Continuing His sermon series, “Returning to the Cross,” Dr. Evans’ new message focuses on “The Authority of the Cross” as he explains Paul’s prayer for the Christians at Ephesus and its relevance for the modern Christian. The truths contained in this prayer are precious treasures that, when fully grasped, will greatly affect the lives of believers. Understanding the authority of the cross will change the way we live.
The cross nullifies the authority of Satan and his emissaries. Colossians 2:13 -15 explains that the cross of Christ removed from Satan and his emissaries the authority to blackmail Christians because of their sins. Verse 14 refers to these sins as a “certificate of debt.” In Roman times, a certificate of debt listed the crimes of an individual to explain the reason for imprisonment. Likewise, Satan used the spiritual certificate of debt, sins, to hold captive men and women. However, the cross of Christ erased the certificate of debt against Christians. Thereby, Christ cancelled out the authority of the evil one over us. Now, Christians are under the authority of Christ and able to receive the benefits of His authority. What are the benefits of being under the authority of Christ?
The cross grants Christians the authority to access the power of God for our present lives. God presently directs awesome power toward Christians. Only believers have the authority to access His power because of the cross. As believers, we should have testimonies of God’s mighty power working in our lives. Those who do not have testimonies have not taken the opportunity to access God’s great power. How surpassingly great is God’s power toward the Christian? This potentially divine power is able to overcome any resistance from Satan, his emissaries, or other forces of this world. God has already demonstrated it on three previous occasions in Christ. First, God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him on His right hand in heaven. Second, He subjected all things to Jesus Christ. Third, God made Jesus the leader of the church.
Christ’s supreme authority grants Christians reassurance for living. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, God resurrected and highly exalted Him. In Christ’s exaltation, God subjected all other authorities, including angelic, satanic, and human ones, to Him. This subjection not only lasts for the current age but also extends to the future age. Authority refers to the right to use the power one possesses. We, as believers, can rejoice because of Christ’s authority. Because Christ has supreme authority, he has the last word about the events in our lives regardless of other authorities that are present; therefore, we can praise Him even in negative circumstances. Additionally, the most astounding truth is the fact that we as believers are able to share in Christ’s authority (Ephesians 2:6).
Through His work on the cross, Christ has gained supreme authority over all angelic, satanic, and human realms. Christ’s victories on the cross and over the grave have granted Christians access to the superior power of God for daily living. Additionally, He has shared his authority with Christians by allowing them to be seated with Him in heavenly places. These powerful truths grant the believer hope for today and the future.
