I read about healing and the other gifts, but I’m wondering about authority. Do we have the authority to use Jesus’ name to do such things, including but not limited to: Healing the sick, casting out demons, blessing things, etc. I’m not talking about the gifts, but rather the authority. Do all Christians today have the authority to do so?
Speaking to His original disciples in John 14:13 Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” He repeated this promise in John 14:14, John 15:16, John 16:23, and John 16:26.
After His resurrection He told them to go and make disciples of all nations and promised to be with them to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:18-20). This tells us that He didn’t just give this authority to the original disciples, but to all disciples who would follow them. A disciple is a student, a follower of the Lord’s teaching. If you’re a born again believer, you’re a follower of His teaching, and therefore a disciple. Every born again believer today has the authority to invoke the name of Jesus in prayers of any kind.