How are we to understand Jesus' command that baptism is "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28.19)? Gieschen explores the use of "the Name" in Scripture. On the surface, we may understand the use of the genitive case (which gives us the idea of "of" in English) to specify possession. This is the name possessed by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But Gieschen thinks the Scripture goes farther than that. He explores texts, beginning with Old Testament evidence and then moving to New Testament evidence indicating that where the divine name is used it always implies God's specific presence in power, coupled with God's intent to accomplish something.
Gieschen demonstrates convincingly that in Scripture, when the Name of God is applied to people, they are effectively sealed with his protection. This is particularly clear once we get to the book of Revelation, for instance, 3.12, 14.1, 22.4, and 7.2. God's seal indicates his protective care on his people. He also concludes that this idea of the application of God's name helps us understand uses of the "Name" in Matthew, for instance, 18.5, 18.20.
It appears from Scripture that God's name bears power and authority. It somehow seems appropriate that we realize God is able to work supernaturally through the means he chooses, which may include proclamation of his name as the name bearing his authority when used according to his promises.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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