2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part II

What’s Your Name?

“…who are called by My name…”

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was specifically known as God’s people. The phrase “who are called by my name” is literally rendered “upon whom My name is called”, and is used to signify ownership. (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) The New English Translation has it like this: “If My people who belong to me…” So then, revival comes when the people who belong to God repent and come into a right relationship with Him.

Believers today need to understand and apply the same truth to their lives as well. If you are saved, you do not belong to yourself anymore. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know…you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price…”

In fact, we are still “called by His name”. The name Christian is only used three times in the New Testament, but by the middle of the first century it was commonly used in Rome, and soon throughout the entire empire as a derogatory term for followers of Jesus. “I am a Christian” became the triumphant confession of many second century martyrs who joyfully proclaimed their loyalty to Jesus as they died for their faith.

We casually say we are Christians, but we need to remember the name means we are ‘followers of Christ’ - WE BELONG TO HIM. Being called a Christian may no longer qualify someone to be a martyr, but it should not be a religious brand name we wear like a designer shirt either. The name reminds us of the one we follow…the one who died for us…the one to whom we belong.

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