What Is the Authority of the Believer?
The authority of the believer in Christ is one of the most powerful truths in the Christian faith — yet many Christians never fully walk in it. When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t just secure our salvation; He restored the spiritual authority that Adam lost in the Garden of Eden.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” — Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)
Immediately after declaring this, Jesus transferred that authority to His followers:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
This means believers have been commissioned to represent Christ, enforce His victory, and advance His Kingdom on earth. The authority we walk in is not our own — it is His divine power operating through us.
Your Position of Authority in Christ
Our authority is rooted in our position in Christ, not our performance. The Bible clearly states:
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)
As believers, we are spiritually seated with Christ — far above all principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 1:21). That means the devil and his forces are under our feet.
You don’t have to beg God to defeat the enemy — Jesus already did. Our job is to enforce that victory through faith and the Word of God.
The Power of the Name of Jesus
One of the greatest tools of spiritual authority given to believers is the Name of Jesus.
“In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:17–18
When you speak and pray in the Name of Jesus, it carries the same authority as if Jesus Himself were speaking. Demons tremble, sickness bows, and circumstances shift because that Name carries the full power of heaven.
However, authority isn’t about using Jesus’ Name as a magic phrase — it flows from relationship and revelation. The more you understand who you are in Him, the more effectively you will exercise the authority He’s given you.
How to Exercise Your Authority as a Believer
Knowing you have authority is the first step — but exercising that authority is where victory is won. Many Christians live defeated lives because they wait for God to do something He’s already empowered them to do.
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
That’s a command, not a suggestion. You resist — and the devil flees. Here’s how to walk in that authority daily:
1. Speak God’s Word – Declare Scripture over your circumstances. The Word of God is your weapon.
2. Use the Name of Jesus – Command sickness, fear, and oppression to go in His Name.
3. Stand in Faith – Don’t be moved by what you see; stand firm in what you believe.
4. Stay Submitted to God – True authority flows from obedience and alignment with Him.
The authority of the believer works through faith, not fear. The more you know the Word, the stronger your authority becomes.
Living in Victory Every Day
The authority of the believer is not just for casting out demons or praying for the sick — it’s for everyday life. You have authority over anxiety, temptation, confusion, and every attack of the enemy.
When you understand who you are in Christ, you stop seeing yourself as a victim and start living like a victor. You stop pleading for breakthrough and start commanding the enemy to release what’s already yours in Jesus.
“Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” — Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
You are not powerless. You carry divine authority through Christ. It’s time to rise up, speak boldly, and walk in the victory Jesus purchased for you.
Final Encouragement
You have authority in Christ — not because of who you are, but because of Whose you are. Every time you pray, declare the Word, and use the Name of Jesus, you are enforcing the victory of the cross.
Walk in confidence. Speak with boldness. Live with the awareness that heaven backs your words when you stand in faith.
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you — and with Him comes power, dominion, and authority.
