Do we have the same Authority same as Christ?
Some preachers wrongly teach that “Authority” is the portion of every believer, and is an inherent right of a child of God.
Where does this idea come from? It stems from a misinterpretation of John 1:12, which speaks about our relationship with Christ as His children. Some wrongly twist this to mean that we are given the same authority as Christ to exercise in our lives.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
The idea that we can do everything Christ did has been taught by teachers of the “little god’s doctrine” that elevates humans to the status of little gods.
Some people believe today’s believers should have the same authority as Christ because demons are still prevalent in the world just as they were during Jesus’ time. While that may well be true, the manifestations of demons during Jesus’ time were unusually evident in order for Christ to demonstrate His messianic claims.
But are we to continue in the same power encounters as Christ? No we aren’t. In fact, the number of references to “demons” and “evil unclean spirits” in the Bible progressively decreased since Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Here are some statistics to consider:
Demons ~ mentioned “67” times in the four gospels, “7” times in the Epistles, and “3” times in Revelation.
Evil Unclean Spirit ~ mentioned “23” times in the four gospels, “13” times in the book of Acts, “3” times in the epistles and “3” times in the book of revelation.
So we have a total of 90 mentions in the four gospel accounts and 30 times in the rest of the new testament scriptures. Even in the 30 times it is mentioned in the Epistles, there is no instruction given on how to deal with demonic activity and whether it was expected to be normal.
While Jesus is our example of many things, such as His character, integrity, endurance to sin & temptation, suffering silently under injustice and entrusting Himself to God the Father in the midst of suffering.
Nowhere do we read in the scriptures that since Jesus cast out demons we should go and do likewise, or since Jesus confronted the devil we should do likewise, or since Jesus performed miracles we should also do likewise.
We are instead told that Jesus endured injustice and suffering without reviling and cursing His oppressors ~ He is our example and we should do likewise.
1 Peter 2:21-25 (NKJV)
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Likewise, there are many other instances where Christ is given as our prime example. He taught us how to forgive those who wrong us, how to love sacrificially, how to pray fervently, and how to endure hardships for the glory of God. His life was not just an example of power encounters with demons, but a model of godliness, obedience, and unwavering trust in God through trials and tribulations.
It is vital to remember that the authority of Christ is unparalleled and cannot be fully replicated. Instead, we are called to reflect His character, live according to His teachings, and trust in God’s sovereignty over all things.