Added to the Church

Where is your name known?

There have been some big names of man in history, such as Rockefeller, Einstein, and Monroe, but is their name known in Heaven? When I see their names, I think of riches or popularity. How tempting it is to acquire a name to be registered in the halls of fame. Think back to the last time you witnessed your name up in lights or flashing across the television sets. If you are anything like this writer, that time has not yet come. As this soul lives today, this name may not be registered in the walk of fame set in cement but registered and known in heaven. “(T)o the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb 12:23 NKJV). This name given by our parents can be among the names registered in heaven. It may not be lit up in neon lights, engraved in a star of bronze, carrying with it the thoughts of riches or popularity, but it is a name that is pleasing to Him, and it is my name.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

There is another powerful yet simple name that may not be draped over all the signs and buildings. This simple name might be unknown here by many, but it is known forever in Heaven. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil 2:9). Who is Him, you might ask? What is His name? “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). What an amazing name! What is the power behind this name? “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ is this name which has brought to us salvation.

Giving Our Names Life

It is the name of Jesus Christ that gives our names life. This new name you might share with me. One carried by few. It is a name that can be seen in the young or the old alike, the rich and the poor, man or woman. It is worn by some all over the globe, regardless of ethnicity. This name was given to me not at my first birth but at the second. A name only given by God. This name is the name we are called, Christian (Acts 11:26).

As a Christian, Jesus Christ is the name to whom we are married, and His name is what we shall bear. Resulting in a register higher than any other, and it is there you will find our name spelled out alongside His. We may be unknown here but known in Heaven.