Silence Isn’t Enough: Why We Must Speak the Name of Jesus

Infants and Spiritual Blindness

Infants, being incapable of communicating their needs, rely entirely on their parents for sustenance and care. It is the parent’s responsibility to understand and provide for the child’s needs. The child, in turn, must accept the resources given to preserve their life. This dynamic reflects the state of those who do not know Jesus. However, scripture paints an even starker picture: those without Christ are not merely infants; they are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Their need is far greater because they are utterly dependent on the saving work of Christ to be brought to life.

Consider this: if I engage in an activity without explaining my reasons, do you truly know me? No, you only observe my actions, which could be misinterpreted. A stranger can watch me work without ever encountering the person behind the task. Similarly, people may witness acts of charity, morality, or kindness without ever knowing the true reason behind them—Jesus. This is why the gospel must be shared explicitly.

The Power of Jesus' Name

In Acts 4:18, Peter and John are commanded by religious leaders to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Notice that the leaders do not object to their acts of healing or kindness—they specifically reject the preaching of Jesus' name. Why? Because there is power in His name. Jesus’ name represents a direct challenge to their spiritual blindness and their authority. This rejection mirrors the resistance many face today when proclaiming the gospel in His name.

Modern Christians often fall into a similar trap. We engage in acts of kindness, healing, and service, yet shy away from openly declaring the name of Jesus. Organizations and individuals may perform good works inspired by Christian values, but they omit the essential truth—that Jesus is the source of all goodness. By doing so, we miss the mark. If the name of Jesus is not proclaimed, we rob God of His glory and deprive others of knowing the true reason behind these acts of love.

The Necessity of Proclaiming the Gospel

Romans 1 tells us that God’s existence and divine nature are clearly visible through creation. This affirms that everyone can see evidence of a Creator. But this general revelation does not reveal how to come to God. Salvation is not found through observing nature; it is found through hearing and believing the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.

Romans 10:14-17 emphasizes this truth: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The gospel message is not communicated by nature alone. It must be proclaimed, with the name of Jesus and His sacrificial death for our sins being at the center of that proclamation.

If we are called to confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9), it is clear that the spoken message is essential. Simply living morally or doing good works without explicitly sharing the gospel will not lead others to salvation. People need to hear the name of Jesus and understand what He has done to be saved.