Knowing what authority is - a step on the journey

NORSK

The abuse of authority has done much damage in many churches. When the Salvation Army draws attention to accountability on all levels, the abuse of power is one of the areas where a framework is put in place for reducing the possibility of abuse to happen. However, an authority that springs from a love of God and people can fortunately be used for the purpose of something good and constructive:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matt 16:19

Peter had seen Jesus use authority in the best manner. He bound the evil forces and set free those who were bound by them. Jesus often spoke about power, and the power that was given to him:

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
John 17:2

I think it is this authority Jesus conveys to Peter. When I was interviewed for the article "Prayer of salvation" which will be published in Krigsropet # 18, Marit Dehli quotes me in this way:

When he prays the prayer of salvation with a seeker, he confirms for the person what has happened:
- “When you now have prayed, you have become a child of God. You are a disciple of Jesus”, I say. “The most important confirmation is the inner certainty that the Holy Spirit gives. This affirmation can come instantly or as a sunrise”.

Being able to provide such confirmations is an integral part of the authority that Jesus gives to his disciples. I want to use this kind of spiritual authority to build people up.

Today 'manna'

Spiritual authority is given for the purpose of affirmation

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