The Fourfold Function of A Power of Attorney.
Jesus declared:“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” — John 14:12–14
Through the new birth, every believer has been entrusted with what may be understood as a divine Power of Attorney: the God-given right and authority to act in the Name of Jesus Christ upon the earth. The believer must therefore understand the fourfold function of this heavenly commission.
The Privilege of Power of Attorney.
The believer has been given the privilege of living in this world to stand and represent the Father and act in the Name of Jesus Christ. It is so important that we take this call seriously; as previously stated, the name of Jesus Christ is not a religious expression or a formula to be repeated at the end of a prayer. It represents the authority, character, will, and purpose of the One who bears it.
The Responsibility To Represent His Will.
Power of Attorney does not permit a person to act according to personal desire. It authorises them to act according to the will of the one who gave the authority. This is where the lives of every believer must be challenged. The question is not merely, “What can the believer do in Jesus’ Name?” but, “What does Jesus want done through His Name?”The believer is called to represent Christ in word, conduct, faith, obedience, and works.
The Accountability To Heaven.
This truth must be fully received in our lives; divine authority carries divine accountability. If an earthly representative is entrusted to act on behalf of another, that authority must be exercised faithfully. How much more should the believer recognise the weight of being entrusted with the Name of Jesus Christ?
The believer is not the owner of this authority. He is its steward. Therefore, the authority of His Name must never be used to promote self, satisfy ambition, or accomplish personal purposes. It must be exercised in submission to Christ and for the glory of the Father.
The Power To Execute the Works of Jesus.
Jesus declared: “The works that I do he will do also; and greater than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12. This is the astonishing dimension of the believer’s commission.The believer has not merely been called to speak about what Jesus did. He has been commissioned to continue the works of Jesus in His Name and under His authority. Everything comes from Christ, and everything must return to the glory of Christ; therefore:
- Because redemption is complete, the commission is authoritative.
- Because the price has been paid, the believer can stand in His Name.
- Because Christ has finished the work, His Name carries Heaven’s authority.
The Name of Jesus Christ is not given merely to be spoken—it is given to be lived in, acted upon, and faithfully represented. The believer who understands this cannot remain passive.