Musick-al note # 281
Concerning the name that followers of Christ should wear, we believe the New Testament was given to guide us in all truth and gives us all that we need to live so that we might please God. We find that Peter said in 2 Peter 1:3 “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” Paul also told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We need nothing more than what has been given to us and in the New Testament we find our pattern for everything that we do. This includes the name which we wear. It was prophesied in Isaiah 62:2, “You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.” This new name was the name Christian and in Acts 11:26, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” After hearing Paul preach, King Agrippa said, “You almost persuade me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28). Peter said in regard to suffering (1 Peter 4:16), “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.” We ought to wear the name Christian and no other. The wearing of other names came into being with the onset of denominationalism which required each sect to keep itself distinguished from others. Sometimes men will use a hyphenated name for this purpose such as Anglican-Christians but this does not bring honor to Christ alone. Peter said we are saved in the name of Christ in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Paul said we are to do “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17. If we realize that our Savior is Jesus Christ and we have Him as our advocate with the Father, why would we desire to wear any other name religiously than His name which the Father has given that we might exalt Him. That name is “Christian”.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 