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Answer
The believer’s authority is based on their commission to serve the Lord. When we align with God’s plan, we can act confidently, knowing we are following the right path and that the Holy Spirit is working within us and through us. Some ministries overemphasize the believer’s authority in a way that is unhealthy and not supported by the Bible. It is more beneficial to remember the humility we are called to (Titus 3:1-2;James 3:13). Even Paul, despite having genuine authority as an apostle, did not always assert it: “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you out of love” (Philemon 1:8-9).
Before discussing what falls under the believer’s authority, it is crucial to recognize that believers are ultimately under authority. “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords” «who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,» (1 Timothy 6:15). Jesus also reminds us, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty'” «So likewise, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’», (Luke 17:10). The believer’s life is characterized by complete reliance on God, as exemplified by the Son of Man in Luke 22:42 and John 5:30.
God has established authorities in this world to govern under His leadership. Parents have aAuthority over their children «Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. », (Ephesians 6:1). Husbands have authority over their wives (Ephesians 5:22-24). Kings have authority over their subjects (Romans 13:1-7). The apostles had authority over the church (Acts 4:34-35;Philemon 1:3).
Some people use the Great Commission to teach the believer’s authority: “Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’” (Matthew 28:18-20). However, the authority in the passage clearly belongs to Jesus. He claims “all authority” and then instructs those under His authority what to do. According to the Great Commission, believers only possess the authority to go into all the world, make disciples, baptize in the name of the Triune God, and teach Jesus’ commands. When exercising this authority, the believer is simply obeying orders.
In addition to the authority to share the gospel, the believer’s authority includes the right to be called a child of God «But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: », (John 1:12) and the authority to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” «Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. », (Hebrews 4:16).
To obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). In all things, we remember that Christ is the Lord. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17).
Some Christians get confused about the authority of the believer because they take verses out of context. For example, Matthew 10:1 says, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Some individuals claim authority over demons and sickness based on this verse, overlooking the fact that Jesus was addressing a specific group of people (“his twelve disciples”) for a particular ministry period. Others assert they have apostolic gifts, claiming the same authority as Peter or Paul for themselves. Some people assert authority for the believer based on Old Testament promises to Joshua “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” (Joshua 1:3), Gideon “And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.” (Judges 6:23), or Israel (Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:10)—once again, by taking verses out of context. Other believers claim authority based on Mark 16:17–18, even though that part of Mark’s gospel is a later addition and not original.
Paul encouraged Titus to teach the Scripture boldly, with authority “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:15).(Titus 2:15). As believers serve one another and the Lord, they should do so with confidence and the authority that comes from knowing they are doing God’s work: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” «If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. », (1 Peter 4:11).
The authority of the believer comes from God and God’s Word. As we are God’s ambassadors, we can speak with His authority as we share His Word, appealing to the world on behalf of Christ «Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. », (2 Corinthians 5:20). We wield the sword of the Spirit, a mighty weapon forged by God for our use «And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: », (Ephesians 6:17).
