“…the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but SOME DOUBTED. Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “ALL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:16-18)
Adam and Eve gave AWAY ALL AUTHORITY for mankind but Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice and TOOK BACK ALL AUTHORITY. He said, “Behold, I GIVE YOU THE AUTHORITY to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather REJOICE because YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.” (Luke 10:19-20)
The authority is certainly wonderful but “He gives MORE (meizōn: greater stronger) GRACE. Therefore He says, God RESISTS (antitassomai: to range in battle against) the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and HE WILL DRAW NEAR (eggizō: to join one thing to another) TO YOU.” (James 4:6-8)
-Bill Stockham