The Believer’s Authority: A Biblical Perspective
While some charismatic circles exaggerate Christian authority into a tool for personal empowerment, Scripture presents a more nuanced view – authority exercised under Christ’s lordship for gospel advancement and spiritual warfare.
The Foundation of True Authority
- Rooted in Submission – All authority begins under God’s sovereignty (Luke 17:10)
- Modeled by Christ – Jesus demonstrated perfect submission (John 5:30; Luke 22:42)
- Hierarchical Reality – God establishes various earthly authorities (Ephesians 5:22-6:1; Romans 13:1-7)
Proper Scope of Believer’s Authority
| Authority Given | Biblical Basis | Proper Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| Evangelistic Mandate | Matthew 28:18-20 | Making disciples under Christ’s authority |
| Spiritual Adoption | John 1:12 | Living as God’s children, not claiming divine prerogatives |
| Access to Grace | Hebrews 4:16 | Approaching God with confidence yet reverence |
| Spiritual Warfare | Ephesians 6:10-18 | Resisting devil through Christ’s power, not personal authority |
Correcting Charismatic Misunderstandings
- Miracles – God’s sovereign acts, not human authority (Acts 3:12-16)
- Wealth – Stewardship of resources, not guaranteed prosperity (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
- Health – God’s healing power, not human claiming (James 5:13-16)
- Spoken Word – Prayerful petitions, not creative declarations (Matthew 6:9-13)
The Heart of Biblical Authority
- Servant Identity – “Unworthy servants” doing our duty (Luke 17:10)
- Christ-Centeredness – Boasting only in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17)
- Eternal Perspective – Authority exercised for kingdom purposes
- Spiritual Maturity – Growing in responsible stewardship of divine privileges
Walking in Humble Authority
True spiritual authority never elevates the believer but always points to Christ. As we embrace our God-given privileges while remaining under His sovereign lordship, we avoid both the excesses of hyper-charismatic teaching and the impotence of powerless religion. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20) – power that flows from surrendered lives.
