Originally Posted by CaveBear
From studying Scripture, I have come to the conclusion that when the Bible says we are to pray "in Jesus name", it is referring to the Holy Spirit whom the Father sent in Jesus name (John 14:26).

"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." (John 16:24)

This verse makes perfect sense because the Holy Spirit had not come yet.

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment" (Galatians 3:27)

Again, the Holy Spirit is referred to here, which is Living Water.

In my experience, I find so few Christians that actually understand this, provided I'm not having a "private interpretation". I find it silly to tack on "In Jesus name we pray. Amen." to every prayer that one prays... This error (again, provided I'm not having a private interpretation) seems to stem exclusively from the misunderstanding of what "in Jesus name" truly means. If this is indeed true, I want to be of service to God and help edify the church regarding this matter, but I definitely don't want to mislead anyone, so if anyone could tell me if I'm on the right track here, I'd much appreciate it :-)
Well, here's the deal... grin

The Holy Spirit was first given to the Church as a corporate gathering of God's people ruled by Elders and served by Deacons, gifted from on high for the teaching and edification of the saints. Thus, it would be indeed extremely foolish, at best, to not consult the writings of those who have gone before us who we know have held the "faith once delivered to the saints", e.g., Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Melanchthon, Owen, Edwards, Spurgeon, etc., etc. And, one would be remiss if they didn't consult the official confessions and catechisms of the Church as well to read what they had to say on the matter. Given that truism and bit of accepted wisdom I am going to assume that you have done just that, correct? And having done so, you have found that your view was widely held in the past, correct? But for some odd reason, the modern Church has departed from that view and the evoking of "in Jesus name" is a rather new and novel invention and you are desirous of bringing the Church back to the right practice of the forefathers and thus evoke the name of the Holy Spirit and not Jesus, correct?

Looking forward to your response.

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simul iustus et peccator

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