Believers’ Spiritual Seating and Shared Authority in Christ

Ephesians 1:19-23 reveals the immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward believers, demonstrated supremely in the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ. God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, placing Him above every name that is named. This exalted position signifies Jesus’ absolute and eternal authority over all creation. Because believers are united with Christ, they share in this authority. Being “seated with Him in the heavenly places” is not merely symbolic but a declaration of believers’ participation in Christ’s divine authority and sovereign rule ([41:42]; [01:02:54]).

Ephesians 2:4-6 further clarifies this spiritual reality by explaining that God, motivated by His great love and mercy, has made believers alive together with Christ and raised them up to be seated with Him in the heavenly places. This “seating” is a present spiritual position that believers hold “in Christ,” granting them access to His authority and righteousness. It is not dependent on personal merit or feelings but on the believer’s union with Christ. This union is the foundation for the authority believers possess, as they share in the same exalted status given to Jesus ([01:02:54]; [01:04:06]).

Matthew 28:18-19 affirms that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. This universal authority is the basis for the authority believers receive. Jesus, having been given all authority by the Father, shares that authority with His followers. This transfer of authority is grounded in the believer’s position “in Christ” and their spiritual seating with Him in the heavenly realms. The authority believers exercise—whether in prayer, proclamation, or action—is not derived from their own power but from the divine authority granted through their union with Christ. This authority is a gift of grace and righteousness, enabling believers to operate confidently in Jesus’ name and power ([01:10:22]).

Together, these scriptures establish that Jesus’ supreme authority and exalted position form the foundation for believers’ shared authority. Believers are spiritually seated with Christ, sharing in His authority and righteousness, and empowered to act in His name. This authority is not earned but received through grace, rooted in the believer’s union with Christ, and calls for confident operation in the divine power entrusted to them.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Crossing Point Church, one of 39 churches in Lake Elmo, MN