The Coming Jewish Messiah

Insights from Israel regarding the coming Messiah - An interesting speculation.

A recent article in Charisma News reported that a Jewish Rabbi, Rabbi Glazerson, well known for his studies into the Bible Codes believes that the Jewish Messiah will arrive sometime between Rosh Hashanah in September of 2020 and September of 2021.

“Rabbi Glazerson then reveals that the Messiah will arrive in the Jewish calendar year of 5781 which can be anytime from the night of Rosh Hashanah on September 18, 2020 until the end of 5781 during the day on September 6, 2021. Rabbi Glazerson adds that when that happens, the people of Israel will take possession of the land as written in Numbers 33: And you shall take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have assigned the land to you to possess. (Numbers 33:53)”  (Charisma News)

According to Christian eschatology, this Jewish Messiah could very well be the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:1-2.  A human leader of great power and influence comes on the stage to deal with the instabilities in the Middle East. In Christian eschatology, this leader is the Antichrist. The events associated with his appearing are wars in the Middle East. Ezekiel 38 deals with these wars.

[Rev 6:1-4 NASB] 1 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come." 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. 3 When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come." 4 And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that [men] would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

This war is an attack on Israel. It initiates times of tribulation for Israel. The Holy Spirit seems to be warning the Jews of this time of great trouble in Revelation 2:8-11. If the “ten days” of tribulation in verse 10 is not ten days, but ten definitive periods perhaps years, then the Holy Spirit is warning Israel that they will suffer ten years of tribulation before they are restored and God completes His covenant promises to them.

[Rev 2:8-11 NASB] 8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'

From the prophet Daniel, we learn that from the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince (Jesus) there would be 69 weeks of years then the Messiah would be “cut off” or killed and Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed. After that, there were to be wars and desolations. Seventy weeks of years total were decreed for Israel to finish the transgression, make an end of sin, and bring in everlasting righteousness, complete all prophecies, and to anoint the most holy place. The 70^th week of years, or seven years, are prophesied to be years of a covenant between a “he” and Israel. These seven years are known in Christian eschatology as the seven years of great tribulation just before the return of Jesus to the earth as King of kings. The book of Revelation deals with these seven years as two periods of 3 ½ years or 1260 days. Daniel 12 also deals with these 3 ½ years.

[Dan 9:24-27 NASB] 24 "Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy [place.] 25 "So you are to know and discern [that] from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince [there will be] seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26 "Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [will come] with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. 27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations [will come] one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."

[Dan 12:7 NASB] 7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half [a] [time;] and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these [events] will be completed.

Now, if Israel is to suffer tribulation for ten years and seven of those years are the seven years of the great tribulation just before Christ returns, that would leave three years of war and trouble for Israel before their “messiah” makes a seven-year covenant with “the many” (Israel and the nations attacking them). This “covenant” or seven-year cease-fire/ peace treaty is broken after 3 ½ years and times of very great trouble for Israel and Jews begin (the time of Jacob’s trouble).

[Jer 30:7 NKJV] 7 Alas! For that day [is] great, So that none [is] like it; And it [is] the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.

If Rabbi Glazerson is right, then this would be the sequence of events beginning in September of 2020.

1.    A leader of power and influence appears in the Middle East who promises to bring stability into the area. This leader would be the false messiah, the Antichrist. (Revelation 6:1-2)

2.    Israel is attacked by a coalition of Nations surrounding her (Ezekiel 38, the Gog, Magog wars).

3.    These wars last for three years bringing famine and death to many in the Middle East. (Revelation 6:3-4)

4.    After three years, the Antichrist manages to arrange a seven-year ceasefire or covenant between the warring parties. Part of this treaty will allow Israel to begin rebuilding their Temple and to reinstitute their sacrificial rituals. This would occur about the time of the Day of Atonement in September of 2023. (Daniel 9:27)

5.    At this same time, there is a great earthquake in the land of Israel and God begins to pour out His wrath upon the earth.

a.    [Rev 6:12, 16-17 NASB] 12 I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth [made] of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; ... 16 and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

6.    Because God’s wrath is not destined for His Church, I believe that the rapture of the Church occurs at or before this time, probably at the Feast of Trumpets of 2023. (1 Thes 4:13-18)

a.    [1Th 5:9 NASB] 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

b.    [Rev 3:10 NASB] 10 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

7.     For the next 3 ½ years, while the Jews are rebuilding their Temple and reinstituting their sacrificial rituals, the wars are put on hold, but terrible natural disasters are occurring around the world and especially in the Middle East. (Revelation 8)

8.    At the midpoint of the seven years of tribulation (after 3 ½ years), the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, stands in the Holy Place of the newly rebuilt Tempe, and declares that he is God. This all occurs at the time of Passover of 2026. It is at this time that Satan attempts to fulfill the prophecies of Passover. On Passover, he is killed by a blow to the head with a small sword or dagger. On the Feast of First, Fruits Satan descends and fills the dead body of the Antichrist becoming Satan incarnate. He also has a false Holy Spirit in the person of the false prophet who causes all to worship this beast, Satan incarnate. (Revelation 13)

9.    For the next 3 ½ years there is a reign of terror upon Jews and anyone who does not worship the Antichrist and take his mark on their forehead or right hand. This begins the time of Jacob’s Trouble on earth. There is war again in the Middle East that eventually spreads as the Antichrist attempts to spread his power and control worldwide. Demonic activity is also rampant during these years. (Revelation 9, 10, 11)

Very near the end of these last 3 ½ years, the king of the north, kings of the east, and the king of the south attack the Antichrist and his army (Daniel 11:36-45). The battles rage from norther Syria to northern Africa. The final battle occurs in the Jezreel Valley. It is called the Battle of Armageddon. Just as the world is about to destroy itself, the Lord Jesus returns with His Saints to end the battles. The seven years of the great tribulation end with the return of the King on the Day of Atonement of 2030.

a.    [Rev 19:11-16, 19-21 NASB] 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it [is] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes [are] a flame of fire, and on His head [are] many diadems; and He has a name written [on Him] which no one knows except Himself. 13 [He is] clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white [and] clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." ... 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

It is interesting to note that the Day of Atonement of 2030 completes 70 Jubilee cycles of 3500 years. A Jubilee cycle is 50 years. There were thirty cycles or 1500 years from Israel’s crossing of the Jordan to Christ’s resurrection in 30 A.D. and 40 Jubilee cycles or 2000 years from Christ’s resurrection to His possible return in 2030.  Also, assuming the creation events of Genesis 1 and Adam and Eve began the 6 days of creation (6000 years, a day like a 1000 years) in the year about 4000 B.C., then the completion of the 6^th day would be about 2000 and the beginning of the 7^th day, the day of rest.

Also, In the book of Hosea God promises to revive Israel after two days or 2000 years and raise them on the third day. Israel has been torn and wounded since the time of Christ. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed and Jews expelled out into the world during the diaspora. But the regathering has begun and at the Lord’s return, He will completely restore them that they may live before Him. This speaks of the Lord’s coming sometime after the year 2000. If the two days of being torn and wounded began at Christ’s death in 30 A.D. then the third day would begin in 2030.

[Hos 6:1-2 NASB] 1 "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn [us,] but He will heal us; He has wounded [us,] but He will bandage us. 2 "He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, That we may live before Him.

10.  At the Lord’s return, He establishes His Kingdom on earth with His throne in Jerusalem and His Bride at His side to rule and reign with Him for 1000 years. It is time for the wedding supper of the Lamb.

a.    [Rev 19:7-9 NASB] 7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright [and] clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God."

b.    [Rev 20:6 NASB] 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

A Modern Tale of Jezebel, Ahab, Jehu, Elijah, and Elisha

A Modern Tale of Jezebel, Ahab, Jehu, Elijah, and Elisha. 

From: 1 Kings 18, 19; 2 Kings 9, 10

In our modern tale:

Jezebel represents spirits of fear and intimidation, sexual immorality, manipulation and control, idol worship, and deception and lies.

Ahab represents all the leaders in the world that are controlled or used by these spirits of Jezebel.

The prophets of Baal and Asherah represent the mainstream modern media and those that give voice to the lies, distortions, teachings, and false prophets of Jezebel.

Baal and Asherah represent idol worship of many forms; the modern religion of globalism, socialism, communism, Marxism, fascism, the occult, and the like (including the far-left radical political movements).

Elijah is the remnant of God Fearers (true believers in Jesus).

Jehu is leadership along with the Elijah remnant appointed by God to deal with the spiritual spirits of Jezebel, the people used and controlled by these forces of evil, (Ahab, his sons, and his relatives), the corrupt media, (prophets of Baal), and the rebellious people of the land.

Elisha represents the true believers that carry on the anointing of the Elijah remnant.

Elijah’s problem? The people of the land had fallen under the influence and control of the spirits of witchcraft (Jezebel), they were worshipping demonic idols and had fallen away from the worship of the one true God.

[1Ki 18:18-21 ESV] 18 And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." 20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.

The Elijah anointing is an anointing to waken the people, to establish new leaders for the people, to deal with the prophets of Baal, to deal with the Jezebel spirits, and prepare those that would carry on the Elijah anointing.

The modern story

Satan has activated witchcraft spirits of deception, intimidation (fear), sexual immorality, manipulation, and control (Jezebel spirits) over the land using the media (false prophets) and people in leadership at all levels but especially those in very high levels of leadership and influence. Today we call this the evil cabal. The cabal is world leaders and their many supporting organizations including the mainstream media (prophets of Baal) that are determined to establish a globalist, one-world government. It is all part of Satan’s plan to establish his kingdom on earth, to force all into occultic worship of many kinds, eventually to worship him alone, and to have absolute control and power over the people of the land.

God in His great mercy is raising an Elijah remnant of believers (the Elijah company) to deal with the people of the land who have come under the influence and control of witchcraft spirits and under the control of people (especially the leaders) who are used and controlled by the spirits of witchcraft. The scripture puts it this way.

 [1Ki 18:21 NLT] 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely silent.

In a direct contest of power in the sight of all the people, God in His mercy displays His great power by consuming the sacrifice Elijah had prepared. This results in a remnant of God’s people repenting and turning once again to the one true God.

[1Ki 18:38-39 NLT] 38 Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The LORD--he is God! Yes, the LORD is God!"

Today, God is once again showing His great mercy using contests between calling out to idols and calling out to the one true God in dealing with the stress, anxiety, fear, and dread of pestilences, economic distress, lawlessness, violence, and wars. In the chaos of today’s world, the only peace and comfort to be found are by turning to Jesus, the one true God. Evil is being exposed. In desperation, some are turning to God for answers, comfort, peace, and hope.  

As it was in the days of Elijah, today the faithful Elijah generation is calling out to God to deal with the priests and prophets of Baal, the Ahabs of our world, and the Jezebel spirits that are running rampant in our world today. As God moves in His great mercy, but in righteous judgment, the people will see the evil in the world exposed and the Ahabs brought to justice. As in Elijah’s day, many people will see and turn to the Lord. (And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The LORD--he is God! Yes, the LORD is God!")

 A revival is in the making.

The Elijah remnant is also responsible for establishing (anointing) and supporting new leaders for the people (Jehus). Many see this as Donald Trump and the other leaders that support and work with him. This new leadership is responsible for dealing with the witchcraft spirits (Jezebel) and the leaders and institutions/organizations controlled by these spirits (Ahabs).

[2Ki 9:30-33 ESV] 30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window. 31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, "Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?" 32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 He said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her.

[1Ki 19:15-18 ESV] 15 And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."

[2Ki 10:11, 23-24, 26-27 ESV] 11 So Jehu struck down all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, all his great men and his close friends and his priests, until he left him none remaining. ... 23 Then Jehu went into the house of Baal with Jehonadab the son of Rechab, and he said to the worshipers of Baal, "Search, and see that there is no servant of the LORD here among you, but only the worshipers of Baal." 24 Then they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and said, "The man who allows any of those whom I give into your hands to escape shall forfeit his life." ... 26 and they brought out the pillar that was in the house of Baal and burned it. 27 And they demolished the pillar of Baal, and demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day.

The Elijah remnant is also responsible for passing this anointing on to the next company of believers (the Elisha company). This is a double portion anointing that will be passed on when the Elijah generation is “taken up into heaven by a whirlwind”. This “Elisha company” may be the younger generations of our day, but perhaps it is the God Fearers of the tribulation years sent out to gather in the remnant of Israel just before the Lord’s return.

[1Ki 19:19 ESV] 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.

[2Ki 2:9-11 ESV] 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me." 10 And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

The Elijah anointing being poured out today is an anointing to wake up the people and draw them to God by showing them His great power, love, and mercy. It is an anointing to establish, support, and partner with leadership that is appointed by God to deal with evil people in the land. It is an anointing to deal with the evil of the witchcraft spirits that have invaded the land.  And it is an anointing to prepare and support the next generation of “the Elijah company”, the “Elisha company”.

The newly anointed leaders and the Elijah generation are the ones that deal with the spiritual evil and the many “Ahabs” in this world. Under this new leadership, the witchcraft spirits will be exposed and controlled, and the evil leaders properly dealt with. Jezebel was thrown down from a window and killed by her slaves. Evil tends to collapse from within. The evil in the world will eventually be exposed and restrained. God’s justice with respect to Jezebel and her children is very harsh.

[Rev 2:20-23 ESV] 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

The “Ahabs” of the world will be dealt with by God through the “new Jehus” and the “Elijahs”. Righteous justice is coming. People will suffer the consequences of their evil deeds. But, like the thief on the cross, even though he died for his evil deeds, in His mercy Jesus saved him from the pit of hell when he confessed his sin and cried out for mercy from the Lord. This coming sovereign move of God will be a move of justice and mercy.

[Hag 2:21-22 ESV] 21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother.

[Psa 5:6 ESV] 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

[Psa 55:9 ESV] 9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.

[Psa 101:8 ESV] 8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

[Psa 145:20 ESV] 20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

[Nah 1:2 ESV] 2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.

[Luk 21:22 ESV] 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

[Rom 12:19 ESV] 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

[2Th 1:8 ESV] 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

[Heb 10:30 ESV] 30 For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."

[Neh 9:31 NLT] 31 But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!

Justice will come. But even for the evilest sinner, God’s mercy in sending His son Jesus to pay the ultimate price for sin, that is death, is always there for those that repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Elijah confronted the people concerning their fallen spiritual condition. He trusted God to perform miracles in the sight of the people. He prayed, listened to, and was obedient to what God asked him to do. He proclaimed new leaders to establish and support their authority and position. He supported and partnered with the new leadership in their battles against Jezebel (evil spirits), Ahab (people controlled and used by the evil spirits), and Baal worship (idol worship). He stood against and exposed the false prophets (deception and lies). He raised a new prophet to secede him with a double portion anointing. He proclaimed God’s word to the people. He was a watchman to the people of God. We would expect those with this new Elijah anointing to do the things Elijah did.

Justice and righteousness will be restored for a season. However, this season will come to a close at some point. All evil, the “evil one” the antichrist, his people, and systems will not be completely dealt with until the Lord Jesus returns to this earth at the end of the age as King of kings and Lord of lords. But for this season of reprieve from the evil in the world, the true church, this Elijah company, needs to get very busy. The time may be short.

[Mal 4:5 NLT] 5 "Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives.

Spiritual Authority

I.       The Issue of Authority

A.   The Keys to the Kingdom Of Heaven

·         Revelation 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:  These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (NIV)

·         Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (NIV)

·         Matthew 18:18-19 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (NIV)

The keys that unlock the prison doors and set the captives free and that open the doors to the kingdom of heaven are in the hands of Jesus.  These keys are His authority, power and love.  What the Lord has done is to give us these keys, His authority, power and love.  The result is that if two of us on earth agree about anything we ask for in prayer (assuming we are asking according to His will and His heart), it will be done for us by the Father.  Prophetic intercession releases God to do what He is longing to do.  Using His name, the name of Jesus (i.e. appropriating His authority, power and love) we can bind (to bind, to tie, fasten with chains, to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit) and loose (to loose any person tied or fastened, to loose one bound, i.e. to unbind, release from bonds, set free, to do away with, to deprive of authority, to declare unlawful, to break up, demolish, destroy) things on the earth and they will be bound or loosed in heaven.  We have the authority to "bind the strongman" and plunger his house (Matt. 12:29).  We have the authority to bind people to the Lord.  We have the authority to loose people from the bondages of hell (1 John 3:8) and to loose the love of God and the power of the cross into people and situations. 

B.   The Issue of Authority

 God originally gave mankind the authority over all the earth.  Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."  When mankind (Adam and Eve) disobeyed God and obeyed the devil in the Garden of Eden they gave this authority away to Satan.  Obedience creates authority.  It cost God His son's life to take this authority back from the devil.  This is the power of the cross; the power of the Blood of God spilled at Calvary.

1.    What happened to Satan at the cross?

·         He was stripped of his authority and disarmed - Col. 2:15.

·         His works were destroyed - 1 Jn. 3:8; Mk. 16:17-18.

·         So the enemy’s weapons and authority are gone, but he still deceives  (he gets us to obey by deceptions and lies -Gen. 3:13).

·         Revelation 20:3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

·         John 8:44 -  You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

2.    What happened to us at the cross?

·         He delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of Light - Col. 1:13-14.

·         He gave us the power to live the life He called us to live - 1 Jn. 4:4.

·         He gave us back authority to exercise on the earth -Lk. 10:19.

·         We exercise our authority by obedience.  Legal authority must become exercised authority.

·         In the book of Acts, God gave us the power to exercise our legal authority.  We must activate our will and choose to exercise our authority.  We must pursue the enemy, confront the enemy, and finally “arrest” the enemy.  It is the dunamis power of God that is within that is the power to enforce Jesus’ victory on the cross.

3.    Now all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus.  He in turn now gives it to all those who are His disciples, His Bride, the sons and daughters of God in order that they can continue His work on earth; making disciples of all nations and destroying the works of the enemy.

·         Matthew 28:18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

·          1 John 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (NIV)

4.    The power and the right to exercise that power, which is authority, that has been released to the saints of God to use on earth is to be used for specific things.

·         It is authority over evil spirits, demons and the power of the enemy:  It is also authority over sickness and the authority to heal diseases. 

·         Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

·         Luke 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

·         Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

·         Mark 6:7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

·         Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

·         It is the authority to bind and to loose things on earth.

·         Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

·         It is the authority to encourage and build up the saints of God on earth.

·         2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

·         Titus 2:15 - These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

·         It is the power and authority to be His witnesses in all the earth.

·         Acts 1:8 -  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."   (Matt. 28:18-19)

·         And to those who are over comers and do His will to the end, He will give power and authority over the nations.

·         Revelation 2:26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations -- (NIV)

·         The Church, Jesus' bride, is to rule and reign with Him as kings and priests.  Lk. 12:32, Rev. 3:21, 1 Cor. 6:2-3, Jn. 17:22, Rom. 8:17, 1 Pet. 2:9.