That ONE name

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:4-7)

Made his heir - I don't know how you feel about what you have 'inherited' in Christ Jesus, but it makes me feel pretty doggone great! It isn't monetary, or physical property, but what we have inherited in Christ Jesus is so much more valuable than anything else. Eternal life, being made right with God, that is what really matters and it is a gift we receive as a child of the King of Kings. Freedom is paid for with a price. That has been the 'mode of operation' since the beginning of time. There is no freedom without a price being given for that freedom. Christ's gift to us - his life. The price that was paid - his life. God's gift to us - freedom as adopted kids of the King. A slave can be treated well, made to feel like part of the family, but are they really? Nope! They are still bondsmen! As a slave to sin, we know no true freedom but are held as bondsmen to that sin nature. As a child of God, we enter into true freedom - adoption does more than 'give us a family' - it makes us a true member of the family once and for all time. We can 'live with' a family, but are we truly part of that family apart from adoption taking place? Not really. We may be treated well, enjoying the benefits of the 'family life', but we don't bear their name, do we?

What does a name matter? It does if that name is Jesus! Scripture tells us: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

In him all things were created, remain, and will continue into all of eternity. That is why our NEW name matters! We are made new, reconciled with God, and have all the authority that is found in that ONE NAME - Jesus Christ. If you ever thought it didn't matter to bear the name of Christ, think again! It is the one name that says it all, does it all, and exists above all. Just sayin!