The concept of the "Promise of Authority" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine mandate given to humanity and the authority bestowed upon believers through their relationship with God. This authority is both a responsibility and a privilege, reflecting God's sovereign will and purpose for His creation.

Authority in Creation

The promise of authority begins in the Genesis account of creation. God grants humanity dominion over the earth and its creatures. Genesis 1:26-28 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

This passage highlights the initial promise of authority given to humanity, emphasizing stewardship and governance over creation as a reflection of God's own authority.

Authority in the Old Testament

Throughout the Old Testament, God continues to promise authority to His chosen leaders and people. For instance, God promises authority to Moses and the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 11:24 , God declares, "Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Western Sea."

Similarly, the authority given to King David is a significant theme. In 2 Samuel 7:8-16, God promises David an everlasting dynasty, establishing his authority and that of his descendants over Israel.

Authority in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the promise of authority is expanded and fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses ultimate authority. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus proclaims, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is then extended to His disciples as He commissions them to make disciples of all nations.

Believers are also promised authority through their union with Christ. In Luke 10:19 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you." This authority is spiritual, enabling believers to overcome evil and advance God's kingdom.

Authority in the Church

The promise of authority is further manifested in the structure and function of the Church. In Matthew 16:19 , Jesus tells Peter, "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." This passage underscores the authority given to the Church to govern spiritual matters and to act as God's representative on earth.

Eschatological Authority

The promise of authority also has an eschatological dimension. Believers are assured of reigning with Christ in His eternal kingdom. Revelation 2:26-27 promises, "To the one who is victorious and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father."

This future promise of authority reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for His people to share in His reign and glory.