The Unshakable Foundation: Understanding the Believer's Authority in Christ

As a believer, have you ever felt like you're fighting a losing battle against spiritual forces? Do you wonder why you still feel oppressed or bound by cycles of sin, even after dedicating your life to Christ? The truth is, the Lord has not left you defenseless. He has already secured the victory for you and has given you the authority to enforce it.

For years, I've had the honor of walking with men and women on their journey to freedom. In this work, I've seen firsthand how an understanding of spiritual authority is not just a theological concept—it is the very key to a liberated and victorious life. My training with ministers like Bob Larson and others has been invaluable, but the most important lesson I’ve ever learned is this: we are merely conduits for the Lord’s power. He is the one who saves, heals, and delivers. Our role is to simply step into the authority He has already given us.

What is Spiritual Authority?

In simple terms, spiritual authority is the power and right to act in the spiritual realm on behalf of Jesus Christ. Think of it like a police officer's badge. The officer doesn't have the power to arrest someone on their own; their authority comes from the government they represent. In the same way, we don't have authority in ourselves, but it is given to us by Jesus, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18).

This authority is not reserved for a select few "super-Christians." It is a foundational part of our inheritance as children of God. Luke 10:19 tells us, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you.” This promise is for every born-again believer.

How Do We Walk in This Authority?

1. Know Your Identity in Christ: Your authority is directly tied to your position in Christ. When you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you were transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. You are no longer a victim; you are a victor. The enemy no longer has legal ground to trespass in your life.

2. Speak the Word of God: Jesus Himself demonstrated this. When tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He didn’t use His own words or wisdom; He simply declared, “It is written…” and quoted Scripture. The Word of God is our most powerful weapon. When we speak it out loud, we are releasing the authority of the King of Kings.

3. Be Fully Dependent on the Lord: Our power comes not from our own strength, but from our intimate relationship with God. The most effective ministers of deliverance and discipleship are not the ones with the most training, but the ones with the deepest dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must constantly be connected to the Vine, allowing His power to flow through us.

A Life of Freedom and Victory

Walking in your spiritual authority is not about being aggressive or prideful. It's about being secure in your identity and confidently enforcing the finished work of the cross. The enemy is a liar and a deceiver, but he has no authority over you. By humbly submitting to the Lord and resisting the devil, he will flee from you (James 4:7).

True freedom is not just deliverance from a demonic spirit; it's a daily walk where you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in the fullness of Christ. This is your birthright. It's time to rise up and walk in the authority that God has already given you.