- We Shall Have Dominion

There is a further beautiful emphasis within John’s opening benediction and ascription of praise to God. We identify it as the doctrine of the dominion of the saints. John says this eternal Prophet, Priest and King not only “has freed us from our sins by his blood,” but in addition He “has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father” (Revelation 1:5-6). We have greater authority than we know—and greater authority than we ever exercise!

There is an amazing provision for Christian believers in our daily encounters and conflicts with Satan, the enemy of our souls. I cannot agree with those optimistic people who try to dismiss Satan as a figment of the imagination. They are wrong. There is a real devil. But we do not have to be afraid of him if we know and exercise the dominion and authority of the saints of God. The Bible tells us that Satan is a real personality. He has a distinct history behind him. We dare to face and resist him in the authority that comes to us from heaven. John tells us that our authority comes from Jesus Christ, who has made His believing saints to be a kingdom and priests in His service.

God holds no mental reservations about any of us when we become His children by faith. When He forgives us, He trusts us as though we had never sinned. When Satan comes around to taunt me about my past sins, I remind him that everything that had been charged against me came from him, and now everything I have—forgiveness and peace and freedom—I have freely received from my Lord Jesus Christ! As long as you remain on this earth, God has not completed His work in you. The Spirit of God will help you discern when the chastening hand of God is upon you. But if it is the devil trying to tamper with your Christian life and testimony, dare to resist him in the victorious power of the living Christ. This great truth is related to the fact that Jesus is our eternal High Priest, now exalted at the throne of God. He has said to us, “Whatever your need, just come to the throne of grace. Anything you need, you may have!” Why not believe Him and exercise the dominion He has given you?

There is no reason for any of us to hide or to slink about as if we must get permission to exist. As children of God, we need not apologize for walking around in God’s earth. Christ has made us a kingdom of believer-priests. This is a fact, a Bible doctrine. We are priests. We have the right as believer-priests to go direct to our great High Priest in the heavens, making our legitimate wants and wishes known to Him. He has promised to intercede for us at the heavenly throne.