The Absolute Authority of Jesus Christ
What does it mean to live in true, vibrant devotion to Jesus Christ? In a recent reflection from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers confronts us with a reality many overlook: Christianity is not a sentimental religion. It is not about feeling inspired by Jesus or admiring Him as a role model. It is about surrendering to Him as Savior and Lord and living in the supernatural power of His Spirit. This kind of faith transforms lives because it is rooted in the absolute authority of Jesus Christ.
Let’s explore the heart of Chambers’ teaching and what it means to embrace a life wholly devoted to the Savior.
Beyond Sentimentality: The Supernatural Work of Faith
Chambers doesn’t mince words when he critiques the sentimental religious movements of our time. He points out how many forms of faith today revolve around prayer, devotion, and a general sense of piety—without any connection to the sacrifice of Jesus or the power of His Spirit. Such faith may feel comforting, but it lacks the rugged reality of the New Testament. As Chambers says, “It didn’t cost the passion of God. It isn’t dyed in the blood of the Lamb or stamped with the Holy Spirit.”
True Christianity is a miraculous, supernatural work of God. It begins and ends with Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, and authority over all things. This faith isn’t just about following moral principles or finding peace in difficult times. It is about encountering the living Savior and being utterly transformed by Him.
Jesus: Savior First, Example Second
One of Chambers’ most striking observations is that Jesus is Savior long before He is an example. Yes, His life is the perfect model of love, obedience, and humility. But to reduce Him to a mere role model misses the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t come to inspire us to try harder; He came to save us from sin and death, and to be our functional source of life itself.
Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."
This is the essence of the Christian faith. Before Jesus can be an example, He must first be our Savior. His death on the cross wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was the ultimate act of love that reconciled humanity to God. When we understand this, our relationship with Him shifts from admiration to worship, from striving to surrender.
The Spirit Glorifies Christ
Jesus declared in John 16:14, “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” This verse reveals the central role of the Holy Spirit: to glorify Christ. The Spirit takes the finished work of Jesus and applies it to our lives, bringing His presence, power, and authority into every moment. He brings us His life.
When we commit ourselves to Jesus, the Spirit begins a miraculous work within us. He illuminates the truth of who Jesus is, transforms our hearts, and empowers us to live in a way that glorifies God. As Chambers puts it, “He does in me what Jesus Christ did for me.” This is the supernatural essence of Christianity—Christ’s life reproduced in us by His Spirit.
Faith That Costs Something
The faith described in the New Testament is not cheap. It cost God the life of His Son, and it calls us to surrender everything. Chambers challenges us to move beyond a surface-level faith that admires Jesus without truly knowing Him. This kind of faith may feel safe, but it lacks the power to change lives.
True faith costs us our pride, independence, and self-reliance. It requires us to acknowledge Jesus’ absolute authority and to trust Him with every aspect of our lives. But in that surrender, we find the life we were created for—a life of peace, joy, and purpose in Christ.
Living in His Authority
So, how do we live in the absolute authority of Jesus Christ? It begins with a personal, passionate devotion to Him. This devotion isn’t about earning His favor but about responding to His love. As we yield to Him, the Holy Spirit works in us, producing the fruit of a transformed life.
Paul captures this beautifully in Galatians 2:20:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
This is the life of faith: Christ living His life in and through us. It’s not about trying harder or being better—it’s about surrendering to the One who has already done the work.
A Final Thought
Oswald Chambers reminds us that Christianity is not a religion of convenience. It is a supernatural relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms every part of our being. As we meditate on His sacrifice, submit to His Spirit, and live in His authority, we become living testimonies to the power of the Gospel.
Jesus is not just an example to follow; He is Salvation itself. In fact, He is Life itself. When we embrace this truth, our lives begin to reflect His glory in ways that are unmistakably the work of God.
A Prayer of Devotion
Lord Jesus, You are not only our example but our Savior, our very life, and our ultimate authority. We are in awe of Your sacrifice, which cost the passion of God and purchased our redemption. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace, surrendered to Your Spirit and transformed by Your power. Thank You for the gift of salvation and the joy of living in fellowship with You. In Your name, we give all glory and honor. Amen.