if you’re totally committed to Him and His Words.
But where are we to go as Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn.6:68-69 nlt) Peter held fast and stayed true being associated with the name of Jesus as we see in our reading today in Acts 3. It was in the name of Jesus, Peter was able to heal the lame man, and it is the same name of Jesus that is the only name able to heal our sin sick soul unto eternal life through faith in Him. It’s OK to be guilty by association in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the name by which we must be saved.
Word for the Soul 