Identify with Jesus’ Resurrection Power

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:21-22)

Water baptism isn't just about getting physically clean. It's about something much deeper; that is identification. When we go down into the water, we identify with Christ in His death. In baptism, Christians profess by illustration that they are dying to their old selves. We die to being led by our flesh and rebelling against God’s ways. We go under the water as a picture of the death of our past sinful life, but we don’t stay under the water.

When we come out of the water, we identify with Christ in His resurrection. We're declaring that just as Christ rose from the grave, we have also been raised to a new life, a life full of power and authority over every power of the enemy.

1 Peter 3:21-22 is often misunderstood. Water baptism alone does not save a person; that only happens when a person believes with their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is the risen Lord. However, water baptism identifies us with Christ, Who is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven, with all angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. What does that mean for us? As believers, we are seated in heavenly places with Christ, far above every principality, power, and dominion, or any name that is named. Because of Jesus, we have power over every force of darkness that tries to come against us.

Practical Application

Declare the name of Jesus. Speak His name and use His authority and stand in the understanding that you identify with Him not only in His death, but in His resurrection power!

Mark 16:19; Hebrews 8:1

The Head and the Body

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)

When you want to walk to the left, which way do you turn your head? Of course, you turn your head in the direction you want to go. Just as your head directs your body, Jesus leads and guides the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 tells us believers are not separated from Christ but united with Him as His body. This means that we share in His authority, His power, and His mission here on earth.

When Jesus walked the earth, His physical body carried out His ministry — healing the sick, casting out demons, and proclaiming the kingdom of God. He laid hands on the sick with His physical body. His mouth spoke the power of God’s Word. But now, the church, as His body, is called to continue doing the same things that He did. We are His hands and feet in the world today, empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry on His mission of destroying the works of the enemy.

The church executes and finishes His office. Christians are called to do what He did. The church is not a denomination or a place of worship; it includes people who are called out from the world and into the family of God. We should speak God’s Word, operate in miracles of healing and other signs and wonders, and we should show people the way to the Father through Jesus. You and I are the body of Christ; that means we are responsible to execute His offices, His authority, and His power in His name. we.

Practical Application

Recognize the authority and power that you have been given in the name of Jesus. Declare His name boldly, knowing that demons flee, sickness is healed, and lives are transformed at the mention of His name.

Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28

As He Is

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:19-21)

If I say, “God is powerful,” most people would not disagree. However, if I say, “God is powerful, and He makes you powerful,” some people with religious mindsets would be offended. Religious traditions which are not Bible based stop people from walking in the life God intends for them! In Ephesians 1:19-21, Paul was trying to teach this revelation to the Ephesian church. He wrote that God’s power is to “us-ward who believe”. That means Jesus has delegated His power to us. Do you know what kind of power that is?

First, it is the power of exceeding greatness. Huperballo is the Greek there, and it means the exceeding, overwhelming, magnitude or greatness. That’s a lot of power! It's beyond measure, far above all human understanding and capability.

Second, this power is working! God’s power is not dormant or intermittent. It is continuously at work in the lives of believers. It's the same power that raised Christ from the dead. That same power and same Spirit are now alive in you. God wants you to demonstrate and display it to the world.

Third, Paul explained that Jesus, as our Head, is seated at the right hand of the Father. We need to understand this because that is our position of authority as well. The enemy’s power doesn’t even come close! Christ Jesus is far above all. Jesus is not just above earthly authorities, but He is far above every principality, power, might, and dominion–both in this world and in the world to come. And as He is, so are we.

Practical Application

Live each day in eager anticipation of God's miraculous power working through you. Expect the unexpected and trust that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think through your words and your actions, changing the lives of those around you.

Ephesians 3:20; 1 John 4:17