Is there a proper way of calling on the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we call him "Jesus Christ", "Lord Jesus Christ", or simply "Jesus"? How must we address the Son of the Most High God?
After a nice prayer we commonly hear people say, "In Jesus Name". Sometimes people would add nice descriptive words like “In the sweet name of Jesus” or “In Jesus mighty name”.
In the New Testament gospels and epistles, all names and titles used of Jesus Christ represent the different relationships which are sustained by Him.
JESUS. The same name as the Hebrew “Jehoshua”, or the abbreviated form ‘Joshua’ (used in Heb. 4:8 / Acts 7:45), and means “the salvation of Jehovah” or Jehovah the Savior. The name ‘Jesus’ expresses the relation of Jehovah to Him in incarnation, by which “He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8); Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God”. The name ‘Jesus’ is the name associated with ‘humiliation’ which He endured in order to “save His People from their sins” (Matt 1:23).
His People never therefore never addressed Him as “Jesus”, but always as “Master” or “Lord” (Luke 6:46 / John 13:13, 14), and so should all His people today; not following the examples of demons (in Matt. 8:20), or His enemies, who irreverently called Him “Jesus”.
CHRIST. This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew ‘Mashiah’. ‘Christos’ has the same meaning, from ‘chrio’, to anoint. Hence, the noun is used of and for the Messiah, and in the Gospels should always be translated “Messiah”, as well as in the Acts, and sometimes in the later books of the New Testament.
JESUS CHRIST. In the combination of these two names, the former is emphatic by its position, the second being subsidiary and explanatory. In the Gospels it means “Jesus the Messiah”. In the Epistles, it means Jesus who humbled Himself but is now exalted and glorified as Christ. Care should be taken to note the various readings.
CHRIST JESUS. This is the converse of “Jesus Christ” and denotes the now exalted One, Who once humbled himself.
CHRIST THE LORD. This the Hebrew Mashiah Jehovah = Jehovah’s Anointed, as in 1 Samuel 24:6. It occurs only in Luke 2:11; The anointed of Jehovah, Luke 2:26. All names and titles used of Jesus Christ represent the different relationships. May all of human kind (saved or unsaved) address the Savior who now sits on High as "Lord Jesus Christ", in calling on him in prayer, or even when simply mentioning His name in conversation.
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What's in a Name?
Even dignitaries here on earth are given due respect as men of authority, with earthly titles or positions. When we address the president of any nation, we properly address them as “His Excellency”… or “Mr. President”. We mention the nicknames like “Bill" (for former president Bill Clinton) especially during relaxed conversation with friends --- but when standing in front of them or when writing an official/formal letter we don't address them by first name basis, we address them with the proper title of honor... we say "Mr. President" or in Asian countries “His Excellency”. Even ministers of the state or judges are addressed as “The Honorable” or as “Your Honor”.
Then, why must we give due respect and the same title of honor when addressing the Son of the Most High who now sits at the right hand of God? On earth, there have been many people named as “Jesus” --- some Christian parents even proudly name them as such in honor of the Lord. What would distinguish our Lord from the same people with the same name. Simply saying “Jesus” may mean any other person “Jesus” walking on earth.
So when calling on (or mentioning) the name of the Son of the Most High God should we not properly address Him as “Lord Jesus Christ”, to give Him the respect and honor which is rightfully due His position.
We hope that in the next time we approach the Lord’s presence in prayer, may we properly address the resurrected Lord, the Son of the Most High God, rightfully with all due respect... in honor and title, as “Our Lord Jesus Christ”. In ending our prayers, may we properly say … “This we pray in the name Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”, or “In The Name of Our Lord and Head Jesus Christ”, or the converse of it “In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen”.
Let us not follow the examples of demons (in Matt. 8:20), or His enemies, who irreverently called Him “Jesus”. Let’s approach Him with the right salutations, with proper exaltation. It is but just and right.
Peace be to all who call on the name of our Lord, Savior and Head Christ Jesus.
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