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Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority
To walk in true spiritual authority, a believer must be submitted to God's sovereign authority. In this book, best-selling author John Bevere shows readers how submission to this divine order grants the Kingdom's provision and protection, in this Christian classic approaching 500K copies sold. This well-loved writer effectively uses his personal mistakes to illustrate riveting truths about repentance and forgiveness. As he focuses on the true authority of God, he is careful to explain by example the important difference between "submission" and "obedience." The same struggle with divine authority is also represented through the lives of John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul, and other biblical figures. An especially helpful book for Christians who want to develop a serious pursuit of God.
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
396 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
About the author
John Bevere
154 books915 followersMarked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 20, 2009
Dangerous and down right injurious teaching based more on Old Testament hierarchy then the New Testament church structure of Christ as head. Such flawed logic/doctrine, at one point equates the authority of the minister in a church to that of a king. Other equally disturbing stretches and uses of scripture taken out of context.
August 25, 2009
Are you struggling to submit to leaders at home, work, church or government?
This book will help you understand through scriptures why and how we should submit to authority as God commands.
When reading or listening to John Bevere one cannot go away unchallenged. It is not because he himself challenges us but it is because he presents God’s word as the pure and irrefutable truth.
As Bevere describes in the first section of his book, the purpose of the message conveyed in it is “to reveal to us the importance of submission to God’s authority…and to create a love and passion for obedience to it”.
The central theme of this book revolves around the truth that God is our only authority and as such He has placed authority on earth which we are commanded to submit to if we are to be under His covering of protection and provision.
This book has challenged me in many ways. First it has opened up my eyes to see that even a hint of insubordination and disobedience is still regarded as sin. 99.9 % willingness and obedience will not do it. We need to continue to seek God and have first hand revelation from the Holy Spirit about His word so that we can obey Him with our heart and not out of prescribed truth.
This book will help you understand through scriptures why and how we should submit to authority as God commands.
When reading or listening to John Bevere one cannot go away unchallenged. It is not because he himself challenges us but it is because he presents God’s word as the pure and irrefutable truth.
As Bevere describes in the first section of his book, the purpose of the message conveyed in it is “to reveal to us the importance of submission to God’s authority…and to create a love and passion for obedience to it”.
The central theme of this book revolves around the truth that God is our only authority and as such He has placed authority on earth which we are commanded to submit to if we are to be under His covering of protection and provision.
This book has challenged me in many ways. First it has opened up my eyes to see that even a hint of insubordination and disobedience is still regarded as sin. 99.9 % willingness and obedience will not do it. We need to continue to seek God and have first hand revelation from the Holy Spirit about His word so that we can obey Him with our heart and not out of prescribed truth.
May 29, 2016
Under Cover is a regurgitation of toxic "Shepherding Movement" doctrines and misapplications of scriptures about authority and submission. Scriptures that are about submitting to abusive governments are wrongly applied to teach people to submit to abusive church leaders. Other scriptures are misused in order to lead to some disturbing conclusions. This is the stuff that cults are made of. We must learn from history!
The book is well-written. However, the implications are scary. My biggest concern is that undermines the headship of Jesus Christ over the church.
The book is well-written. However, the implications are scary. My biggest concern is that undermines the headship of Jesus Christ over the church.
January 9, 2021
I am writing this review as a warning to all Christians (new in the faith and experienced) to beware of this book. John Bevere is well-known as a heretic who calls himself a Christian, yet he promotes heresy himself and continues to promote other false teachers. My true disdain is for the unbiblical teaching found in this book and what it has done to my family. My husband, Jeremy, and I were rescued from the false Christian movement known as the Word of Faith/ New Apostolic Reformation, where the biblical concept of authority and honor are severely twisted and will hurt those who follow the guidelines in this book.
Please do not be afraid by what Bevere says--God is NOT commanding you to obey false teachers. My in laws have taught from this book and it heavily damaged their children (my husband included) to believe the lie that obedience always equals honor. This has "held true" for our family even into married adulthood, and with grave consequences in the form of loss of oneness with my spouse and loss of relationship with my in laws in order to keep strong boundaries against their false beliefs. If we disagree and do not obey my mother in law, for instance, they believe that we are disobeying God himself. This is completely abusive. Please do not read this book for anything other than a primer on what not to do in the church regarding authority. Read your Bible. It is all you need. Believer, your authority is Christ and the Scriptures, not listening to the words of John Bevere.
Please do not be afraid by what Bevere says--God is NOT commanding you to obey false teachers. My in laws have taught from this book and it heavily damaged their children (my husband included) to believe the lie that obedience always equals honor. This has "held true" for our family even into married adulthood, and with grave consequences in the form of loss of oneness with my spouse and loss of relationship with my in laws in order to keep strong boundaries against their false beliefs. If we disagree and do not obey my mother in law, for instance, they believe that we are disobeying God himself. This is completely abusive. Please do not read this book for anything other than a primer on what not to do in the church regarding authority. Read your Bible. It is all you need. Believer, your authority is Christ and the Scriptures, not listening to the words of John Bevere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2012
I'm kind of shocked by all the five star ratings. John should leave the writing to Lisa. The book contained some amazing points, but the bulk of what I took away came from the Biblical research I did on my own. After reading the Biblical references in the book I kept going to my Bible and finding that scriptures were used to back up his opinions as opposed to his writing backing up scripture.
October 3, 2022
In his book, Bevere quotes 1 Samuel 15:23, “Rebellion is witchcraft”, as the foundation for his argument that submission to authorities in the Christain life is of utmost importance. He sees this book as necessary for today’s democratic, individualistic world that has little category for submitting to those in authority over you, whether that be God himself or God’s delegated authority. He discusses how going against authority can lead to troubles in the Christian life as we come out from under the cover of God’s protection and into sickness and hard times. He then goes on to discuss what submitting to authorities looks like by covering a wide variety of Bible stories that range from submission to kings, Prophets, and church leaders. He ends the book by claiming that as we obey more, our faith will increase and then calls the reader to repentance in areas of their life where they have been in rebellion to authorities.
I do agree with Bevere in that, today, we generally do not have a good understanding of submission to authorities. If we disagree with someone, we think it is our right to do our own thing. However, outside of the insight from this general principle that this book provides, I would urge Christians to not read this book. Bevere quotes scripture often and the majority of time seems to be stripping the verses from their context in order to support his already made conclusions. This alone makes many of his conclusions difficult to trust. Further, he seems to not distinguish between how Old Testament Israel was to live versus the authority structure we see in the New Testament. He uses numerous examples of people submitting and not submitting to Prophets, Israelite kings, and non-Israeite kings and makes direct correlations to submitting to your head pastor. Without directly saying it, he seems to suggest that modern day “head pastors” are to be submitted to in the same way Moses was. A couple of the dangerous assumptions here are that God spoke directly to these Prophets, today, he has given us his word. Further, churches are not supposed to have one head man akin to a Prophet. God set up the structure of eldership as the group who is to make decisions for a church. Further, these elders are to submit to Christ and his word while being servants to the ones they are called to lead. Further, the way he discusses the blessings and curses seem to be gleaned from applying OT curses and blessings to today’s new covenant world. After giving an example of Africans receiving miraculous healings because they receive a minister with honor, he says, “Give great honor, and honor will be your portion.” This is one example but much of the motivation he seems to give for submitting to authorities is that God will bless you for it with success and prosperity now. He misses the new testament reality that our blessings are now realized in Christ. By submitting to authorities, we can experience the privilege of knowing God better, despite what the outcome may be. When we do not obey authorities, God may discipline us out of love for his children but we never can escape from under the cover of God’s protection. Lastly, he often puts in quotations of things that he has heard directly from God. While I am okay with him hearing from God on his own, I do think it is dangerous to defend your theology on a topic using personal revelations you have received. I do appreciate how, at the end of the book, he shows how there is forgiveness in Christ; however, I wish the promises of this forgiveness would have been highlighted more throughout the book.
I do agree with Bevere in that, today, we generally do not have a good understanding of submission to authorities. If we disagree with someone, we think it is our right to do our own thing. However, outside of the insight from this general principle that this book provides, I would urge Christians to not read this book. Bevere quotes scripture often and the majority of time seems to be stripping the verses from their context in order to support his already made conclusions. This alone makes many of his conclusions difficult to trust. Further, he seems to not distinguish between how Old Testament Israel was to live versus the authority structure we see in the New Testament. He uses numerous examples of people submitting and not submitting to Prophets, Israelite kings, and non-Israeite kings and makes direct correlations to submitting to your head pastor. Without directly saying it, he seems to suggest that modern day “head pastors” are to be submitted to in the same way Moses was. A couple of the dangerous assumptions here are that God spoke directly to these Prophets, today, he has given us his word. Further, churches are not supposed to have one head man akin to a Prophet. God set up the structure of eldership as the group who is to make decisions for a church. Further, these elders are to submit to Christ and his word while being servants to the ones they are called to lead. Further, the way he discusses the blessings and curses seem to be gleaned from applying OT curses and blessings to today’s new covenant world. After giving an example of Africans receiving miraculous healings because they receive a minister with honor, he says, “Give great honor, and honor will be your portion.” This is one example but much of the motivation he seems to give for submitting to authorities is that God will bless you for it with success and prosperity now. He misses the new testament reality that our blessings are now realized in Christ. By submitting to authorities, we can experience the privilege of knowing God better, despite what the outcome may be. When we do not obey authorities, God may discipline us out of love for his children but we never can escape from under the cover of God’s protection. Lastly, he often puts in quotations of things that he has heard directly from God. While I am okay with him hearing from God on his own, I do think it is dangerous to defend your theology on a topic using personal revelations you have received. I do appreciate how, at the end of the book, he shows how there is forgiveness in Christ; however, I wish the promises of this forgiveness would have been highlighted more throughout the book.
June 1, 2019
This is just another book used by abusive churches to brainwash people into believing the spiritual covering doctrine. So sad to find out that this author has been duped by this doctrine. We are to submit one to another, not the very one-sided submission that is promoted in these books and thus in these churches. Jesus is the Head, not your pastor. "Submission to authority" creates an atmosphere of control and co-dependency, and is the primary tool used by abusive churches to wield their power over those who are brainwashed into believing this tripe. We are to continually test the spirits and that includes so-called leaders. No one is infallible.
June 27, 2018
Although I like some other books by John Bevere, this book was based on an Old Testament view of leadership. God did not raise up any Moses leader in the New Testament and expect people to follow, obey, hold his hands up, and never challenge his word. We are a free people. We follow leaders from a position of freedom and power, not subservience. In the New Testament leaders serve others, makes more leaders, and empower. God is to be our cover. As long as we are covered by Christ, We are right where we belong... whether leaders approve, or not.
July 31, 2022
Honestly, I don't know where to begin and end with this book. It started out really good and I had zero complaints with what he was saying, but as the book progressed that started to change a bit. I highly recommend you know what the Word says and have a solid relationship with the Father if you read this book. I found myself agreeing with what he said and the scriptures he quoted to back it up, but then I felt he sometimes twisted it in ways that I was absolutely in disagreement with.
I serve God, I listen to and obey my Father because I am HIS servant. I know I am to respect and live humbly towards all others and follow the directions given to me from those in authority over me, whether that's a boss, pastor, parent etc. However, I answer to God and I will not go about my life bowing down to all else no matter who they are simply because they are viewed as "over me."
Faith and obedience do go hand in hand, but my responsibility is to my Lord and therefore it is always where HE tells me to go, what HE wants me to do and in whatever HE may be leading me into. The writer of this book seemed to go back and forth a bit on who the final Authority is at all times regardless of man's position.
The book had countless scriptures to pair with the subject of each chapter and he did use his own life experiences to shine a light on what he was talking about; however, the best way I can describe how I felt while reading this book was "back and forth." It did make me realize things from other viewpoints and it did have me stop and reevaluate myself and my words, choices, actions etc. But, at the end of the day, this is not a book I would ever tell anyone they "have to read this" and I expect that to be the case with the books I read.
I serve God, I listen to and obey my Father because I am HIS servant. I know I am to respect and live humbly towards all others and follow the directions given to me from those in authority over me, whether that's a boss, pastor, parent etc. However, I answer to God and I will not go about my life bowing down to all else no matter who they are simply because they are viewed as "over me."
Faith and obedience do go hand in hand, but my responsibility is to my Lord and therefore it is always where HE tells me to go, what HE wants me to do and in whatever HE may be leading me into. The writer of this book seemed to go back and forth a bit on who the final Authority is at all times regardless of man's position.
The book had countless scriptures to pair with the subject of each chapter and he did use his own life experiences to shine a light on what he was talking about; however, the best way I can describe how I felt while reading this book was "back and forth." It did make me realize things from other viewpoints and it did have me stop and reevaluate myself and my words, choices, actions etc. But, at the end of the day, this is not a book I would ever tell anyone they "have to read this" and I expect that to be the case with the books I read.
August 24, 2022
This book challenged me in areas I was living in sin and, while that is never comfortable, it is what was needed to open my eyes to the reality of what I was entertaining. This is honestly something I feel every Christian should prayerfully read.
July 27, 2020
This is a book every Christian, every church staff member, every leader should read. How do you respond to leadership? Not just the leaders you like who make the decisions you love and fully support, but also the leaders you struggle to follow who make decisions you disagree with.
The author did an incredible job of giving biblical guidance on how to submit yourself to leadership when it’s easy and when it’s hard. He explains the importance of having yourself under the covering of God appointed leadership, even when you don’t understand why God appointed them. The problem with the American church is, we view Christianity as a democracy, when in reality it’s a kingdom. When you understand that, and realize the authority and peace there is in following Christ and those in authority, the blessings that unleashes in your life are incredible.
The author did an incredible job of giving biblical guidance on how to submit yourself to leadership when it’s easy and when it’s hard. He explains the importance of having yourself under the covering of God appointed leadership, even when you don’t understand why God appointed them. The problem with the American church is, we view Christianity as a democracy, when in reality it’s a kingdom. When you understand that, and realize the authority and peace there is in following Christ and those in authority, the blessings that unleashes in your life are incredible.
February 25, 2010
This was definitly a God send. It was about how you should honor and obey authority and the consequences if you don't. He provides plenty of examples of those in the bible who did and didn't. This really spoke to me I think God is trying to reveal how much of a rebellious attitude I have had that has begun since I was 3 or 4 and how because of it I have not grown as spiritually as I would like. I'm going to try to be more submissive to Salvador and to those who are over me including my director and so on. It seems like I've always had a rebellious heart to those who are over me it's really sad.
October 25, 2012
This book is very remarkable on its way of pushing people to hear the voice of God through every word. I would say that every word in this book counts.
I'm only on page 94 but it feels like I'm on the verge of revealing the plot. BUT I have to remember that this is not a story but is a compilation of the author's testimonies.
This is definitely food for my soul. :)
I'm only on page 94 but it feels like I'm on the verge of revealing the plot. BUT I have to remember that this is not a story but is a compilation of the author's testimonies.
This is definitely food for my soul. :)
April 15, 2021
Re-reading this along with the interns. Have been reminded of the solid principles addressed in his book, including the promise of God's protection. Topics include sin and disobedience, the consequences, submission, self-inflicted judgment, unfair treatment, honour and more.
January 29, 2022
Eye-opening
This book changed how I view many things and people in my life. It makes me want to be a better Christian and learn how to obey and submit to those Christ appoints over me. It all boils down to trusting God's plan.
This book changed how I view many things and people in my life. It makes me want to be a better Christian and learn how to obey and submit to those Christ appoints over me. It all boils down to trusting God's plan.
September 13, 2008
John Bervere teaches on the touchy subject of authority and opens eyes to the blessings you get when you submit.
January 2, 2009
This book is AMAZING! It changed the way I viewed so many things. This book is packed with scripture and God has really given John Bevere wisdom.
August 25, 2020
Great book to better understand God's authority and human authority and how to operate under both.
December 11, 2020
This book will help you understand that being submissive is not about being a door mat, but how to serve God through obedience.
December 27, 2020
Definitely put some things in order for me
December 30, 2020
I did not realize that I needed this book. This was done for a commissioning class for my church. This book changed my life!
January 3, 2021
Exceptional writer!
January 5, 2010
Excellent
March 13, 2018
Why is every book by John Bevere so life changing? I mean, The Bait of Satan, Driven By Eternity & now Under Cover- they’ve all highly impacted me and my walk with Jesus.
I have to admit, when I first started this book, I didn’t realize it was about authority. I know, you’d think I’d read that synapsis on the back of the book! But I guess judging by what appeared to be angel wings on the cover of the book & it’s subtitle, ‘The Promise of Protection Under His Authority’, I assumed the book was about the protection of angels. That sounded interesting and it was John Bevere, so that was enough for me to read it.
But I really believe it was God leading me to read the book because it spoke to me so much! God has dealt with me over the years about submission to authority as I tend to naturally buck it (not so much anymore but I used to be really bad about it).
This book is so eye-opening and especially the way he ties it into faith at the end of the book. So so good!
I have to admit, when I first started this book, I didn’t realize it was about authority. I know, you’d think I’d read that synapsis on the back of the book! But I guess judging by what appeared to be angel wings on the cover of the book & it’s subtitle, ‘The Promise of Protection Under His Authority’, I assumed the book was about the protection of angels. That sounded interesting and it was John Bevere, so that was enough for me to read it.
But I really believe it was God leading me to read the book because it spoke to me so much! God has dealt with me over the years about submission to authority as I tend to naturally buck it (not so much anymore but I used to be really bad about it).
This book is so eye-opening and especially the way he ties it into faith at the end of the book. So so good!
May 14, 2024
One of my difficulties with this book had more to do with the author than with the book. He makes some claims out himself that he may be fully justified in making but that (because I don't know him) make me a little wary of him. He could be 100% right on - or 100% off with regard to them. I don't know. That's the problem
But the reason for the low rating has to do with the book. I've heard it all before. He wasn't writing for me -he was writing for other people, and that's OK. And that's not to say that he didn't give any food for thought. He did. I'm glad I read the book. I'll undoubtedly read another if I find it at the library, but he's not leaping to the top of my author list
But the reason for the low rating has to do with the book. I've heard it all before. He wasn't writing for me -he was writing for other people, and that's OK. And that's not to say that he didn't give any food for thought. He did. I'm glad I read the book. I'll undoubtedly read another if I find it at the library, but he's not leaping to the top of my author list
March 21, 2017
Undercover, by John Bevere is a must read for anyone ready for the next level. It is full of scriptural truths and guidelines for our responsibilities under any form of authority. This may not be a "fun book" or an easy pill to swallow, but it is a must read, must apply to one's life for anyone interested in walking in the fullness of God. The words in this book like lawlessness, obedience and submission, to name a few may be big and scary words, but no bigger or scarier than the consequences should we choose to continue to live in lawlessness.
I highly recommend this book. It opened my eyes to the rebellion in my life and made me view things differently at my jobs and given me a different approach towards the youth pastor I am directly under that makes me ask what can I do to help you? It has encouraged me to look again at authority and the "promise of protection under His authority". It's tough to change, but I know it's what God expects of me.
I highly recommend this book. It opened my eyes to the rebellion in my life and made me view things differently at my jobs and given me a different approach towards the youth pastor I am directly under that makes me ask what can I do to help you? It has encouraged me to look again at authority and the "promise of protection under His authority". It's tough to change, but I know it's what God expects of me.
September 18, 2018
Deals with the issue of submission of heart. For those in submission submit fully from the heart. For those in leadership do not be overburdensome. See yourself in the shoes of the other. And all will be well. Lord grant us a pure heart. I wish the book referenced advice to being a good leader but I get why I didn’t at the same time it would of have killed the power of the message of submission and it’s framework in life. It revealed the framework of submission to me in a new way. sadly I learned older in age.
June 13, 2020
This book has changed my life. It is incredible. It is not an easy topic or lesson, and your first reaction can be to fight it. But As I read every few pages, I would take a break and try and apply the learnings. Every time, I found that there would be tangible, positive changes in my work and life relationships as a result.
As always, “test everything.” As I tested it the truth of what was written here proved itself over and over.
I plan to reread this next year, and would recommend this book without reservations.
As always, “test everything.” As I tested it the truth of what was written here proved itself over and over.
I plan to reread this next year, and would recommend this book without reservations.
August 28, 2023
A lot of murky water old school theology in here that you will need to cut through but I felt like it was something I should read. In the end it gave me a dose of humility that I needed which made all the murkiness more worth it. I def wish this was written in a different context and less polished by religiousness but I do think the basic principles when applied will yield results. Plus I’m from that era of murkiness so navigating those waters is a walk in the park for me but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone.
June 25, 2018
I am amazed by this book. I wasn't that excited to read it at first, but once I started I couldn't stop. I was given it by my post-encounter group at church and we went through it, chapter-by-chapter, as a group. It was so helpful in understanding what the Lord expects of me and how I can be protected under his cover. I took so many notes in the margins! This is one I will definitely read again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews