God's Authority

Once believers have a solid understanding of their identification and position in Christ, they will then know that they can stand in the Father presence without guilt, condemnation, unworthiness, shame or inferiority as well as stand and face Satan and his evil forces as triumphant victors; as more than conquerors. Once a believers knows these things, then they will understand and know the authority that has been given them to uphold and enforce what the Father accomplished through Christ. With this revelation knowledge believers will no long confess failure, weakness, doubt, fear or unbelief, but humbly stand by grace through faith in the power of His might in the face of any circumstance no matter how small or large it may seem.

The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) Therefore, living in the light of what God’s Word reveals as the believers new and true identification, position and authority, we see that it is based upon their faith in the integrity of God’s Word or put another way, not simply knowing facts about God, but  knowing God Himself. To know God is to know His will and to know His will is to know His Word for they are one and the same. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21)

In other words, Abraham completely apprehended the will of God. To Him, there was no question concerning God’s will. There are two things that arise from this; First, Abraham's faith prevented doubt, fear and unbelief to find place; second, this caused Abraham to be completely obedient to God. There can be no doubt, fear, unbelief and especially disobedience where true authority exists. Paul also tells us, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists (or rebels against) the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (Romans 13:1-4)

So, what is authority? It is God’s sovereign right to give commands, make decisions, have jurisdiction, have control, to take charge, or to rule over that which opposes or is contrary to His Will, that is, His Word. God’s throne is established on His authority, therefore, all of His acts issue from His throne. All physical laws of the universe are maintained by His authority; "God in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…" (Hebrews 1:2-3) God’s Word is His power from which emanates His authority. God's authority represents God Himself and His power is revealed by His acts. Look at the peoples response to Jesus teachings, "...for Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:29)

God alone is authority in all things. As we saw in Romans 13, all the authorities of the earth are instituted by God. Because God’s authority is such a tremendous thing in the universe, we need to understand that absolutely nothing overshadows it. Therefore, it is imperative for us who desire to serve God and build His kingdom, to know the authority of God and what it means to the church and every believer. Until next time, the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you...