The Authority of the Believer by John MacMillan 1932

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The Authority of the

Believer

JOHN A. MACMILLAN1932

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THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER

CONTENTS

Foreword ........................................................ 1

The Authority of the Believer .......................... 4 The Divine Purpose of the Ages ................... 19 The Qualifications for Authority..................... 32 The Practical Exercise of Authority............... 42 The Authority of the Intercessor.................... 58 The Victory of the Believer's Countenance... 79

Victory over Spiritual Conflict........................ 89



THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER 2

formerly took an active interest in missions.More serious still is the attitude of largesections of the church towards the state of theheathen. No longer are these concerned aboutthe lost souls which wander in darkness; theirthought is centered on raising their socialstatus and meeting their intellectual andphysical needs. They seek, in their own jargon,to "build a better world," but the world theyenvision is one without a Savior. Christ, in theirview, has degenerated into a Superman, anexample which in their own feeble strengththey seek to follow. To meet the situation, theChurch of Christ needs a new conception of

prayer. The urgent call is for men and women,wholly yielded to the Lord, whose eyes havebeen enlightened to see the ministry in theheavenlies to which they have been called.Such believers, whether as intercessors, or asworkers at home, or missionaries on theforeign fields, may in union with the great Headof the Body, exercise an authority to which thepowers of the air must give place whereverchallenged.

The contents of this book first appeared as aseries of articles in The Alliance Weekly (nowThe Alliance Witness). The first seriesappeared under the title The Authority of theBeliever. A second series carried the title TheAuthority of the Intercessor. Both series were




subsequently published as pamphlets. Thisvolume combines both booklets since theyboth deal essentially with the same truth, theauthority of the believer.




Chapter OneTHE AUTHORITY OF THEBELIEVER

There are few subjects relating to the Christianlife concerning which there is so little exactknowledge as that of the authority of thebeliever. This is not because such authority isthe property only of a few elect souls. On thecontrary, it is the possession of every true childof God. It is one of the "all things" received inChrist. Its reception dates from the soul'scontact with Calvary.

Probably because of the extreme importanceof a correct understanding of its privileges and

responsibilities, and because of the powerwhich they confer on a militant believer, theenemy has specially sought to hold back thisknowledge from God's people. He has beensuccessful through the employment of the"blinding" tactics which he has found effective

in the case of the "lost" and of those who"believe not" (2 Cor. 4:3, 4). For it is strangelytrue that, although its principles are set forth ina definite way in this epistle to the Ephesians,there is very little grasp majority of even




spiritual believers.

That there is such authority is recognized, butit is confounded with other aspects of the life offaith, and thereby loses its distinctive value andpower, Every doctrine of Scripture, whilecorrelated closely with others of the, sameclass, has features peculiar to itself. Only asthese are clearly understood, and held in theirright relationship, can there be the fullestbenefit from their reception. The constitutionand laws of the spiritual world are perfectlyorderly and logical, and must be adhered to

and carefully obeyed if, the desired andpromised results are to be gained.

In making this statement it is not intended tosuggest that a logical and intelligent mind can

of itself grasp spiritual values, or gainpossession of spiritual blessings. Were thatpossible, the deepest phases of the Christianlife would be the possession of the mostintellectual. Whereas, it is very definitelyasserted by the Spirit of God that, in theapprehension of divine truth, "the wisdom ofthe wise" is destroyed, and "the understandingof the prudent" brought to naught. Thank God,there is an inner spiritual understanding,conferred through the enlightenment of thatsame Spirit, which enables "the foolish things




of the world to confound the wise" — thisprinciple being established by God "that noflesh should glory in his presence."

Wrong Conceptions

The authority of the believer is by someconfounded with the fullness of the Spirit. It istaught that the coming of the gracious Spirit ofGod into the soul in His divine fullness givesauthority. But the believer's authority existsbefore he seeks or realizes in any special way

the Spirit's presence. It is certainly true that thefullness of the Spirit empowers and enlightensthe believer. By this alone he is enabled toexercise authority. But the fullness is not thesource of the authority, but something apartfrom it.

Nor can authority be regarded as some specialgift conferred, whereby the recipient is enduedwith power, by virtue of which he performsmighty acts, such as the casting out of evilspirits. Discernment of spirits and miraculouspowers are mentioned among the charismataof the Holy Spirit, but they differ from authority.

By others, the authority of the believer is




would have given greater clearness ofunderstanding although in places it might nothave been so euphonious.

One stands at the crossing of two greatthoroughfares. Crowds of people are surgingby; multitudes of high-powered vehicles rushalong. Suddenly, a man in uniform raises ahand. Instantly, the tide of traffic ceases. Hebeckons to the waiting hosts on the crossstreet, and they flow across in an irresistiblewave. What is the explanation? The trafficofficer has very little "power." His most

strenuous efforts could not avail to hold backone of those swiftly passing cars. But he hassomething far better. He is invested with the"authority" of the corporation whose servant heis. The moving crowds recognize this authorityand obey it.

Authority, then, is delegated power. Its valuedepends upon the force behind the user. Thereis a story told of the Right Honorable W. E.Gladstone, when he served as Prime Ministerof Great Britain. On one occasion, he broughtin to Queen Victoria, an important measure forher signature, in order that it might becomelaw. The queen objected to it, and after somediscussion, refused to sign. The Minister of theCrown was unusually urgent: "Your Majesty,"




he said, respectfully but firmly, "you must signthis Bill." She turned on him haughtily: "Sir, Iam the Queen of England." Unmoved, thestatesman answered quietly: "Your Majesty, Iam the people of England." After a littlethought, she accepted the situation, andaffixed her signature to the document.

This story may be apocryphal, but it illustratesthe question of authority when two opposingpowers are in conflict. The believer, who is fullyconscious of divine Power behind him, and ofhis own authority thereby, can face the enemy

without fear or hesitation. Those who confronthim bear the specific names of power andauthority: “We wrestle not against flesh andblood, but against principalities [ archas , thefirst or preeminent ones], against powers[exousias , the authorities]." (Ephesians 6:12)

But, behind the "authority" possessed by thebeliever, there is a "Power" infinitely greaterthan that which backs his enemies, and whichthey are compelled to recognize.

The Source of Authority

In the beginning of this article, we made thestatement that the soul's authority dates from




its contact with Calvary. Let us now point outthe meaning and the depth of this truth. Whenthe Lord Jesus, the Captain ( Archegon , Prince-Leader) of our salvation, was raised from thedead, the act of resurrection was accomplishedthrough "the exceeding greatness of His[God's] power [ dunameos ], to us ward whobelieve, according to that working [ energeia n]of the strength [ kratous ] of His might [ ischuos ]."In this working there was such a putting forth ofthe divine omnipotence that the Holy Spirit,through the apostle, requires four words ofspecial significance to bring out the thought.We shall not enter into the expressive meaning

and grouping of these words further than tosay that their combination signifies that behindthe fact of the resurrection of the Lord Jesusthere lay the mightiest working recorded in theWord of God.

Having been thus raised from among the dead,Christ Jesus was exalted by God to His ownright hand in the heavenlies. Then was seenthe reason of such mighty working. Theresurrection had been opposed by thetremendous "powers of the air": — "allprincipality, and power, and might, anddominion, and every name that is named, notonly in this world [ aioni , age] but also in thatwhich is to come." The evil forces of the "ageto come" had been arrayed against the




purpose of God. They had, however, beenbaffled and overthrown, and the risen Lord hadbeen enthroned "far above" them, ruling withthe authority of the Most High.

The Conferring of Authority

In calling attention to the “exceeding greatnessof his [God's] power," we passed over withoutcomment four words. These are: "to us wardwho believe." All the demonstration of the gloryof God, shown in the manifestation of His

omnipotence-, pointed man ward. The cross ofChrist, with what it revealed of obedience toGod, of atonement for sin, of crushing defeat ofthe foes of divine authority, shows us arepresentative Man overcoming for mankindand preparing, through His own incumbency, athrone and a heavenly ministry for those whoshould overcome through Him.

Observe in this connection the identification ofChrist's people with Himself, in this crisis of theresurrection. In the first verse of chapter two,the words read literally: "And you, being deadin trespasses and sins," or, perhaps, to bringout better the thought: "And you, when ye weredead in trespasses and sins." It will be noticedthat we have left out the verb "hath He




quickened" which appears in our Bibles. Thisverb is not in the original; the sentence isincomplete, "being left unfinished," says oneexpositor, "in the rapidity of dictation." We donot accept this as the explanation of theomission, for we believe that the Holy Spirit soarranged the structure of the whole passage,that the fact might be emphasized that Christand His people were raised together.

Where, then, do we find the verb that controlsthis passage? It will be seen in verse 20 ofchapter 1: "According to that working of the

strength of His might when He raised HIM fromthe dead...[then, putting a parenthesis aroundthe words to the end of the chapter]...and YOUwhen ye were dead." The same verb whichexpresses the reviving of Christ expresses alsothe reviving of His people. That is to say the

very act of God which raised the Lord fromamong the dead, raised also His body. Headand body are naturally raised together: Christ,the Head; His body, the Church ( hoekklesia ,the assembly of believers in Him). This is amost important statement, and one of whichthe definite significance cannot beoverestimated.

The same thought, in another form, isdeveloped by the apostle in Romans 6, where




the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesusare shown to also include His people. Thepassage in Romans sets forth (1) the death tosin of the believer with the crucified Christ, and(2) the consequent annulling of the power ofsin over him though the impartation of the lifeof the resurrected Christ. The believer is thusmade a full partaker of Christ's righteousness.But Ephesians lifts (3) the believer with theascended Christ to the heavenlies where he ismade a partaker of Christ's throne. In thisenthronement, there is an anticipation of thatfuture union in the government of the nationswhich he shall share with his Lord, ruling them

with a rod of iron and breaking them in pieceslike a potter's vessel (Rev. 2:26, 27).

The Location of Authority

That there may be no misunderstanding of theHoly Spirit's meaning in this presentation of thetruth of the elevation of the Lord's people withtheir Head, He gives it a second time inchapter 2:4-6. They are made to sit with Christ"in the heavenlies." Christ's session is at theright hand of God. His people, therefore,occupy "with him" the same august position.This honor is not to a chosen few, but is theportion of all those who share the resurrectionof the Son of God. It is the birthright of every




true believer, of every born-again child of God.

When the Master foregathered with the elevenon the Galilean mountain, at some time duringthe forty days of His manifestation after Hispassion, He said to them: "All authority is givenunto me in heaven and in earth." His formalassumption of that authority took place whenHe sat down "on the right hand of the throne ofthe Majesty in the heavens" (Heb. 8:1). Theright hand of the throne of God is the center ofpower of the whole universe, and theexercising of the power of the throne was

committed unto the ascended Lord. He is stillthere in full possession of His rights, awaitingthe Father's time when His enemies shall bemade the footstool of His feet.

The elevation of His people with Him to theheavenlies has no other meaning than thatthey are made sharers, potentially for thepresent, of the authority which is His. They aremade to sit with Him; that is, they share Histhrone. To share a throne means withoutquestion to partake of the authority which itrepresents. Indeed, they have been thuselevated, in the plan of God, for this verypurpose, that they may even now exercise, tothe extent of their spiritual apprehension,authority over the powers of the air, and over




the conditions which those powers havebrought about on the earth and are stillcreating through their ceaseless manipulationsof the minds and circumstances of mankind.

The Rebel Holders of This

AuthorityIt is necessary here to state, what is commonlyunderstood by those who study carefully theWord, that the kingdoms of this world areunder the control and leadership of satanic

principalities. The great head of these is, in theGospel of John, three times acknowledged as"Prince of this World" by our Lord Himself. Hisasserted claim to the suzerainty of the worldkingdoms, made in the presence of the LordJesus (Luke 4:6), was not denied by Christ.

Although a rebel against the Most High, andnow under judgment of dispossession (John12:31), he is still at large, and as the masses ofmankind are also rebels, he maintains overthem an unquestioned, because unsuspected,rule, their eyes being blinded to his dominance(2 Cor. 4:4).

The whole rebellious system is divided intoheavenly and earthly sections (Isa. 24:21).These are "the host of the high ones on high"




(the unseen - powers of the air) and "the kingsof the earth upon the earth" (the rulers ofmankind and their subjects). Both, the prophettells us, will be judged in that day when"Jehovah cometh forth out of his place topunish the inhabitants of the earth for theiriniquity" (Isa. 26:21), and "with his hard andgreat and strong sword will punish leviathanthe swift serpent [the antichrist], and leviathanthe crooked serpent [the false prophet); and hewill slay the monster that is in the sea [thedragon]" (Isa. 27:1), Before these acts of

judgment occur, the Lord's people will becaught up in the rapture. As Isaiah's eyes were

holden to the mystery of the of Church, hedoes not mention it, but he does speak of thehiding of the Jewish remnant from the wrath ofthe dragon: "Come, my people, enter thou intothy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee;hide thyself for a little moment, until the

indignation be overpast" (Isa. 26:20).

The "host of the high ones on high" is carefullydivided in our epistle (Ephesians 6:12). Thereare first the “principalities and powers." Thefirst-named are mighty princes, whoseprincipalities include large areas of the earth,with authority over the nations included inthem. The "powers" are difficult to distinguishfrom them, although attempts have been madeto state the difference; they are inferior in




position, probably as ministers associated ingovernment.

Following come "the world-rulers of thedarkness of this age." This name wouldsuggest a ministry of deception, the keeping indarkness of the minds of men, and especiallyof the leaders a thought.

Finally, there are "the hosts of wicked spirits inthe heavenlies" — an innumerable body ofdemons to whose close connection with

mankind is due the grosser sins anddeceptions, the stirring up of the animalpassions, and the incitement to all manner ofsensual and sensuous desires. These are thebeings that are present in the spiritist séance,impersonating and deceiving people of strong

intelligence, like the well-known leadersconnected with the cult today.

These beings are also at hand in religiousgatherings, and are a source of peculiardanger, especially when the emotions aredeeply stirred. Many earnest souls, who havebeen urged to entire surrender, open theirbeings with the utmost abandon to whateverspiritual force approaches them, unaware ofthe peril of so doing. Such yielding often




provides an opening for the entrance ofdemons, who under some pretext gain controlof the will. To dislodge them, and to once morefree the victim, is usually a very difficult task.

The "kings of the earth upon the earth"comprise human world rulers and theirsubjects, all unregenerate men. An earthlyruler individually may be a Christian, but he is,by virtue of his office, a member of the greatworld system which has not yet come underthe dominion of the King of kings. All naturalmen are members by birth also of this system,

and so must be "delivered out Of the power[exousios , authority] of darkness, andtranslated into the kingdom of his dear Son"(Col. 1:13).

The seats of authority of these rebelliousspiritual rulers are also in the heavenlies. Fromthere they have dominated the human racesince its fall. There they will remain until thedivine "purpose of the ages" is complete.




Chapter TwoTHE DIVINE PURPOSE OF THEAGES

The "God of the whole earth" does not purposeto tolerate forever this rebellion against Hisrighteousness. "By myself have I sworn, theword is gone forth from my mouth inrighteousness, and shall not return, that untome every knee shall bow, every tongue shall

swear." (Isaiah 45:23) Ere this can beaccomplished, the instigators to humanrebellion must be cast down. in this regard thedivine method is clear. "The powers of the air"are allowed to retain their seats only while theirsuccessors are being prepared. God, havingredeemed a people and purified them, hasintroduced them potentially into the heavenlies.When they have approved themselves, theywill in actuality take the seats of the "powers ofthe air," thereby superseding those who havemanifested their unfitness and unworthiness.

This purpose, present and future, is verydefinitely stated in Ephesians 3:9-11. Here it isrevealed as the divine will that "now [nun, thepresent time] unto the principalities and powers




in the heavenly places might be made knownthrough the church the manifold wisdom ofGod." The Church is to be God's instrument indeclaring to these rebellious, and now usurpingpowers, the divine purpose, and inadministering their principalities, after theyhave been unseated and cast down.

This is further declared to be "according to theeternal purpose [ prosethin ton aionon , thepurpose of the ages] which He purposed inChrist Jesus our Lord." That is to say, God,through all the past ages, has had in view this

wonderful plan of preparing in Christ Jesus apeople, chosen and called and faithful, whomHe might place in these heavenly seats to rulethrough the ages yet to come. It is spoken of,in the verses just preceding, as "the mystery,which for ages hath been hid in God," one

phase of this mystery being the wonderfulveiling of the deity of the Son of God in ourhuman nature, that we through Him might"become partakers of a divine nature" (2 Pet.1:4).

This exaltation of the saints and its object wererevealed to Daniel in the first of his own greatworld visions. In verse 22 of chapter 7, afterthe coming of the Ancient of Days, "judgmentwas given to the saints of the most High,* and




the time came that the saints possessed thekingdom," A little later (v. 27), we read that "thekingdom and the dominion, and the greatnessof the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shallbe given to the people of the saints of the mostHigh." This meaning is clear. The saints of theMost High are the overcoming Church, raisedto sit in the heavenlies. Below them, and asobjects of their care, are the people of Israel,called here "the people of the saints of themost High." Israel will administer the earthlykingdom, and will be head of the nations. But,overall, will rule the exalted Church, as theexecutive of God.

[*The word translated "most High" has thesignificance of elevated," and is rendered "highplaces" in the margin of one edition. This wouldcorrespond very closely with the "heavenlies"

of our epistle.]

The Extent of This Authority

We shall turn again to chapter 1, and considerin detail the powers and things that have beenmade subject to our Lord, in His exaltation tothe Father's right hand. As we meditate on thecompleteness of His authority, let us rememberthat He is there as the Representative (Heb.




2:5-9) of redeemed humanity. And "may theeyes of our understanding be enlightened" bythe Holy Spirit so that we may believe, withoutany doubt or shrinking, that the wisdom andwill of the Father have made us sharers of thissame authority, and that He verily intends thatwe should exercise it day by day in growingcomprehension and apprehension.

We notice, first of all, that the Risen Christ hasbeen "Made to Sit" The act of sitting indicatesthat, for the time being, certain aspects of Hiswork are in abeyance. Later, the Lord will

again "rise up to the prey." But, just now, with"all authority," delivered unto Him, He isawaiting the Father's time, and meanwhileexercising the powers placed in His hands forthe working out of the redemption purchasedfor mankind on Calvary. His session is "Far

Above" "all principality, and power, and might,and dominion." The great princes andauthorities, of whom we have previouslyspoken, are subject to Him. So are the lesserones: He is far above all "might" ( dunameos , aword used usually in the New Testament ofspiritual power). This refers to that working ofsatanic energy which is becoming increasinglymanifest, directed as it is against the bodiesand minds of the children of God. The inroadsthat are being made into Christian communitiesare appalling, but few in the Church are as yet




awake to the fact that fresh powers from theunseen world are flooding in upon us. Nor isthe cause of this hard to trace. In the parts ofthe heathen world, where the Word of Godenergized by the Spirit of God has penetrated,the powers of the air have fallen back. Demon-possession ever retires before an aggressiveevangelism, and its manifestations becomeless frequent. But, in our so-called Christianlands, the authority of the Word is now calledin question by the great leaders of thechurches, and there are few theologicalinstitutions where it is recognized as the veryWord of God, In like manner, the Spirit of God

is dishonored, firstly, by this very denial of theWord which He has inspired, and secondly, bythe disregard paid to His Person and authority.Thus, there is a reversion to heathenconditions spiritually, and as the great agentsfor the overthrow of demoniacal powers (the

Word of God and the Spirit of God) arediscredited, these powers are pressing in againupon our country and people. One singleevidence of this fact is the tremendousadvance that spiritism is making among allclasses; while, as another proof, the verydoctrines of the Church, depleted, as they arebecoming, of their vital spiritual force, areshowing undoubted marks of those "teachingsof demons" of which the great Apostle bade hishearers beware. Christ sits also far above all"dominion" ( kuriotetos , lordship). This term is




closely allied with the preceding, much as"principalities and powers" are groupedtogether, the second term in each casesignifying similar action on a somewhat lowerplane. In Colossians 1:16, we find "dominion"connected with "thrones," which throws lightupon the relative term "might." In this passageand in that quoted from Colossians, both termsrefer directly to spiritual powers, whereas in 2Peter 2:10 and Jude 8, the only two otheroccasions of the use of the word in the NewTestament, the primary reference is to earthlydignities.

"In this Age" He sits far above "every namethat is named, not only in this world" ( aion ,age); the great names of this age are belowour Lord. The writer of Hebrews took pains topoint out to Israel that even Moses was inferior

to Messiah (Christ), as a servant is less thanhis Master. But what an effort religious leadersare making today to show that Jesus was onlya man, and as such to be ranked with the bestmen. Over the door of one of the great churchbuildings of New York, appear figures of someworld famous men-such as Emerson, Einstein,Confucius, Buddha, etc., and with them thefigure of Christ as one among many! Not sospeaks the Spirit of Truth; in His setting forth ofthe majesty of the Divine Son of God, there arenone that can be compared; He is "far above"




all. In this continued attempt to exalt humanity,there is to be recognized the working of himwho deceived our first parents with thefalsehood, "Ye shall be as gods."

"The Age to Come" "But also in that which is tocome." The coming age also yields no namethat ranks with that of our Lord. In that age,moreover, the now-dominant spirit-forces shallbe bound. Their successors, the glorifiedChurch, shall recognize the preeminence oftheir exalted King. United with Him, as Headand Body, they will have become manifestly

His "fullness." He fills "all in all," but haschosen to do so through His Body. Thus, in theage to come, the members of Christ shall havean active ministry for God throughout thelimitless extent of His universe.

"Under His Feet"

"Hath put all things under his feet." The feetare members of the Body. How wonderful to

think that the least and lowest members of theBody of the Lord, those who in a sense are thevery soles of the feet, are far above all themighty forces we have been considering. Yetso it is. What need for the Church to awake to




an appreciation of her mighty place ofprivilege. Exalted to rule over the spiritualpowers of the air, how often she fails in herministry of authority, or grovels before them infear.

"Head Over All"

"Head over all things to the church." We havelittle grasped the force of this marvelous truth.We think of it as if it indicated that Christ wassimply in all things and circumstances andplaces. the Church's Head. Let us reverse thewords to bring out more clearly their deepsignificance: "Head to the church over allthings." His being Head over all things is forthe Church's sake, that the Church, His Body,may be head over all things through Him. We

need to sit reverently and long before thesemighty truths, that their tremendous meaningmay grasp our hearts. In this attitude, the Spiritof Truth can lift us into their comprehension,which the human mind alone will always fail tocompass.

The Operation of God

The argument which we have been following




has been thus far centered in the Epistle to theEphesians. We pass, for a few minutes, to theEpistle to the Colossians, that we may viewfrom a different standpoint how completely thiswhole matter of the authority of the believer isbased on the working of the Father, and howthe efficacy of that working depends on thecorrelated truth of the subjection of Christ toHim. Though coequal with the Father, theEternal Son accepted a subordinate place, andundertook the task of reconciling, through theblood of His cross, all things unto God (1:20).Having for this purpose yielded Himself underthe power of death, He was quickened by "the

operation of God" the Father (2:12).

Let us read carefully 2:12-15, noting that theworking here indicated is all on the part of Godthe Father. It is He who (v. 13) quickened the

saints together with Christ and forgave theirtrespasses. It is He who (v. 14) blotted out theadverse decrees of the law, which stood in theway of His people, and nailed the canceledhandwriting to the cross of His Son. It is Hewho [v. 15) spoiled [ ap-ekdusamenos ,completely stripped) the mighty principalitiesand powers that had opposed the resurrectionof the Lord, and led them captive in triumphalprocession in Christ.




A frequent misunderstanding of this passage isthat the Lord Jesus "stripped off" from Himselfthe clustering powers of darkness,overthrowing and putting them to an openshame. But a correct rendering shows clearlythat the Agent is God the Father. Of what doesHe "strip" the powers-of the air? Of theauthority that had been theirs. Death is thepenalty of sin; and when Christ, bearing theburden of the world's guilt, went down to death,they sought to exercise their ancientprerogative and hold Him under its power. But,in the wisdom of the Father, the yielding of theRighteous One to death discharged the long-

established bond of the Law. Exultantly, theFather nailed the canceled bond to the cross ofHis Son; then, "stripping" of their authority thediscomfited principalities and powers, Hehanded this authority to His Son. The “show"(triumphal procession), which the apostle

figuratively uses, corresponds to the elevationof the Son above His enemies, mentioned inEphesians.

Thus, in Colossians there is stressed theFather's working in the active thwarting andover-throwing of the hostile powers, and theirsubjugation to His Son; while in Ephesians theSon is seen seated above these in all theauthority of the Father's throne. The authorityof the believer is not taught so fully in




Colossians, although the statement is madethat, in Him, His people are “complete"(literally, made full). That is to say, throughunion with Him, they partake of the fullness ofthe Godhead, which is practically another formof being "blessed with all spiritual blessings."

The Failure of the Church

We saw in a previous section, the Lord asHead over all. His position and power aresupreme. Why, then, is there not more

manifest progress? Because a head is whollydependent upon its body for the carrying out ofits plan. All the members of its body must besubservient, that, through their coordinatedministry, may be accomplished what ispurposed. The Lord Jesus, "Head over allthings to the church, which is his body," ishindered in His mighty plans and working,because His Body has failed to appreciate thedeep meaning of His exaltation, and torespond to the gracious impulses which He isconstantly sending for its quickening.

It is a most vital truth of the divine working thatThe Word of God is the pattern by which theministry of the Church is framed. The glory ofthe Body of Christ is the fact that its members




are living members, each with a personal will.The Holy Spirit comes into these individualmembers in order to bring them into unity withthe will and purposes of the Head. But this isnot done through inward impulse alone. Inwardimpulse inaugurates obedience towards theHead, but the renewed mind cannot be fullyinstructed save through the Word.Consequently, it is only as the Word iscarefully meditated upon, understood, andobeyed, that the Head has freedom of actionthrough its members. How little the averagemember feeds, with careful mastication, uponthe Word, most of us know from our own

experience.

The importance of this can be seen bycomparing Ephesians 5:18 ff. with Colossians3:16 ff. In the first passage, the stirring of the

inward emotions of the heart, with theconsequent subjection of believers one toanother, in their various relations, is indicatedas the working of The Spirit of God in Hisfullness, but, in the second passage, exactlythe same results are pointed out to be theresult of the rich indwelling of the Word ofChrist. The Word of Christ is the setting forth ofHis will in a form that is understandable by therenewed mind. But the renewed mind, whileunderstanding the Word, lacks power toperform it. The fullness of the Spirit is the




incoming of the Spirit of God to empower thehuman spirit for the carrying into effect of theaccepted will of the Head.

Thus, unless the Word richly indwells for theinstruction of the mind, the Spirit of God,although present in His fullness, has nothing towork upon. The impulses of the Head cannotbe translated by Him into appropriate actionthrough the Body, but are often like theimmature motions of a child. The Head isthereby hindered because the Body has notgrown up into the stature of a perfect man. In

divine patience the Head waits. Brethren, weare to blame greatly, not only for our ownweakness, but also for "the hands that hangdown and the palsied knees." God help us torealize this, and to fulfill our ministry throughthe Word both to others and to the Lord.




Chapter ThreeTHE QUALIFICATIONS FORAUTHORITY

It has been pointed out more than once in thisstudy that the authority of which we arespeaking is the portion of every believer. It isnot a special gift imparted in answer to prayer,but the inherent right of the child of Godbecause of his elevation with Christ to the right

hand of the Father. He has become, throughthe rich mercy of God, an occupant of theThrone of the Lord, with all that it implies ofprivilege and responsibility.

This elevation took place potentially at theresurrection of the Lord and because of thebeliever's inclusion in Him. The elevation iswholly of the wisdom and grace of the Father.We do not “climb the heavenly steeps" by anyact of faith or devotion on our part. It is ourssimply to recognize the fact of this position,

and to take our place in humble acceptance,giving all the glory and honor to God.

Let us recall four words to which mention has




been previously made. They are "to us wardwho believe." In the former reference, weemphasized the first two, pointing out that allthe demonstration of the omnipotence of Godin Christ pointed man ward. We shall now laystress upon the latter two: "to us ward whobelieve." it is not enough that the DivineFullness outpours unstinted supplies; theremust be a receptive heart and attitude on ourpart. A bottle may be submerged in the watersof a fountain. But, if the cork is not removed,the holder may wait indefinitely, and at lastcarry it away empty. In accord with this simile,multitudes of truly spiritual believers are, as it

were, immersed in the omnipotence of God; itpresses them on every side. There is a longingfor its experience, and a belief that it should betheirs, and a readiness to receive, these thingsbeing the witness of their spirits to the truthwhich the Holy Ghost has unfolded in the

Word. Yet, because their minds have been"holden" as they have read the Word, thesimplicity and the glory of this truth have notdawned upon them. Do we not need, indeed,continually to pray with deep heart-humility that"the eyes of our mind may be enlightened"?




Belief

"To us ward who believe.- Few comprehendthe primary thought of "belief." It has a twofoldmeaning, fraught with deep significance. In itare combined two old Anglo-Saxon words:"be," to live or exist; and " lifan ," which conveys

the thought of accordance. Thus to believemeans literally "to live in accordance with"anything. We are accustomed to consider"belief" as simply mental acquiescence withsome particular truth. But its root leads us onto action; that which the mind accepts, the will

must obey. We do not truly believe, therefore,unless our conviction is manifested in our life.Thus understood, "belief" stands on a par withits great synonym "faith," which, in its deepersense, means not only to have trust in aperson but to manifest that trust by practicalcommittal.

Do we believe that God "hath quickened ustogether with Christ, and hath raised us uptogether, and made us sit together in heavenlyplaces in Christ Jesus"? If we do, our reactionto it will be a fervent: "Lord, I accept Thygracious word. I believe that Thou hast thuswrought for me. In humble faith I do now takemy seat in the heavenly places in Christ Jesusat Thy right hand. Teach me how to fulfill this




sacred ministry, how to exercise the authoritywhich Thou hast entrusted to me. Train me dayby day that I may attain to the full stature of theperfect man in Christ, so that in me Thypurpose of the ages may be fulfilled. Amen."

If we are walking in the spirit, our normal life isin the heavenlies. To secure theconsciousness of this, there must be the dailyacceptance of the fact. Let us, morning bymorning, as one of our first acts of worship,take our seat with Christ (as suggested in theprevious paragraph) and return thanks to God

for all that it implies. Let us often remindourselves that we are seated far above all thepowers of the air, and that they are insubjection to us. As our faith learns to use theName and the Authority of Jesus, we shall findthe spiritual 1 forces yielding obedience in

ways that will surprise us, As we continue toabide closely in Him, our prayers for theadvancement of the Kingdom will become lessand less the uttering of petitions, and willincreasingly manifest the exercise of a spiritualauthority that recognizes no nationalboundaries, but fearlessly binds the forces ofdarkness in any part of the world.




Humility

While belief thus introduces us to our place ofthrone-power, only humility will ensure ourretaining it. As we compare the aboundinggrace of God, and our own utter unworthiness,the question arises, Should we need such a

warning?

Praise God, it becomes less necessary as thesoul grows in grace, and the likeness of theSon increases in us. But we know little of the

plague of our own hearts, if we think thedanger is ever over. The forces against whomwe contend, the principalities and powers, theworld rulers of this darkness, the hosts ofwicked spirits in the heavenlies, know us farbetter than we know ourselves, As we attackthem, and authority is naught but a long drawn-out warfare against them, their return stroke isoften swift and crushing. With a strategygained in long experience in spiritual battles,they know that the offensive is their best modeof defense. One of their tested weapons isspiritual pride, and too often it proves effective.

Victory over the powers of the air, from theirdread prince downwards, is a demonstratedpossibility. But its attainment is alone through




the employment of Divine aid. Now, sinceEden, man has forgotten that God is essential;through the intervening ages he has constantlysought to show himself self-sufficient. Christwas the first of all our race that ever castHimself fully upon God. "He trusted in God, lethim deliver him," was the 'sneer of the enemyat Calvary. But at Calvary, the One who hadthus fully trusted, could not be delivered. Hemust go down to death, for the sin question ofthe world was involved, and the shedding ofHis precious blood was necessary foratonement. So, "He was crucified throughweakness" (2 Cor. 13:4). When this was

accomplished, nothing more stood in the way.God raised Him from the dead, stripped, Hisfoes of their authority, and set Him on highover them.

With believers, the consuming desire to beindependent is something which even theregenerate heart does not fully overcome.Often, just after some signal victory has beengained, there comes the subtle whisper of theenemy, and the overcomer is swiftly shorn ofstrength through feeling that he is strong.




Boldness

With profound humility, there may go, however,the greatest boldness in the Name. Trueboldness is faith in full manifestation. WhenGod has spoken, to hold back is not humilitybut unbelief. In the exercise of authority, there

is needed a divine courage that fears nothingbut God, and reaches out strong hands to bindand to restrain all that is contrary to Him. Butwith this courage there must be a continualand close abiding in God, a spirit that is alert toevery urge and check from Him, and a mind

that is steeped in the Word of God.

Fear

The heavenlies, while the place of "everyspiritual blessing" (1:3), are, as well, the placeof most intense conflict. Let the believer,whose eyes have been opened to thecomprehension of his throne rights in Christ,definitely accept his seat, and begin toexercise the spiritual authority which it. confers

upon him. He quickly realizes that he is amarked man. Whereas, in his previousministry, he may have firmly believed in thepresence and working of the powers ofdarkness, and often earnestly prayed against




them, there comes now a new consciousnessof their existence and imminence. Bitterly theyresent and resist his entrance into theirdomain, and his interference with theirworkings. Implacable and malignant, theyconcentrate their hatred against him in anintense warfare, in which there is no discharge.If attacks against his spirit are successfullyresisted, assaults may come in mind, or body,or family, or circumstances.

The place of special privilege thus becomes aplace of special danger. That there is no truth

that encounters such opposition in itspresentation is the testimony of those whohave brought it forward by voice or pen. Wehave known of workers, who have taught thesetruths with acceptance, who have been quiteoverthrown in spirit or in body, and their

ministry rendered useless. Yet, since GodHimself, with an eternal purpose in view, hasintroduced His people into this sphere, wecannot doubt that full provision has been madefor their safety.

The Panoply of God

The only place of safety is the occupation ofthe seat itself. It is "far above" the enemy. If the




believer abides steadfastly by faith in thislocation, he cannot be touched. Consequentlythe enemy puts forth all his "wiles" to draw himdown in spirit, for, once out of his seat, hisauthority is gone, and he is no longerdangerous, and, further, he is open to attack.

At this point is seen the meaning of themessage of chapter 6. To maintain his placeagainst the wiles of the devil, the believer mustbe constantly arrayed in full armor. Thedifferent parts of this armor symbolize certainspiritual attitudes which he must maintain. It is

most important to understand that the armoritself when worn constitutes the protection ofthe believer, and not his activity against thefoe. Fully harnessed, he is fully kept, and isunhampered in his ministry of authority. All thathe need be concerned about is, like a good

soldier, to keep his armor bright and wellsecured about him.

Let us note briefly the meaning of the variousparts of the panoply: no item can be omitted.There is (1) "the girdle of truth," the clearunderstanding of God's Word, which, like asoldier's belt, holds the rest of the armor inplace. (2) "The breastplate of righteousness,"not, as often stated, the righteousness ofChrist, but rather the active obedience to the




Word which he has received. (3) The "feetshod with the preparation of the Gospel ofpeace," a faithful ministry in the heralding ofthe Word. 14) "The shield of faith" ( thureos , thelarge door shaped shield covering the wholebody), which indicates his complete refugeunder the blood of Calvary, where no power ofthe enemy can penetrate. (5) "The helmet ofsalvation" (called elsewhere "the hope ofsalvation," I Thess. 5:8). It is a remarkable factthat the hope of salvation, the coming of theLord Jesus, is the only helmet that seems ableto protect the head in these days of apostasyfrom the truth. (6) "The sword of the Spirit,"

which shows the Word of God used in anactive sense, even as the "girdle" shows it in adefensive one. [7) "All-prayer," the training ofthe faculties God ward by constant approach toGod.

The emphasis in chapter 6 is laid on victory.Note the following paraphrase which brings outthe full force of verse 13: "Wherefore take upwith you to the battle the whole armor of God,that you may be able to successfully withstandin the evil (lay, and having overthrown all foes,to remain unshaken." There is no suggestion ofdefeat. Secure within his armor, the believermay disregard the enemy, and give his entireattention to the exercise of the ministry towhich he has been called.




Chapter FourTHE PRACTICAL EXERCISE OFAUTHORITY

he believer has now accepted the place ofexaltation with his Lord. There has opened forhim a life of holiness in the presence of God,and of watchfulness in the presence of theenemy, in a deeper sense than he has knownbefore. His first lesson will be personal. Hemust learn the significance of the term "Satan"(the Adversary), and come to understand whyone of his titles is "Accuser of the brethren."

just as Joshua (Zech. 3:1), when he came tostand before the Angel of Jehovah, found"Satan standing at his right hand to be hisadversary," (ASV) so will the spiritually

energetic child of God. He will encounter aconstant stream of accusations in his ownheart. These will trouble him, until he discoversthat the purpose of the enemy is to turn him inupon himself, and, through the creating of aconsciousness of personal unworthiness, draw

him down from the place of perfect faith. Helearns to "overcome him by the blood of theLamb" (Rev. 12:11). That is to say, he presentsthe Blood as his only answer to theseaccusations.




But he speedily learns a further use for thisdivine provision. The Blood represents, notonly the cleansing from the guilt and power ofsin, but it is also the witness of thatoverwhelming victory gained at Calvary, byvirtue of which the Lord is now seated on high.

Once this is grasped, the believer sees that hehas not to fight against the foe, but simply tohold over him an already accomplishedtriumph, the authority of which he shares to thefull. Not all at once the full vision comes, but,as he holds his place and exercises hisministry, there will be a gradual perfecting inthe heavenly warfare. It will be in his province,as concerns the hosts of darkness, "to bindtheir kings with chains, and their nobles withfetters of iron," and, in that approaching day offull exaltation in the presence of the King, "toexecute upon them the judgment written." Oh,that all God's people might come to theunderstanding of their high calling, for it isexpressly stated: "This honor have all hissaints" (Ps. 149:8, 9).

The Limitation of Authority

Let it ever be held in mind that the authoritycommitted to the believer is over the powers of




the air, and never over his fellow men or theirwills. He is called to bind the unseen forces,but to deliver his brethren. Satan's constantaim is the subjugation of the human will tohimself; God's' purpose is the full liberation ofthe will that the freed spirit, through gladacquiescence in the Divine Will, may glorify hisCreator. Human control of the will of another,as manifested in hypnotism, etc., is obtainedthrough the use of occult powers latent in thesoul, and is as unlawful for the Christian aswizardry and necromancy, which are directlyforbidden in the Word of God. Following are afew simple examples of authority in exercise.

Release from Oppression of Body

Just a year prior to this writing, contact wasmade in a country district with an earnestyoung pastor and his equally efficient wife —equally efficient in spirit at least, but in bodysorely hindered. For long she had sufferedfrom what had been diagnosed as seriousheart trouble, and for which medical treatmentwas being taken. One symptom was thefrequent recurrence of severe pains, causingfainting spells. The husband stated that he hadseveral times, on coming into the house, foundher lying unconscious on the floor. Whileconversing with the wife, she mentioned that




her father was a spiritist, and that she hadbeen expert in former days with the planchette.The question was asked: "Is it not probable,sister, that your present physical trouble andyour difficulty in receiving healing, is due to thepast?" "No," was the serious reply, "for I wasnever a medium in the ordinary sense. I simplyused the planchette," and many interesting andremarkable incidents of its use were narrated."Nevertheless," the point was pressed, "inusing the planchette, your body had to besurrendered to the evil spirit. There is littlequestion in my mind that the difficulty liesthere. Your connection with these powers

should be acknowledged and confessed. Thena definite stand, in the authority of the Lord,should be taken, absolutely refusing the furtherworking of evil spirits in your body, which hasbeen purchased by the precious blood."

About three weeks after, a letter was receivedfrom the sister in question. After the visitor'sdeparture, the light had come; confession hadbeen made; and she and her husband hadunitedly refused the further oppression of theenemy. She has never had another attack ofheart trouble, and has been blessed in herservice greatly.




Release from Oppression of Mind

Some months ago, after a service in one of ourcities, two women came asking an interview.The appearance of one gave an immediateunderstanding of the situation, which wasconfirmed by conversation. There had beenearnest seeking of deep spiritual experience,which was followed by a sudden attack of'intense despondency. The attacks persisted,until, after three years, the mind was incomplete bondage. All joy had fled, and only afeeble hold of salvation was retained.Suggestions of suicide were frequent, pressingwith an urgency that was hard to resist.

The following line of approach was taken, afterdefinitely asserting in prayer the power of the

Ascended Lord, and the believer's throne unionwith Him. "Sister, this trouble is clearly theoppression of evil spirits, which have obtaineda hold over you in some manner. Thesethoughts of self-destruction are directlyprompted by him who is a deceiver and a

murderer. You are a Christian and united withChrist. This afternoon may be for you, if youwill, the last occasion of the manifestation ofsatanic power." In a simple manner, her placeof victory and authority in Christ was shown




from the Word. She was urged to take itaudibly before those who were witnesses (hersister, a friend, and the speaker). After fullassertions of her faith and her acceptance of'what Christ had gained and the Father hadbestowed, the party kneeled in victoriousprayer. As the group arose, one of the friendsremarked: "She looks different already." Therewas a life and animation, most noticeable afterthe deadness of her previous expression.

A few weeks ago, a letter came: "I feel as if Iwere saved all over again." joy and peace had

returned; the Holy Spirit had come; and soulsaving work had been granted to her.

Authority over Excessive Anger

"Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun godown upon your wrath," the apostle chargesthe readers of the epistle we have beenstudying; "neither give place to the devil."There is an intimate connection between sinfulanger and the prince of evil, and sustainedwrath will surely open the door to his entrance.In a certain city two Christian workers,husband and wife, had fallen into the enemy'ssnare of wrath. One day their quarreling hadreached a shameful height, and was attracting




attention, as it had done before. The writer andhis wife were within hearing, and at prayer.Quietly and definitely they took authority overthe spirits of evil who were behind theostensible cause, and commanded theirwithdrawal. Almost immediately, the quarrelingstopped. As the authority was day by day heldand renewed, the spirits were kept in check.Eventually however, the two separated, forthey did not seek victory for themselves.

One of the Filipino workers, when a student inthe Bible school, was of a very quick and

ungovernable temper. This having been stirredup by a trivial matter, he utterly lost control ofhimself, and speedily became almost insanewith rage. The principal and writer stepped intothe next apartment, and kneeling down, tookthe authority of the Lord over the spirits that

were working upon him. In a few minutes hewas quiet, and it was possible to deal with him.

Similar cases occurred in the Girls' School. Onone occasion, after a fight among them, theringleader was isolated in the office, where shecontinued shrieking wildly. The writer steppedinto the, office, sat down, and quietly, andinaudibly exercised the authority of the Lord,commanding the evil spirits to leave the place.The girl instantly ceased, so suddenly that the




lady principal asked what had been done toher.

Authority Over Fear

In traveling among the islands off the coast of

Mindanao, in a native boat, a considerableswell was encountered. The son of the writerbegan to show fear, which became almostuncontrollable. This was most unusual as hewas normally fond of the water, and was anexcellent sailor, having frequently traveled up

and down the entire China coast, where stormsare severe. He begged to be taken ashore;and as the whole affair seemed to be directedagainst the progress of the evangelistic trip,the writer quietly took the authority of Christover the spirits of fear and rebuked them,though saying nothing openly. In a very fewminutes the lad seemed to change completely,and for the remainder of the journey, lastingseveral days, there was no further difficulty.The second night after, while in the center of awide bay, and about twelve miles from shore, aheavy squall was encountered, and anoutrigger broke. The danger was imminent,but, though the lad was fully aware of it, andthough the waves were washing quite over theboat, he manifested not the slightest shrinking.Other instances of fear, involving older and




experienced missionaries, are personallyknown.

Demon Obsession

Coming down the West River, in the south of

China, in 1926, there was a man on boardbeing taken to Hong Kong for mentaltreatment. He was a foreigner and a memberof the customs staff in Wuchow. Early in themorning, he leaped overboard, but wasrescued and placed in a cabin on board. A little

later he cut his throat from ear to ear. The boatdropped anchor, and native doctors came,sewed, and dressed his wounds. After theyhad left him, the writer was asked to talk withhim. He was lying on the cabin bunk, with hishands secured by a rope. As soon as the cabinwas entered, and before any question wasasked, he said: "They told me to do it." "Whotold you?" "The voices; they are talking to meall the time. They told me to throw myselfoverboard; and when I was taken from thewater, they said there was no hope for me, as Ihad tried to take my life, and said I must cut mythroat." Then, growing excited, he cried, "Theyare talking to me now; they say I must sendyou away. Go! Go!" He was quite besidehimself. The answer was made: "These aredemon voices that speak with you. I am not




afraid of them. I have come in here to helpyou." After prayer, he quieted, and norecurrence of the trouble occurred up to thetime he was taken from the boat to the hospitalat Hong Kong. He was not delivered, but thetrouble was under control while the worker wasnear. Here it may be said that demonsrecognize at once anyone who can exercisethe authority of the Lord, and they are afraid ofhim. But full deliverance in such a case as thiscannot take place without the consent of theone attacked. Other examples could be given.

Authority Over Opposers of theTruth

Previous illustrations are from the personalexperience of the writer. The following is by a

lady now deceased. In a town in the north ofEngland, great opposition was beingmanifested to some religious meetings by agroup of the rougher sort, stirred by certaincommunistic leaders. After a short time, thepastor called some of his people together, andasked them to stand with him against thepower of the enemy. About a hundredgathered, and after prayer, they definitelyrepeated with him: "In the name of the LordJesus Christ and by His authority we bind the




strong man from stirring up these people, andfrom attacking God's work." A hymn of praisewas sung, and the members dispersed. Thevery next day trouble rose among the leadersof the opposition, some of them left town, andno further hindrance to work was encountered.

Inferences

Such instances as the foregoing might bemultiplied, but these have been selected asillustrating different phases of the question.

They are sufficient to show that there are manysituations where the direct working of spirits ofevil may be inferred. In all such situations, theauthority of the Lord is available for theinstructed believer. And, where in faith theobedient saint claims his throne rights inChrist, and boldly exerts his authority, thepowers of the air will recognize and obey.There may be unwillingness and delay on theirpart, and time may be required. But, once theword of authority is spoken, it is not necessaryto repeat it. The believer must "stand" (6:13),and strengthen himself in God as he waits. Hewill learn with joy, as did the disciples of old,that "even the demons are Subject unto usthrough thy name."




Apply now these lessons to the great problemsof the extension of the Kingdom that face us.Here is the shortage of funds. We speak of thefinancial distress, but is any work of the deviltoday distressed for funds? A walk on thestreets of New York after working hours willspeedily give the answer. Satan is choking thechannels of Christian benevolence in manyand shrewd ways, but he leaves free thosewhich minister to pleasure and sensuality. Thewriter knows intimately of several cases inwidely separated parts of the land where fundsare tied up, which, if released, would beinstrumental in the advancement of the

Gospel, Here are closed lands. Humangovernmental authority seems responsible forthese. But in the background, there stand theshadowy forms of the great princes (Dan. 10),whose dicta rule the minds and wills of themen whom we see. Afghanistan, Arabia, Tibet,

and other lesser areas are thus garrisonedagainst the entry of the truth, They will thusremain until there rises in the Church believinggroups, who shall "agree" that this state ofaffairs shall no longer continue. And, as suchbands, with one accord, exercise a spiritual willof freedom for these lands, saying in the nameof the Lord, "This shall not be!" the unseendominant forces shall be dominant no longer,but shall yield ground, and the barriers shallfall.




Here are hindrances to advance in the fieldwork. Mohammedanism meets us with bigotryand jealousy; paganism with fear and haired;ignorance binds the heathen mind in darknessthat seems impenetrable. Fierce attacks, suchas recently occurred in French West Africa, fall

upon the workers, and some are cut off.Dissension-, rise in the ranks of brethren, andthe Spirit of peace withdraws. Behind everysuch situation the presence of the same malignpowers can be assumed The solution is in theirdisplacement we alone are to blame that theycontinue in power.

The same principle is often applicable inpersonal evangelism. A soul under convictionhas great difficulty in grasping the truth, or inyielding to it. His mind is blinded and bound. Aquiet attitude of victory over the opposingspirits has often brought swift release. AFilipino student was suspected of lying, butwas resolutely standing by his falsehood.Quietly the position was taken: "In the name ofthe Lord, I rebuke these lying spirits." Suddenly

the student broke down, confessed, and wepthis way through to victory.

Will it not be worthwhile for the believer to




meet in the coming age men and women whohave been delivered "out of the snare of thedevil," and loosed from varying forms ofbondage, because he has steadfastly stood fortheir deliverance for long periods against thefierce and incessant assaults of these deadlyfoes?

The Final Outcome of Authority

The question is often asked: Why does Godpermit this or that condition? Does not the

answer lie here? God has planned that manshall, through the out-working of Redemption,regain the place of authority in creation that hehas lost. To this end, Christ, having conqueredfor man, sits as his Representative in the seatdestined for him when redemption is fullymanifested. In the interim, the wonderfulprovision exists that man shall be reckoned inChrist, and shall, to the limit of his spiritualunderstanding and obedience, be endowedwith the authority of His name.

Accordingly, God throws upon man theresponsibility for the continuance of theconditions which we question. We feel theyought not to be. We realize that they are theworking of the enemy. We cry to God to rebuke




the enemy, and to alter things. Through theteaching of the Word, He replies: "My children,rebuke the enemy yourselves. The authorityover him is yours. Its responsibility I havecommitted to you. I desire you to learn in thesethings to prevail. I have purposed a high andholy ministry for you in the coming age. This isfor you the time of testing and preparation. Bestrong and of a good courage, and none shallbe able to stand before you all the days of yourlife."

Slowly, believers are awaking to their high

place of privilege in Christ, and are assumingthe responsibilities which it involves. The bodyof the man-child, who is to rule all nations witha rod of iron, is nearing completion. Born of theChurch, but not itself the Church, the bodyconsists of many members with widely differing

offices. These members are out of every ageand people. On its ascension to the Throne ofGod, which now potentially it shares, therebellious powers of the air, which have solong resisted Divine authority, shall be fully andforever dispossessed of their seats to makeroom for the new incumbents.

Before that event, it is recorded that "thepowers of the heavens shall be shaken." Theinitial tremors of that shaking are now taking




place. Every fully yielded heart that crownsJesus King increases the consternation of thepanic-stricken hosts. Conscious of theirimpending overthrow, they are seeking byfierce attacks on every front to hold back thefinal issue. Now is no time for the Church ofChrist to hold back. Let us meet attack bycounterattack. Faith is needed, courage,determination, sacrifice. We have these-andmore, we have Calvary, with all that it means.Men and women are needed who will meetGod in all that He offers, who will take up thecause of the closed lands and reply to thechallenge of the great heathen religions by an

aggressive warfare in the heavenlies.

"Who is on the Lord's side? Who will face thefoe?"




Chapter FiveTHE AUTHORITY OF THEINTERCESSOR

So unreasonable to the natural mind seemsthe proposition of Jehovah to His people (Isa.45:11) that they should "command" Himconcerning the work of His hands, that variousalternative readings of the passage have beenmade with the intent of toning down theapparent extravagance of the divine offer. Menare slow to believe that the Almighty reallymeans exactly what He says, They think it athing incredible that He should share withhuman hands the throttle of infinite power. Norhave they the spiritual understanding tocomprehend the purpose of the Father to bringthose who have been redeemed with theprecious blood of His dear Son into living andpractical cooperation with that Son in theadministration of His kingdom.

The people of Christ are revealed in the NewTestament (Ephesians 1:23) as "the fullness ofhim who fills all in all." They bear a vitalrelationship to Him as members of His body,through whom His glorious purposes are to be




wrought out in eternity. Consequently, it is nota strange thing that, in this present preparatoryage, He should make large revelations andoffers of His grace, in order that He may testthe faith and develop the spiritual powers ofthose who will be sharers of the authority andministry of His throne through the comingages. We need have no fear in accepting thefullest implications of the words above referredto, in spite of the critical attitude of even somedevout scholars.

The principle involved is set forth in other

places of the Word of God, in differentphraseology it may be, but with equal cogencyand clarity. Our duty is to draw near with theboldness of faith and in the attitude andreadiness of full obedience. Faith will prove akey to unlock every mystery of the truth;obedience will secure our entrance through thedoor thus opened. In a new and deeper sensewe shall discover ourselves to be sons abidingever in the great house of the Father, partakingof all its relationships and responsibilities. Itsmany ministries will become vivid as we moveabout in them, speaking words of authority,

and seeing the behests of the Spirit of God,which are uttered through us, carried out totheir fulfillment.




The Counsels of the Heart

In Psalm 20 the coming Messiah is set beforeus in His human aspect. It is for Him a time oftrouble, but the name of the God of Jacob hasset Him on high, and divine grace sends forthHis help from the sanctuary. His offerings are

remembered and accepted before the MostHigh. Then follows a prophetic petition: "Grantthee according to thine own heart, and fulfill allthy counsel." The desires and purposes of thisChosen Servant of God are promised fullaccomplishment. All of His heart plans areacceptable to Jehovah; they are in full accordwith the divine ideals; therefore, a secondassurance is given: "The Lord fulfill all thypetitions."

The One who is thus addressed is the Son ofman, the great Representative of our humanity.Through Him the Spirit of God had unhinderedliberty in carrying out the divine counsel duringall His earthly career. His human will was inconstant and perfect alignment with that of theFather in heaven. No shadow ever rose

between Him and God save that thick cloud ofour sins which enveloped Him on Calvary. Ateach step of His daily walk He could say, "I doalways the things that please him." Becausethis was true, there was no bar to the granting




of the desires of His heart, or to the fulfillmentof His inward counsels.

The deep reality of the union between Christand His people is but little comprehended bythe great majority of believers. It is comparedby the Holy Spirit to the relationship of a headto the members of the body over which it is set.Where perfect health prevails, the membersare responsive to the slightest impulses of thehead. But if disease prevails in any part of thebody, there is a lack of full coordination, somemember or members being tardy in obedience,

or inaccurate in carrying out their rightfulfunctions, or it may be unable to obey at all.The body of Christ differs from the human bodyin that each member possesses an individualvolition which must be surrendered voluntarilyto the will of the Head. Much schism, alas,exists also in the body as a whole, and muchself-will in the individual member. These thingshinder healthy growth and the free outworkingof the purposes of Christ. Yet, where anymember dwells fully in his place, "holding thehead" (Col. 2:19), there is not only fullcooperation but also true identity of desire with

the Lord, and the Master's promise findsoccasion of fulfillment: "If ye abide in me, andmy words abide in you, ye shall ask what yewill, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).




Note carefully the significance of thestatement, "Ye shall ask what YE will." Howmany believers content themselves with asubmissive uttering of the words, "Thy will bedone," in all matters which they bring beforethe Lord. Their spirits assume a passiveattitude that accepts anything that comes tothem as the will of the Father. This is notscriptural, and it is very far from the desire ofGod for His children. The Holy Spirit teaches ahearty cooperation rather than mereresignation; an active entering into God's planinstead of a vague yielding to circumstances; adefinite claiming and appropriating of the

promises which are set before us in the Word,as being the expression of the Father's will forHis children. We are to positively will the will ofGod; to seek it out as He has revealed it; andto maintain our place of quiet assurance beforeHim until it has been fully accomplished.

Dr. E. E. Helms once told of how he hadpromised a bicycle to his son. They went outtogether to inspect the various models, and tomake the purchase. The boy led the way to aparticular store, and indicated a machine which

he said was the one he wanted. His fathersuggested it might be better to look at someothers before finally deciding. But the lad wasquite sure as to his own mind. "Father," hesaid, "I've been scouting round already, and




sized them all up, and this is the one I want,I'm going to stay here until I get it." He wassuccessful; and his father in telling the storyremarked that if we would take that attitude inour praying there would be fewer unansweredprayers.

That attitude will ensure the carrying out of thepromise to the Head: "Jehovah...grant theeaccording to thy heart's desire, and fulfill all thycounsel." The member of the body has comeinto complete intimacy with the Head; hediscerns the purposes of his Lord; through his

purposeful petitions, Christ's own heart'sdesires are fulfilled. Of not a few of the saintsthis characteristic has been true in a markeddegree. It is not the fault of the Head that itcannot be said of all.

The Sharing of Authority

Matthew, in the closing chapter of his Gospel,shows us the King on the mountain in Galileewhich He had appointed as the rendezvous for

His disciples. He is speaking to the group offollowers who surround Him "All authority hathbeen given unto me in heaven and in earth." Itmay seem a strange statement to manyChristians, but it is nevertheless a profound




spiritual truth that the authority of the risenHead at the right hand of the throne of theMajesty in the heavens, is planned to reach itsfull development and manifestation through Hisbody. The Son of God became incarnate, notmerely that He might save men from their sins,but also that He might bring man to that placeof dominion (Over the works of God which wasplanned in the counsels of eternity (Ps. 8).Today, the inspired writer tells us (Heb. 2:9),"we see Jesus" holding in trust for redeemedmankind all that the race has lost through sin.Our Lord has Himself taken the Headship, andis forming for Himself a body through which He

will fulfill the original divine purpose.

Much of the weakness of the church is due toits failure to understand and appropriate thisall-important truth. It is ours, as individualmembers of the body, to seek that the authorityof Christ shall come with full acceptance intoour spirits. It is not enough to know andacknowledge that He is our fullness; theremust be as well the apprehension of thecomplementary truth that we are also Hisfullness (see Eph. 1:23). What an amazing

honor and dignity is thus purposed for us:"heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ" (Rom.8:17). For the coming of age of the body, andits entrance upon the prepared inheritance, allthe rest of God's creation is waiting with




earnest expectation.

The Removal Of Mountains

Serious obstacles often confront the servant ofthe Lord in his ministry for the bringing in of the

kingdom. They seem as deep-rooted as theeverlasting hills, and as imposing in their bulk.They block the way to accomplishment ofdesired ends. They shut out the vision ahead.They balk the disheartened worker with theirgrim assurance of immobility. They seem tolaugh at his discomfiture and to mock hisprayers. And, as the months and years pass,and no change is seen in their contour, hecomes often to accept them as a necessaryevil, and to modify his plans accordingly. Suchmountains of difficulty loom up on every foreignfield; each home district has its range withimpassable serrated peaks lowering ahead;few pastorates lack at least a "little hill." Theyare too varied in their nature to particularize,but they are genuine and heartbreakinghindrances.

Concerning all such, the Master has assuredHis servants that they need not continue asobstacles to the progress of His work. Thequestion of their removal is one of authority.




The command of faith is the divine means ofremoving them out of the way: "Ye shall sayunto this mountain, Be thou removed, and bethou cast into the sea; and it shall obey you."The question involved is not that of animposing faith, but that of on all-sufficientName The worker has no power of himself toaccomplish anything, but he is commissionedto wield the, power of God. As he speaks tothe mountain in the name of Christ, he puts hishand on the dynamic force that controls theuniverse; heavenly energy is released, and hisbehest is obeyed.

Authority is not prayer, though the worker whoprays can alone exercise authority. Mosescried unto God at the Red Sea (Exod. 14:15ff.), beseeching Him to work on behalf of Hispeople, only to receive the strong reproof:"Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak untothe children of Israel that they go forward."And, as he lifted his face in amazed protest,because the way ahead was blocked by theimpassable waves, Jehovah spoke again: "Liftthou up thy rod, and stretch out thine handover the sea, and divide it." As the impotent

arm of the Lawgiver held over the waters thesymbol of the authority of God, there wasimmediate response, "and the children of Israelwent into the midst of the sea upon the dryground; and the waters [which seemed at first




a harrier impossible to overcome] were a wall[of protection] to them on the right hand and onthe left."

God delights to delegate His power to men,when He can find believing and obedientservants to accept and exercise it. So, whenMountains rise in their way, the Lordcommands His disciples to speak unto themand bid them depart into the sea. He gives, noinstruction to pray, although that is understood.There is essentially the same (:bar,,(! as wasgiven to Moses: "You have asked Me to work; I

have granted your request, but I choose to dothe work through you; speak to the obstaclebefore you in my name, and it will obey." As weobediently speak to the Mountain before us,there may seem to be no immediate response.But, as day by day, we maintain the attitude ofauthority, knowing that we are commissionedto use the name of our Lord, there will come atrembling, and a shaking, and removing, andthe Mountain will slide from its base, anddisappear into the sea of forgetfulness.

God is endeavoring to train workers for a futureand a mighty ministry of cooperation with HisSon. He therefore has here and now conferredon them the privilege of' sharing the authoritywith which Christ was endowed as the Son of




man. The burden of responsibility for itsacceptance and its exercise lies with theindividual believer.

The Binding of the Enemy

A fact that is anew being forced upon theconsciousness of the Church of Christ is that agreat and aggressive warfare is being wagedagainst her by unseen and powerful foes. TheScriptures have long revealed it, but few havegiven this warfare the attention which itrequires. "Our wrestling," the Apostle warns us,"is not against flesh and blood, but against theprincipalities, against the powers, against theworld-rulers of this darkness, against thespiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies"(Eph. 6:12, A.S.V.). In the life of the Christianassembly, in the purity of its doctrine, in thefellowship of its members, and in theirindividual bodies and circumstances, subtleforces are working, with keen understandingand masterful direction. The opposition isveiled, but it is real, and it is sometimestremendous. Because its source is

unrecognized, it is the more effective. Thepowers of evil are allowed often to havepractically free course in groups of believers,Troubles that might be easily overcome, ifrightly diagnosed, are laid to other causes, and




because the remedy is not applied, thedifficulties may increase until the veryexistence of the congregation is threatened.

In one of the cities of Canada, the pastor of anAlliance Church said to the writer: "There areabout four different troubles going on all thetime among my people. As soon as I get onestraightened out, the devil has another ready totake its place." Answer was made: "Brother,you are right in your diagnosis of the source ofyour troubles, but you are wrong in yourmethod of meeting them. What you are looking

at are the coils of the old serpent through yourcongregation, and, as you straighten out onekink, you may be sure that another will appear.Leave the coils alone, and go for the head; putyour foot on that in the authority of the Lord;recognize the active agency of the enemy andconquer him; the coils will straighten out ofthemselves if he is dealt with." The sameadvice will apply in many other places. Let uslearn the secret of victory through authority, aswell as through prayer, and our churches willcome into the place of strength, and be able totake the aggressive against the enemy.

We return to our starting point. The solution ofevery spiritual problem is to be found in theworking of the divine energy. We long for its




manifestation, and pray with intensity and withdesire that it may be released in our midst. Yetthere seems often to be an unaccountabledelay that perplexes and discourages. Are wefulfilling the conditions? God is ready to bless,but we fail to provide the channels along whichalone can flow His supplies.

The Methods of the Lord

It is true also that the Lord is demanding acloser adherence to His appointed methods.As the individual believer matures in theChristian life, he often finds greater difficulty inmaintaining spiritual victory. He had expectedopposition to decrease, or at least to be moreeasily overcome. But he discovers that God islaying upon him heavier burdens, and testinghim for larger ministries. In like manner, as theage is advancing, the Church is beingprepared for the final struggle by being taughtlessons of individual responsibility that in thepast were the property of advanced saintsonly. All believers might have known them, forthey are revealed in the Word of God, but only

the few pressed on to their attainment.

For the greater struggles of our day and thethickening atmosphere into which we are




entering, the Church needs intercessors whohave learned the secret of taking hold of thepower of God, and directing it against thestrategic advances of the enemy. She needsthose who have understanding of the times toknow what ought to be done amid the crashingdown of old standards, and the introduction ofthat which is uncertain and untried.

God is waiting for those whom He can trustand use, who will have the discernment toforesee His steps and the faith to commandHis power. Authoritative intercessors are men

and women, whose eyes have been opened tothe full knowledge. of their place in Christ. Tothem the Word of God has become a battlechart on which is detailed the plan of campaignof the hosts of the Lord. They realize that theyhave been appointed by Him for the oversightof certain sections of the advance, and theyhave humbly accepted His commission.Deeply conscious of their own personalunworthiness and insufficiency, they yetbelieve God's statement concerning theiridentification with Christ in His throne power.

Increasingly they realize that heavenlyresponsibility rests upon them for the carryingforward of the warfare with which they havebeen charged. Their closet becomes a council




chamber from which spiritual commands goforth concerning matters widely varied incharacter and separated in place. As theyspeak the word of command, God obeys. Hisdelight is in such co-working. They havecaught His thought concerning the method ofthe advance of His kingdom. Through them Hefinds it possible to carry forward purposes andto fulfill promises which have been long heldback for lack-not of human laborers nor offinancial means — but of understandingspiritual fellow laborers.

The Control of PersonalCircumstances

In the varied presentations of divine grace andhuman experience which are set forth in theBook of Psalms, two aspects embrace allothers. The first is the Messianic, where thepsalmist, frequently in his own person, revealsthe sufferings and the glory of the incarnateSon of God, whom he recognizes, however,only as the coming King of Israel. The secondis the individual aspect, in which therelationship of the believing soul to God isportrayed in numerous phases. So fully is thehuman heart unveiled that David, to whommost of the psalms have been ascribed, hasbeen spoken of by one writer as "not one man,




but all mankind's epitome."

The inspiration of the Spirit of God was richlyupon all the authors of the Psalms. Each ofthem knew God, and loved Him with a passionthat was, perhaps, not exceeded by any of thesaints of this later dispensation. Out of theirown knowledge of the inner life they wroteoften more wisely than they realized. Withoutany straining of their words it is possible to findforeshadowings of deep spiritual truths, whichin their full development could not beunderstood till Calvary had come and gone.

Comprehension of the mysteries of theheavenly calling comes to men only as theyare able to receive them. And, until the work ofthe Cross was complete, and the Holy Spiritwas outpoured, even the most devout of God'strue children were not ready for all that hassince been revealed to the spiritual minds ofthe present age.

The Hunger of the Soul

In Psalms 42 and 43 is finely illustrated thethought which has just been stated. There isshown to us the awakening vision of a manwhose heart was crying out for knowledge ofand fellowship with God. Desire was intensified




by the fact that he was in exile. Who he waswe may surmise, but his identity matters little.From the "land of Jordan," where theheadwaters of that turbulent stream find theirsources in the springs of the Hermons, hegazed with inward yearning towards the distanttemple. At a former time it had been hisprivilege to join with the glad throngs ofworshippers as they ascended the holy hill ofZion, with songs of rejoicing and praise. Now,isolated amid [he solitude of mountainfastnesses and cataracts, he listened with aweto one voice of nature calling unto another ofthe majesty of the Creator of all, while he

himself seemed to be cut off from God andoverwhelmed by the waves and billows of thenever resting sea of life.

It is sweet to note that, in his remembrance ofJerusalem, he was craving not so much for theordinances of the sanctuary as for GodHimself. It is a precious proof of the reality andthe depth of his love that every opposingcircumstance but increased his desire for thedivine fellowship which he had once enjoyed,which to the pious Israelite found its center of

manifestation in the place where God hadchosen to reveal Himself. Though the sense ofdesolation was so great that it seemed to bearhim down "as with a sword [a killing or crushingin his bones," he still believed that the loving-




kindness of the Lord was about him "in thedaytime" to preserve him from the pursuit of hisdeadly foes. And then, when the shadows ofnight fell, and the tabernacle of darknessenfolded him about, there stole into his heartthe sweet strains of the songs of Zion mingledwith his prayers to the God of his life, and hewas soothed and comforted.

The Oppression of the Enemy

His complaint to God concerns spiritual ratherthan material foes. "Why go I mourningbecause of the oppression of the enemy," hecries to the most High, whom he accuses in hisdepression of having cast him off. The dailyreproach of his opponents, "Where is thyGod?" is an inward rather than an outwardvoice, for he was far separated from those whowould do harm to him. We are sometimesprone to think that the saints of Old Testamenttimes possessed little clear conception of thepowers of the unseen world. But this is amisapprehension on our part. It is true that inthe Book of Psalms the emphasis first appears

to be laid upon visible and physical foes.These the writer hated "with perfect hatred"(Ps. 139:22), because they were also theenemies of God. But we would be wrong inlimiting the thought of the psalmist to what




alone could be seen. It will be rememberedthat Satan is introduced in the very beginningof the Old Testament, and that he appears asthe constant adversary of the people of theLord. The facts also of possession by demonsand contact with familiar spirits were well-known and often referred to with reprobationby the prophets and in the Law.

Furthermore, the Book of job was written longbefore the time of David, and wasunquestionably in his hands and those of thespiritual leaders of Israel. It was doubtless

included among the Scriptures in which hemeditated with great delight. in this remarkablenarrative the veil of the invisible world hasbeen drawn partly aside, and there is given avery startling view of the secret working of thegreat adversary who had been permitted tobring trouble upon God's champion. We seeSatan so concealing his own working that thepious patriarch was actually deceived intobelieving that he had been set up as a mark for"the arrows of the Almighty." Knowing thesefacts as they did, it is not too much to claimthat David and his fellow saints realized that

many at least of the bitter persecutions whichthey suffered originated from the same dreadsource that was responsible for the afflictionsof job.




It is a common tendency in the present day tospeak of every national calamity as "an act ofGod," when such should be laid, as surely asin the experience of the patriarch of Uz, at thedoor of the restless and malignant enemy ofmankind. The permission of the Most High hasbeen given, it is true, where such affect theLord's people, and for this reason the writers ofthe Old Testament have a tendency to ascribeall things to the direct working of the divinehand. But there is, among the majority of thepeople of God, an inability to discern in theirown sufferings what is the chastening of theLord, and what is due, in the words of the

psalmist, to "the oppression of the enemy."

As a consequence, it is sad to see thenumbers of earnest Christians, people like thepsalmist with a heart for God, who are beingbeaten down to the ground, and are unable torise again. The roll of such is increasing, and itis incumbent on pastors and Christian teachersand workers to appreciate the reality of thedanger, and to meet the situation with a keendiscernment of its source and a determined willfor victory. Unseen wolves are entering, "not

sparing the flock," and trained and fearlessshepherds are needed, who cannot only facethe enemy with understanding and confidence,and can deliver the prey out of his mouth, butwho can also repair breaches in the wall of the




folds.




Chapter SixTHE VICTORY OF THEBELIEVER'S COUNTENANCE

Three times in the two psalms before us, thereoccurs a refrain in identical language. It variessomewhat in the Authorized Version, wherethe translators have employed different words.In the first instance of its use (42:5), the lastthree words have been attached to the

following verse, having probably been soarranged in some manuscript in order toremove what to some scribe seemed an abrupttransition of thought.

The following rendition applies in all threeinstances (42:5, 11; 43:5). It is quite literal:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul, And whyart thou disquieted in me? Await God, for Ishall yet praise him — The victory of my

countenance — and my God.

God is here revealed not merely as theDeliverer of the soul of the psalmist. In the




existing circumstances of spiritual oppressionand physical depression that would have itselfbeen a splendid achievement of faith. Jehovahis represented in a larger way, as the Giver ofvictory to the countenance of the psalmist, sothat his enemies fled before his face. The Lordhad endued His servant with His own authorityfrom on high, so that, as he went forward in thename of God, opposing circumstances shouldgive way and spiritual enemies would fleeapace.

This is a New Testament truth in an Old

Testament setting. It is one with which everysaved and sanctified believer should befamiliar. The purpose of the Father providesthat each child of His may be a sharer of thethrone and the authority of His risen andexalted Son. Over all the power of the enemy

this authority extends. It is the believer's rightto bind and loose in the name of Him who hasappointed him. As the psalm states it, God isHimself the Victory of the believer'scountenance, so that he fears neither man norspirit, nor opposing circumstance.

The Way of the Cross

It is the duty and privilege of every Christian to




understand and enter into the divine desire forour perfecting, and to claim the place withChrist, both in His cross and resurrection andascension, that the Father has appointed. Godhas reckoned each believer in His Son to havedied with Him at Calvary. "Know ye not,"demands Paul (Rom. 6:3 ff.), "that so many ofus as were baptized into Jesus Christ werebaptized into his death?" Alas, it is a truth ofwhich very few who claim the saving grace ofour Lord have any practical knowledge, but it isof vital importance. All of our growth into thestature of the risen Son of man depends uponour identification with Him. "Our old man," the

apostle goes on to say (v. 6), "was crucifiedwith him, that the body of sin might beannulled" (its power over us destroyedcompletely and forever). We enter into theexperience of this through faith: "Likewisereckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed

unto sin, but alive unto God through JesusChrist our Lord" (v. 11). Then, as we positivelypresent ourselves unto God as alive from thedead, and withdraw our members from thedemands of sin, we shall find ourselvesthrough the action of the Holy Spirit, whocarries out within us the action of faith,realizing the truth of the promise (v. 14), "Sinshall not have dominion over you."

The way of the cross is the appointed path to




the realization of that experimental sitting withChrist, which the Father has ordained for thebeliever. Our blessed Lord died at Calvary andthe bands of death being broken, He has beeexalted to the right hand of the throne. There isn other way for the disciple than to be as hisLord. is not a method of fleshly works of self-denial, b the firm belief that God does as Hesays, as walk in the light of His truth. Our partis t simple entering by faith into that which halready happened at the cross, the tomb and tresurrection. We yield ourselves unto God thatt Spirit may work in us that which He hasrevealed in His Word as His divine purpose, a

purpose which He can only fulfill as we abidein the fait that He is working in us to will and doof His goo pleasure. We have died with Christ;we we buried with Him (not in the maresymbolism water baptism, but in theapprehension of the work of the Spirit which

baptism symbolizes); were raised with Him inHis resurrection out that tomb in which all oursins, and the old man the root of all, wereburied; and we have bee made to sit with Himin the heavenlies, at the rig hand of the Father.It is in the realization which this faith brings thatwe come to know that t Lord has Himselfbecome the strength of o countenance, as wesee a new power working in and through us inour ministry.




Practical Victory

The saint who has learned that the LordHimself is the victory of his countenanceconfronts calmly and fearlessly whateversituation may arise, knowing that naught canprevail against the will that is linked with God.

A firm and positive refusal that the enemy shallhave any right to work in the life, or the body,or the circumstances, will bring the foe to astandstill. And, as this attitude is maintained inquiet faith, a change will come, and the attackswill lose their force. However distressing the

assaults it is possible for faith to ask of theinner life, "Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul,and why art thou disquieted in me?" and tocalm itself with the certain assurance, "AwaitGod, for I shall yet praise him-the victory of mycountenance — and my God."

The conflicts in our churches, in which neitherparty will give way, and which lower thespiritual power of the assembly, may becontrolled by prayer and authority directedagainst those evil principalities and powers,whose working foments and continues thetrouble. Individual lives, taken in the snare ofthe devil, depressed and hopeless, may berestored to their place of assurance, andpeace, and joy in God. Attacks on physical




health, and on social relationships, and onfinancial matters, may often be traced tounseen workings, and thus overcome in thename of the Lord.

In a wider outlook, the international tumultswhich threaten the ministry of the gospelthrough blocking access to needy fields andtying up the sources of financial support, mustalso yield to the faith that directs the weaponsof God against the satanic barriers. Thecountenance of Joshua was given such victoryby the God of Israel that no man was able to

stand before his face all the days of his life.Our wrestling, unlike that of Joshua, is not withthe seven nations of Canaan, but with theirspiritual counterparts. These are the forcesthat are responsible for every opposing worldissue. They, too, shall fall before the Church of

Christ, when her people, inspired andenergized with a new vision of Calvary, shallrise in the name and authority of the Lord torefuse all interference with her world mission.

Princes with GodIt was said of George Muller of Bristol, in hislater years, that he bore himself like a prince ofGod. So confident had his faith become




through years of asking and receiving, sointimate was his communion with God fromuncounted hours spent in audience with Him,that his countenance and his whole bearingmanifested the dignity of a member of the royalhousehold of heaven. The society in which wemove inevitably leaves its impress upon us.This is the more true when it demands theputting forth of our highest powers to walkworthily among its members, and when wefurther realize that it expects us in everysituation to be an honor to it. We have beenmade through the ministry of our graciousLord, "Kings and priests unto his God and

Father." If we believe this, and walk in theconscious light of the Lord, there cannot fail intime to be seen in us what was said of thebrethren of Gideon: "Each one resembled thechildren of a king" (Judg. 8:18).

Victory over the Church's Foes

Among the spiritually significant stories of theOld Testament, there are none that containdeeper teaching for the individual overcomerand the whole militant Church of Christ thanthose of the outflow from the smitten rock atRephidim and the ensuing battle with Amalek,recorded in the seventeenth chapter of theBook of Exodus. The lessons are so practical,




they enter so deeply into. the nature of thegreat conflict that is being fought in theheavenlies, they reveal so simply thetechnique of the warfare with our unseen foes,and they speak so confidently of complete andfinal victory, that there is little left to be said onthe subject. There are other incidents in theWord which deal with differing phases of thesame subject, and all are of value. But thisgives the most comprehensive outline of thespiritual struggle involved, and it closes with astatement of the eternal purpose of Godregarding the cooperation of His people insecuring present and final triumph.

Our Heavenly Possessions

Israel had come into a great and pricelesspossession. Out of the smitten rock rivers ofliving water were flowing. They were a giftdirect from the throne, abounding in life andblessing. They made possible the veryexistence of the people of Jehovah in thewilderness journey. The whole nation drankand was revived. There was no lack for eitherman or beast.

Rabbinical traditions speak of the streamsfollowing the host as it moved onward, the




water flowing up the hills and down the valleys,and gathering in pools at the places ofencampment. To these traditions the apostlerefers (1 Cor. 10:4), when he speaks of thepeople drinking of "that spiritual rock thatfollowed them; and that rock was Christ." Indoing so, he does not give authority to thestories; his purpose is to direct attention to theSecond Person of the Trinity whoaccompanied the nation, providing for its everyneed, and graciously protecting it in danger.The fact that a second time, towards the end ofthe wilderness wanderings, the rock was againsmitten (Num. 20), indicates the necessity for a

further supply of water, and reveals the falsityof the traditions.

For us there is a wealth of spiritual meaning inthe record. "if any man thirst, let him come unto

me, and drink," the Lord still cries unto Hispeople. Christ at Calvary is the Smitten Rockof the New Testament Church. From Hisopened side flows the divine supply thatsatisfies every heart longing. So abundant isthe fullness of the risen and living Lord, whodispenses that heavenly grace, that there isadded to the invitation a wonderful promise:"He that believeth in me, out of his belly [fromthe depths of his inner life] shall flow rivers ofliving water." That is to say, the believer whoabides at the Rock, and drinks continually of its




outpouring, becomes himself a channel ofblessing to other thirsty souls.




Chapter SevenVICTORY OVER SPIRITUALCONFLICT

In the arid desert nothing is so vital as a supplyof water. Sore conflicts frequently take placebetween the wandering tribes over thepossession of a well or spring (see Gen. 26:18ff.). It is not surprising, therefore, that the rightof the people of Israel to the living streams ofRephidim was speedily contested. The fiercetribesmen of Amalek sought to drive themaway, that they themselves might enjoy theabundance of this new oasis. Skilled warriors,trained in desert fighting, they were far morethan a match for the recently liberated slavesof Pharaoh. Yet, untried as the Israelites werein warfare (Exod. 13:17), they must lay hold ofspear and buckler, and defend their heaven-bestowed blessings. The battle in itself was ahopeless one for Israel. Wherever divineinterference lessened, as the weary hands ofMoses drooped, "Amalek prevailed." There

was no natural ability in Israel to conquer; theirvictory came alone through the power of thatSpiritual Rock that followed them.




One of the hard lessons that must be learnedby every seeker after the deeper life in Christ isthat each new appropriation of heavenly graceand knowledge brings him often into a moresubtle conflict. In the early stages of theChristian life, when abounding peace and joyhas come in to fill the heart, and the gladnessof the Lord brightens all about him, his feet are"like hinds' feet;" and he feels as if he werepermanently established upon the spiritual"high places" (Hab. 3:19). But, ere long, hefinds himself treading the Valley of Humiliation,where Apollyon must be faced, and passingthence to the dread experiences of the Valley

of the Shadow of Death, where the evil onespress hard, and temptation assails withcrushing force, and faith's contest withdiscouragement seems often a losing one.

Our Unseen FoesAs still further advancement in the knowledgeof the Lord is given, through the opening of theeyes of his understanding, and he finds that hehas been "blessed with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly places in Christ," there comesthe startling realization that the very heavenlyplaces, into which he has been introduced, arethe habitat of the powers of darkness. Hisacceptance of his seat with Christ Jesus (Eph.




2:6) "far above all principality, and power, andmight, and dominion," provides him withauthority and power for full victory, so long ashe maintains his place, wearing the defensivearmor, and wielding the offensive weapons.But, unless at this stage of progress, there isreceived clear instruction as to the divineprovision for overcoming, he is liable to spendmany months, or even years, of fruitlessstruggle and defeat.

Nor can any believer escape this conflict, solong as he resolutely presses forward in the

pursuit of true holiness and effective ministry. Itis part of the training of the Lord's overcomingpeople. In the Kingdom Age, Christ hasplanned that they shall reign with Him from theheavenly places over the earth. It isconsequently not strange that the principalitiesand powers, who are to be dispossessed of theseats of authority now occupied bythemselves, should savagely resist their owndisplacement. These spiritual enemies opposeevery forward step of the overcomer; they willseek to confuse his mind, sometimes drawinghim into error, or into extravagance in doctrine.

They may even attack him in body, or incircumstances, or through his family or hisfriends.




This has been their method in every age, asillustrated in the march of the hosts of Israeltowards the Promised Land. Among thechildren of Israel the powers of darkness subtlyintroduced "many foolish and hurtful lusts";they sought to seduce them by the incoming ofidolatry and fornication from the nationsaround; they incited them to murmuring anddistrust of the providence of Jehovah; or theyopenly and fiercely attacked them, as throughthe Amalekites. In the same manner today, byboth inward and outward means, "the wiles ofthe devil" are directed to the rendering fruitlessof the life and service of the individual Christian

and of the aggressive church.

Many an earnest pastor weeps before the Lordbecause of coldness or disunion in hiscongregation. The successful evangelist isdisturbed by some deadening influencecreeping into the atmosphere of his meetings,by which his liberty of spirit is hampered, andby which souls are hindered from coming tothe Savior. In many cases prayer does notseem to touch the difficulty, even when longcontinued. Nay, even prayer itself seems to be

lifeless, and God afar off. At times the enemystrikes back swiftly when some special effort isaimed against him. Workers break down,sickness weakens the frame, spiritual purposeslackens, and discouragement throws a pall of




darkness that depresses every effort for theLord. Such experiences are far fromuncommon, as many will testify.

The Authority of the Rod

What is the significance of the Rod as itappears in the ministry of Moses? The usualinterpretation is that it symbolizes prayer. Butthere is no mention of prayer in the incidentbefore us, and in a somewhat similar case(Exod. 14:15 ff.), the Lawgiver is sharply toldthat the time is past for calling on God, andthat definite action is needed. There is a richerand more powerful meaning: the rodsymbolizes the authority of God committed tohuman hands. By it the holder is made a co-ruler with his Lord, sharing His throne-power,and reigning with Him.

It is a vision that staggers the faith of many.But it is a scriptural revelation of divine truth,that is repeated in many places and in manyforms. The overcoming saint is made a king

and priest unto God (Rev. 1:6), that he mayreign on the earth (Rev. 5:10). He is givenauthority over the nations (Rev. 2:26 ff.),cooperating with the risen Christ. He sits withthe exalted Lord in the heavenly places (Eph.




1:20), which is the center of the authority of theuniverse. In this position of privilege he isenthroned with Christ "far above all principality,and power, and might and dominion, and everyname that is named, not only in this age, butalso in that which is to come."

This is meant to be a present experience offaith, though its full development will bereached in the age which is before us. Let usnot dishonor the Word of God that revealsthese things, by the unbelieving attitude that itmeans less than it has clearly stated.

All through the day, "until the going down of thesun," Moses held out the rod over the valley inwhich Israel strove with Amalek. Was hepraying? There is little doubt that his heart waslifted to God in unceasing supplication for theuntrained soldiers of his people. But hisholding out of the rod -was a demonstration ofthe authority committed to him over the unseenforces which drove forward the Amalekites,and which operate behind every battle (seeDan. 10:13, 20). Not in the visible, but in the

invisible, lies the secret of success or failure.Over the spirit-foes of Israel, which sought tothwart the purpose of God, and to hold backHis people from the land of their inheritance,Moses exercised the authority vested in him as




the representative of Jehovah. By hissustained resistance to these mightyprincipalities and powers, their ability to aid theAmalekites was nullified. And, as the sun wentdown, the beaten tribesmen suddenlywithdrew.

The principle holds in every conflict betweenthe people of God and their enemies. Whereredeemed man is concerned, the Father callshim into a ministry of authority with His Son,the rightful Ruler of earth. In the OldTestament, some remarkable instances occur,

such as that of Joshua at Ajalon (josh. 10:12),or that of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1), where theprophet boldly declared that "there shall not bedew or rain these years, but according to myword." In those past ages, however, theauthority was limited to a few select souls,upon whom the Spirit came for specialministries. But the New Testament saints of theheavenly places include all who are raised upwith Christ, and who have accepted the deathof the cross, and the burial of the tomb, thatthey may attain unto the resurrection of whichPaul speaks (Phil. 3:11). For thern there is a

fellowship with the Risen Christ in a largersense than others know. To them the powersof darkness yield wherever their authority isexerted.




The Hand Upon the Throne

"Jehovah hath sworn," reads the RevisedVersion, "Jehovah will have war with Amalekfrom generation to generation." The first clauseis not correctly translated. "A hand is lifted tipupon the throne of Jehovah," the Hebrew

reads. The lifting up of the hand is a form ofaffirmation or oath, and from this comes therendering, "Jehovah hath sworn," The meaningis to be found in the action of Moses. Lifting uphis hand holding the rod, he took authority inthe name of Jehovah over the foes of God'speople. In his capacity as the representative ofJehovah he was exerting the authority of thethrone when he lifted up his hand. It was adeclaration of divine judgment to be executedupon Amalek and upon the demon-powerswho energized those cruel warriors in theirenmity against Israel.

So, today, every consecrated hand that lifts therod of the authority of the Lord against theunseen powers of darkness is directing thethrone-power of Christ against Satan and his

hosts in a battle that will last until "the goingdown of the sun," that is, until life's day isended. Paul prayed (Eph. 1:17) that "The Spiritof wisdom and revelation in the knowledge ofhim [Christ]" might be granted to the saints to




whom he wrote'. Thus would the eyes of theirunderstanding be opened to see their fullrelationship to the risen and exalted Christ.

The End

The Authority of the Believer by John MacMillan 1932

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Transcript of The Authority of the Believer by John MacMillan 1932