Divine Empowerment: The Spiritual Authority of Believers

A believing Christian is endowed with power that comes primarily from God and is delegated through Christ, giving him the ability to influence spiritual realities and transform both his own life and that of the community. This power is expressed in several important aspects.

Firstly, according to one source, Christians have been granted "all authority" through delegation by Christ: "An important element in the concept of faith as power is the teaching on the believer’s authority. The 'Faith Movement' believes that when Christ left the earth, He transferred ('delegated') all His authority to Christians, who can now control all events occurring in the world" (source: link txt). This highlights that the strength of the believer is not tied to personal achievements but to divine empowerment, which allows him to influence the spiritual world through word and faith.

Secondly, an essential aspect of this power is the ability to forgive sins and grant absolution, demonstrating participation in divine communion. As it is stated: "The Heavenly Father gave His Son the authority to forgive sins... And Christ founded the Church, which is a continuation of His life on earth" (source: link txt). This is not only a symbol of spiritual responsibility but also an indication that faith leads to active participation in the transformation of the soul through turning to God for forgiveness.

Additionally, faith grants the Christian independence from sin and external forces, enabling him to act in the world while remaining faithful to God's commandments and transforming his life. One source notes: "Faith is all-sufficient. In faith, we see the entirety of God's law... The Christian becomes independent from everything sinful, alien, and hostile to his truly God-like being" (source: link txt). Such spiritual authority not only allows one to resist negative influences but also serves as an example for others.

Finally, an important additional aspect is the understanding of the source of authority. It is emphasized: "Thus, the source of authority is one - God. People themselves are not sources of authority... But the one Divine source of authority implies two forms. The first, 'by favor' - 'unconditionally good'" (source: link txt). This means that all the power the believer possesses is not a result of human effort but is connected to God's grace, which is meant to bring goodness to people.

In summary, the power of a believing Christian lies in the fact that through faith and the word of God, he receives integrated spiritual authority—from the delegated management of the spiritual world and the forgiveness of sins, to the inner freedom that enables him to resist sin and negative external influences. It is important to understand that this power is not a manifestation of personal strength but is rooted in the Divine source, which determines its purpose: the good, the renewal of the soul, and service to others.

Divine Empowerment: The Spiritual Authority of Believers