The Three Key Words – Part 5

“Whatever you ask the Father in my name . . .” (John 16:23)

We are moving toward the conclusion of a six-part message on the three key words in prayer: “in Jesus’ name” and the six reasons why praying in Jesus’ name is the key component in the prayers we pray. So far we have seen that praying in Jesus’ name gives us access to God the Father and power in our prayers. We have also seen that the invitation to pray in Jesus’ name is a clear indication of how deep our Father’s love is for us, and on Monday we rejoiced in the assurance we have that praying in Jesus name brings glory to the Father, which pleases Him a great deal! Today we will look at the security that comes with praying in Jesus’ name.

Key #5 – Security

Praying in Jesus’ name is a constant reminder of the eternal security we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ, who said “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away” (John 16:1 ESV). The simplest way I know of communicating this biblical truth is this: Once His, always His! Every time we pray in Jesus’ name we are reminded that we are eternally secure in our right relationship with God. Satan cannot separate us from our Savior; even our sin cannot shipwreck our salvation. We have an eternal salvation security that is unaffected by anything in this world — not because of our faithfulness to God, but because of His faithfulness to us . . . in Jesus’ name.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

Jesus reminded His disciples to continue praying in His name because it would be a constant reminder of their eternal security when they would need it most. They were about to face incredible persecution for their faith in Jesus; many of them would die a martyr’s death. In order to hold fast to their faith in the face of terrible trials, they needed to be reminded that nothing in this life — not death nor their own wavering faith nor even their outright sin — could ever separate them from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let each prayer you pray “in Jesus’ name” be a constant reminder of the security you have — not because you have Jesus, but because Jesus holds you in His hand.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!