Jesus Christ and Authority: Why He Alone Defines Truth

From the Series: The Biblical Jesus and His Bride

_{Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version®.}
^{Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.}

Now that we have established who Jesus Christ is, we must address where authority resides. Every false christ ultimately fails at this point. They either derive authority from men, manipulate Scripture, redefine truth, or place authority in experience, power, or signs. The Biblical Jesus stands alone: truth flows from Him, not toward Him.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18, NKJV)

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Authority Originates in God — and Is Revealed in Christ

Authority does not come from consensus, tradition, institutions, or charisma. It belongs to God alone.

“The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19, NKJV)

Jesus does not claim delegated authority as a servant only—He speaks as the Son.

“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26–27, NKJV)

False christs borrow authority, and only Jesus possesses it by nature.

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Jesus Speaks with Intrinsic Authority

The crowds recognized something unmistakable:

“For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29, NKJV)

The scribes quoted sources, but Jesus was the source. He did not say “Rabbi X says…,” “Tradition teaches…,” or “The consensus is…”. He said:

“But I say to you…” (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, NKJV)

This is not interpretation. This is divine prerogative.

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Jesus Is the Final Interpreter of Scripture

False christs either add to Scripture, subtract from it, spiritualize it away, or weaponize it. Jesus does none of these.

“The Scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35, NKJV)

When tempted by Satan, Jesus did not appeal to power or signs—He appealed to the written Word:

“It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, NKJV)

Yet He also authoritatively opens Scripture:

“Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27, NKJV)

Christ is not subject to Scripture as a student—He is revealed by it and speaks through it.

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Jesus Defines Truth — Truth Does Not Evolve

In a world where truth is treated as flexible, Jesus makes an exclusive claim:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NKJV)

Truth is not a concept, a philosophy, a system, or a feeling. Truth is a Person, and that person is Jesus Christ.

False christs adapt to culture. The true Christ confronts it.

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Jesus’ Authority Extends Over Life, Death, and Judgment

Jesus does not merely teach truth—He enforces it.

“The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22, NKJV)

Every false christ avoids judgment language but Jesus speaks of it plainly.

“The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48, NKJV)

His authority is not theoretical. It is eschatological.

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Authority and Obedience Are Inseparable

Jesus never divorces belief from obedience.

“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, NKJV)

False christs allow selective obedience, compartmentalized faith, verbal allegiance without submission. Jesus does not.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NKJV)

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Ante-Nicene Witness (Authority Under Christ)

The early believers did not appeal to councils, emperors, or force. They appealed to Christ’s authority alone. Justin Martyr argued from Scripture and Christ’s teachings before pagan rulers. Irenaeus insisted that truth must align with the apostolic teaching of Christ, not secret knowledge. Polycarp refused Caesar’s authority over Christ’s lordship. They understood: If Christ is Lord, no other authority is ultimate.

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Why This Matters Before We Speak of the Church

If Christ alone defines truth the Church cannot redefine doctrine, the Spirit will never contradict Christ, and the Bride cannot follow another voice.

Jesus Himself said:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NKJV)