What Authority Does The Christian Have? [The Believer’s Authority]

Authority And Power

“Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you….” Matthew 28:18-20 CEV

How Authority Works

Have you ever seen a traffic police officer pleading with road users to comply with traffic rules? No, he doesn’t beg people to obey; all he does is lift his hands, and give the signals, and they’re obeyed.

In reality, it’s not the man who’s being obeyed, but the authority backing him.

This throws some light on what authority means. Authority is the right to exercise power. This also answers the common question “Are authority and power the same?”

The confidence you exude depends on the authority that’s back of you. Jesus said “… I have been given all authority (not some) in heaven and on earth!”(Matthew 28:18 CEV).

He’s the only person in the entire universe ever to have made such audacious declarations!

None of the religious leaders that walked this earth before, or after Him, could dare speak with such authority and audacity.

Authority And Responsibility

Now, think about this: Jesus Christ—the King of kings and Lord of lords—has given you His authority.

Just imagine the magnitude of power you wield, having been sent in His Name and with His authority, to disciple all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).

You’re not serving a dead Lord, but One who was raised from the dead, and declared by God to be His Son with power (Romans 1:4).

Firstly, He’s got all authority in heaven, on earth, and under the earth! Secondly, He has given it to you.

So be never ashamed of Him; always be quick to identify with Him and speak of Him.

Proclaim His Name boldly, because you know He’s the Boss!

Follow-Up References

1 Chronicles 29:11, Romans 14:11

Prayer

I’m no ordinary person. I’ve been sent to preach the Gospel to everyone with all authority and power.

Therefore, I walk in dominion everywhere I go today, speaking boldly of Him because I know who He is. As He is, so am I in this world! Amen!