Are we Saved in the Name of Jesus Christ?

1). Neither Is Salvation in Any Other Name

We know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. He saves you and me. Yet, most of the people are not saved. So, how to be saved? Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Preachers pick up this verse and preach that salvation is in the name of Jesus. Christians may chant his name, but others won't. Even, every Christian may not chant his name. So, if salvation is in his name, these people are not saved. Let us look at the context. "10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." In this context, the name Jesus Christ, and being saved; refers to "this man stand here before you whole." So, the lame man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ. It was not eternal salvation, but it was healing, or it was a miracle. We must not exploit the language to preach that eternal salvation is in his name. It is deception.

2). In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk.

Preachers misrepresent scriptures. In Acts 3, the entire chapter describes a situation where Peter and John went to the temple and healed a man who was born crippled. After he was healed, the man ran around the temple praising God, and people were amazed. This has nothing to do with salvation of souls. In its context, Apostle Peter used the authority given to him by Jesus, that is, "in the name of Jesus Christ" he healed. Peter says in Acts 3: "6) Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7) And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." So, it is physical healing. But preachers, using verse 12, preach that there is salvation only to Christians since we base our salvation on the name Jesus Christ, and non-Christians will not have eternal salvation since they will not use the name of Jesus Christ. I am not trying to take non-Christians to heaven. My point is, why do we twist and exploit the word of God to preach that non-Christians will not go, and every religious Christian will go to heaven? If the word of God says it, preach it; but if we twist the word of God, we will go to hell. Preach just what the bible says. "James 3:1 says, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." We must know that we will receive greater condemnation, if we teach the bible with mistakes.

3). By what power, by what name, have ye done this?

Chapter four explains that, because the people were so excited, the priests and Sadducees took Peter and John, laid hands on them, and put them in jail. The next day, the authorities questioned Peter and John. Their reply is in Acts 4: "7) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." The priests and Sadducees were specific, and asked "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said that the lame man was healed by the power and the authority that was given by Jesus Christ. Every preacher knows this passage. Knowing its context, then, why do they preach that the name is for eternal salvation? Further, many preachers pretend as if they are also given power to heal and to do such things; what all they must do is, use the name of Jesus Christ. They venture to do such things; they put themselves to shame; and bring shame to the name of Jesus Christ also. They must stop doing such nonsense.  

4). Study the wholesome word of God. Love and fear God.