The Authority of the Believers: Walking in Divine Power
In the life of a Christian, authority given by Christ is a vital component of living victoriously and fulfilling God's will on earth. Understanding this authority, its basis, and its implications empowers believers to resist evil, spread the gospel, and enforce God’s Kingdom on earth. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the authority of believers, its foundation, and how we are to walk in it with full scriptural support from the KJV.
1. The Source of Authority: Jesus Christ
The authority believers possess originates from Jesus Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus, having conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection, has been exalted to a position of supreme authority. He then delegated His authority to believers.
- Matthew 28:18-20: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
- Ephesians 1:19-22: “…according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet…”
2. The Position of Believers: Seated with Christ
Believers share in Christ’s authority through their union with Him. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers are "seated" with Christ in heavenly places, indicating a position of spiritual authority alongside Christ.
- Ephesians 2:4-6: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Being seated with Christ signifies that we operate from a place of victory and authority. It is not in our strength but through the power and authority of Christ that we are enabled to rule over spiritual forces.
3. Power over the Enemy
Jesus granted believers power over all the power of the enemy. This authority enables believers to stand against Satan and his works, resist temptation, and cast out demonic influences.
- Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
- James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This authority isn’t merely defensive but offensive. Believers are to exercise dominion by standing firm against evil influences and proclaiming Christ's victory over darkness.
4. Authority to Bind and Loose
Christ also gave believers authority to bind and loose, empowering them to affect spiritual realities through faith, prayer, and the Word of God.
- Matthew 16:19: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
- Matthew 18:18: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Through this authority, believers can forbid (bind) or permit (loose) situations according to God’s will. For example, they can bind demonic activity and loose God’s peace in their homes and communities.
5. Authority in Prayer and Proclamation
The believer’s authority is activated through faith-filled prayer and the declaration of God’s Word. Jesus encouraged His disciples to have faith in their words when they pray.
- Mark 11:22-24: “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
- John 14:12-14: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
This passage shows that prayer is a powerful way for believers to exercise their authority, aligning their words and requests with God’s will.
6. Authority through the Name of Jesus
The Name of Jesus represents His authority and power. Believers have the right to use His Name, which carries authority in the spiritual realm.
- Philippians 2:9-11: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
- Acts 3:6, 16: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. … And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong…”
In the Name of Jesus, believers are empowered to heal, deliver, and overcome all the works of the enemy, reinforcing Christ’s victory.
7. Living under Divine Authority
Finally, exercising authority as a believer requires submission to God. Authority flows from obedience and alignment with God’s purposes. As believers live under God’s authority, they are empowered to carry out His will on earth.
- 1 John 5:14-15: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
- 1 Peter 5:6-9: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith…”
Conclusion
The authority of believers is a divine gift meant for exercising dominion, bringing God’s Kingdom on earth, and standing against the powers of darkness. Through Jesus, believers have authority to act in His Name, pray in faith, resist the enemy, and declare God’s promises. This authority is not a power of our own but flows from our union with Christ, seated with Him in heavenly places and empowered by His Spirit. As we submit to God and walk in this authority, we fulfill our role as His representatives, demonstrating His power and advancing His Kingdom.
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