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Absolute Surrender (Updated and Annotated): The Blessedness of Forsaking All and Following Christ
“My God, I am willing that You would make me willing.”
God waits to bless us in a way beyond what we expect. From the beginning, ear has not heard, neither has the eye seen, what God has prepared for those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4). God has prepared unheard of things, things you never can think of, blessings much more wonderful than you can imagine and mightier than you can conceive. They are divine blessings. Oh, come at once and say, “I give myself absolutely to God, to His will, to do only what God wants.” God will enable you to carry out the surrender necessary, if you come to Him with a sincere heart.
About the Author
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a well-known South African writer, teacher, and pastor. More than two million copies of his books have been sold, and his name is mentioned among other great leaders of the past, such as Charles Spurgeon, T. Austin-Sparks, George Muller, D. L. Moody, and more.
God waits to bless us in a way beyond what we expect. From the beginning, ear has not heard, neither has the eye seen, what God has prepared for those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4). God has prepared unheard of things, things you never can think of, blessings much more wonderful than you can imagine and mightier than you can conceive. They are divine blessings. Oh, come at once and say, “I give myself absolutely to God, to His will, to do only what God wants.” God will enable you to carry out the surrender necessary, if you come to Him with a sincere heart.
About the Author
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a well-known South African writer, teacher, and pastor. More than two million copies of his books have been sold, and his name is mentioned among other great leaders of the past, such as Charles Spurgeon, T. Austin-Sparks, George Muller, D. L. Moody, and more.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1885
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About the author
Andrew Murray
1,235 books550 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
July 30, 2011
"All these searchings and hungerings and longings that are in your heart, I tell you they are the drawings of the divine magnet, Jesus Christ."
"When God gives the Holy Spirit, His great object is the formation of a holy character." You mean it's not for marginalizing people and condemning people we disagree with? Hmmmm...
"That there are differences of opinion does not trouble me. We do not have the same constitution and temperament and mind." Wow! If only we took this kind of thinking to heart instead of calling people who disagree with us false teachers or 'nominal Christians'!
I have immense respect for Andrew Murray after reading this and 'Humility'. I would have never discovered him had it not been for my Kindle suggestions. Why don't we replace the prosperity gospel section of the bookstore with more stuff like this? Books like this are challenging, humbling, and written from a loving, humble perspective. Murray preaches simple truths, truths that the Church has always had a difficult time moving beyond lip-service with.
Murray considered missions to be the chief end of the church. Imagine that. Not fighting the 'Hollywood Agenda' or 'Liberal Christianity' or the 'Culture Wars'. Missions. I respect that. While I think Christians ought to be social consciences for our world, I don't believe that that should dominate us to the point where it consumes us. After all, Jesus didn't spend a lot of time yelling at people.
I know I'm coming off as being sarcastic, but it really irks me that people won't pick up something like Murray but will go out of their way to embrace the "Christianity is the American Dream" stuff that all the talking heads want to sell us. And back to the book!
The book is divided as follows:
1) Absolute Surrender. The only way of getting the fullness of what God has for you is to surrender absolutely to His Spirit and Christ's sacrifice. I think this means moving beyond the initial 'conversion experience' (not that that is unimportant or unnecessary, it is) and moving toward a more mature, God-centered lifestyle in every aspect of life.
2) 'The Fruit of the Spirit is Love'. The only way to surrender absolutely is to let go and let God do it. Sounds sort of hand-wavy at first, but Murray elaborates significantly.
3) Separated unto the Holy Ghost. Elaborates on chapter 2.
4) Peter's Repentance. It follows Peter's conversion, discipleship, denial of Christ, and then repentance. Then it compares that with Peter's post-Gospel self with the point being that he was dramatically changed and that that change comes directly from absolute surrender.
5) Impossible with Man, Possible with God. How was Peter able to be changed? By submitting in absolute surrender. This is sort of a running theme, as the rest of the book puts the first couple chapters in context with relevant examples.
OK, I'm going to stop there. There are several more chapters and they are quality. I've often heard people wonder 'What Now?' after they get converted. If you want a pretty decent answer, read "Absolute Surrender" and "Humility".
"When God gives the Holy Spirit, His great object is the formation of a holy character." You mean it's not for marginalizing people and condemning people we disagree with? Hmmmm...
"That there are differences of opinion does not trouble me. We do not have the same constitution and temperament and mind." Wow! If only we took this kind of thinking to heart instead of calling people who disagree with us false teachers or 'nominal Christians'!
I have immense respect for Andrew Murray after reading this and 'Humility'. I would have never discovered him had it not been for my Kindle suggestions. Why don't we replace the prosperity gospel section of the bookstore with more stuff like this? Books like this are challenging, humbling, and written from a loving, humble perspective. Murray preaches simple truths, truths that the Church has always had a difficult time moving beyond lip-service with.
Murray considered missions to be the chief end of the church. Imagine that. Not fighting the 'Hollywood Agenda' or 'Liberal Christianity' or the 'Culture Wars'. Missions. I respect that. While I think Christians ought to be social consciences for our world, I don't believe that that should dominate us to the point where it consumes us. After all, Jesus didn't spend a lot of time yelling at people.
I know I'm coming off as being sarcastic, but it really irks me that people won't pick up something like Murray but will go out of their way to embrace the "Christianity is the American Dream" stuff that all the talking heads want to sell us. And back to the book!
The book is divided as follows:
1) Absolute Surrender. The only way of getting the fullness of what God has for you is to surrender absolutely to His Spirit and Christ's sacrifice. I think this means moving beyond the initial 'conversion experience' (not that that is unimportant or unnecessary, it is) and moving toward a more mature, God-centered lifestyle in every aspect of life.
2) 'The Fruit of the Spirit is Love'. The only way to surrender absolutely is to let go and let God do it. Sounds sort of hand-wavy at first, but Murray elaborates significantly.
3) Separated unto the Holy Ghost. Elaborates on chapter 2.
4) Peter's Repentance. It follows Peter's conversion, discipleship, denial of Christ, and then repentance. Then it compares that with Peter's post-Gospel self with the point being that he was dramatically changed and that that change comes directly from absolute surrender.
5) Impossible with Man, Possible with God. How was Peter able to be changed? By submitting in absolute surrender. This is sort of a running theme, as the rest of the book puts the first couple chapters in context with relevant examples.
OK, I'm going to stop there. There are several more chapters and they are quality. I've often heard people wonder 'What Now?' after they get converted. If you want a pretty decent answer, read "Absolute Surrender" and "Humility".
October 26, 2023
I have decided to read some of the great Christian theologians of the past such as Charles Spurgeon, AW Tozer, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Andrew Murray. Murray was new to me and highly recommended for someone who wants to dive deep and reach towards living life the way God intended. Absolute Surrender is definitely a must read if that sounds like you. This book is meant to be digested and read over and over. I bought a kindle version but plan to purchase a hard copy because I need to get highlighter happy with so many powerful and thoughtful teachings.
Andrew Murray spent much of his life on mission in South Africa as a teacher and pastor in the 19th century. His books and devotionals are deep and meaningful and still inspire and are relevant to Christ-followers and churches today. He wrote more than 250 books and leaflets to the common, regular Christ-follower desiring to deepen spiritual growth and encourage missions as an important facet of the church. His writings come from his own personal experiences living a life completely surrendered to God.
“Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it.”
“And to every waiting heart that will make the sacrifice, and give up everything, and give time to cry and pray to God, the answer will come. The blessing is not far off. Our God delights in helping us. He will enable us to perfect, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, what was begun in the Spirit.”
“If you are not willing to sacrifice time to get alone with him, and to give him time everyday to work in you, and to keep up the link of connection between you and himself, he cannot give you that blessing of his unbroken fellowship.”
“When God has begun the work of absolute surrender in you, and when God has accepted your surrender, then God holds Himself bound to care for it and to keep it. Will you believe that?”
Andrew Murray spent much of his life on mission in South Africa as a teacher and pastor in the 19th century. His books and devotionals are deep and meaningful and still inspire and are relevant to Christ-followers and churches today. He wrote more than 250 books and leaflets to the common, regular Christ-follower desiring to deepen spiritual growth and encourage missions as an important facet of the church. His writings come from his own personal experiences living a life completely surrendered to God.
“Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it.”
“And to every waiting heart that will make the sacrifice, and give up everything, and give time to cry and pray to God, the answer will come. The blessing is not far off. Our God delights in helping us. He will enable us to perfect, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, what was begun in the Spirit.”
“If you are not willing to sacrifice time to get alone with him, and to give him time everyday to work in you, and to keep up the link of connection between you and himself, he cannot give you that blessing of his unbroken fellowship.”
“When God has begun the work of absolute surrender in you, and when God has accepted your surrender, then God holds Himself bound to care for it and to keep it. Will you believe that?”
June 14, 2019
He absolutely held attention as long as he asked for it, and he rewarded that attention with Heaven-sent reminders and engaging analogies. He challenged without scolding.
June 9, 2022
“God does not ask you to give the perfect surrender in your strength, or by the power of your will; God is willing to work it in you.”
An extraordinary example of this type of literature. Vastly better written than many contemporary exhortations toward Christian living.
“Do not be afraid He will command from you what He will not bestow. He is living in your heart by His holy Spirit.”
Murray thrived in South Africa over a century ago, but his many works on theology and Christian living reverberate with today’s readers. His scholarship and doctrine are at the same time orthodox and lucid. This particular edition was “revised for readability and clarity,” greatly improving the accessibility of Murray’s original text.
“Why have you not experienced it? Because you have not trust God for it, and you do not surrender yourself absolutely to God in that trust.”
Murray's counsel is arranged in compact chapters, each well-written and organized.
“We are far more occupied with our work than we are with prayer. We believe more in speaking to men than we believe in speaking to God.”
If you read only one devotional this year, read this one.
“As the Spirit reveals Christ to us, Christ comes to live in our hearts forever, and the self-life is cast out.
An extraordinary example of this type of literature. Vastly better written than many contemporary exhortations toward Christian living.
“Do not be afraid He will command from you what He will not bestow. He is living in your heart by His holy Spirit.”
Murray thrived in South Africa over a century ago, but his many works on theology and Christian living reverberate with today’s readers. His scholarship and doctrine are at the same time orthodox and lucid. This particular edition was “revised for readability and clarity,” greatly improving the accessibility of Murray’s original text.
“Why have you not experienced it? Because you have not trust God for it, and you do not surrender yourself absolutely to God in that trust.”
Murray's counsel is arranged in compact chapters, each well-written and organized.
“We are far more occupied with our work than we are with prayer. We believe more in speaking to men than we believe in speaking to God.”
If you read only one devotional this year, read this one.
“As the Spirit reveals Christ to us, Christ comes to live in our hearts forever, and the self-life is cast out.
August 4, 2011
Life changing! Absolutely mind altering. Highly recommended. Borrow it or buy it, whatever you do, get this book and carefully read every word. Take notes. Dwell on it. Let it soak in and consider the challenge and call that is presented before you.
July 30, 2022
This is the second time I read this book and still amazes me how our Father gifted us eternal life and a new life just by believing in His Son Jesus and giving Him all you can, walk and be like Jesus. I really analyzed my life with Jesus since 10 years ago and I realized that I have to believe more in Him and let Him change me because no matter how much I try to have a holy life I just cannot , that is impossible for us humans but letting and believing in Him and also abiding in Jesus , He can work in our hearts and listening to The Holy Spirit we can be what God always wanted from His children,
a life like Jesus's!
30.07.2022 - Third time reading this book and I realized that no matter how many times I read it, I will always find wisdom.
30.07.2022 - Third time reading this book and I realized that no matter how many times I read it, I will always find wisdom.
June 19, 2017
Wow! This book is powerful, convicting, and encouraging all at the same time. I am ordering myself a hardcopy so I can highlight and reread easier.
February 4, 2015
I started this book three times over the past couple years and finally made it all the way through. I guess I was just ready for it this time. Absolutely amazing and clarifying stuff on sanctification and grace and how God works on/in people.
Murray's point: it's coming to a point of helplessness in ourselves, that empties us for Christ to fill us --- and then true fruit can be born, from his strength, not ours. It's not our trying that sanctifies us or allows us to do "kingdom work", but a sense of our inability to do and obey, combined with close communion with Jesus, and faith that through the Spirit he will give us the power to do what he's commanded. The law is important and obedience is important but we cannot try to do it by our own strength or we will fail horribly. The Christian life is total dependence on Christ from first to last... hallelujah.
"The cause of the weakness of your Christian life is that you want to work it out partly, and to let God help you. And that cannot be. You must come to be utterly helpless, to let God work. He will work gloriously. It is this that we need if we are indeed to be workers for God."
"The will of man is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be made manifest. Man must seek in God all that is to be."
"No one who learns to rest on the living Christ can become slothful. The closer your contact with Christ, the more the Spirit of His zeal and love will be borne in upon you."
Murray's point: it's coming to a point of helplessness in ourselves, that empties us for Christ to fill us --- and then true fruit can be born, from his strength, not ours. It's not our trying that sanctifies us or allows us to do "kingdom work", but a sense of our inability to do and obey, combined with close communion with Jesus, and faith that through the Spirit he will give us the power to do what he's commanded. The law is important and obedience is important but we cannot try to do it by our own strength or we will fail horribly. The Christian life is total dependence on Christ from first to last... hallelujah.
"The cause of the weakness of your Christian life is that you want to work it out partly, and to let God help you. And that cannot be. You must come to be utterly helpless, to let God work. He will work gloriously. It is this that we need if we are indeed to be workers for God."
"The will of man is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be made manifest. Man must seek in God all that is to be."
"No one who learns to rest on the living Christ can become slothful. The closer your contact with Christ, the more the Spirit of His zeal and love will be borne in upon you."
August 27, 2022
This book is such a treasure,could probably reread this every year! What revelation this man had on this subject! What a victory to take everything from God to completely Trust Him, to let His Spirit work through you!
„The Holy Spirit Must always have First Place esp in your inner Life!“
I can do nothing of myself, Lord I Want to be this dependant!🙌🏻
„The Holy Spirit Must always have First Place esp in your inner Life!“
I can do nothing of myself, Lord I Want to be this dependant!🙌🏻
February 3, 2018
I remember when I came out of the army, came back to Canada and found this book in a used bookstore. I never heard of Murray before...but the title attracted me. I could not put it down. And when I reached the chapter "Kept by the power of God", I cried. Knowing what a failure I am and how much of remaining sin was still in me this book was a breath of fresh air, even though Murray is a bit perfectionistic in some of his teachings. I could not believe that coming and continuing in a relationship with God did not depend on me, but on God, him choosing me in eternity past, transforming my character to that of Jesus his Son, and keeping me all the way to eternity future! I was blown away and could not believe what I read. I cried and thanked God for his kindness to me!
May 13, 2019
One of the best spiritual books I’ve read in a long time. Personally, I’m at a place of spiritual surrender, and Murray’s honest words have helped me see Christ in a fuller way. Murray reminds his readers that if God allows the sun to shine on us every morning without intermission, wouldn’t God let His life shine upon us just the same? We must remember that God requires a prostrate heart to Him—a heart of absolute, not perfect, surrender. Jesus Christ wants to live with us and walk with us, so that He may do His blessed work for us. Murray even says it’s easier to say than to do: we just need to recognize we cannot do it without Him. Needless to say, God has the power to let the sunshine of His love be with us all day, if only we yield to His Spirit.
January 5, 2024
Listend to this to start of the year. I needed the reminder to be fully surrendered to Jesus.
***
Starting off 2023 right by listening to this book.
This is an older book, but one with power. Honestly, I've probably listened through this book several times without bothering to mark in on Goodreads. It is a powerful book about being wholly surrendered to Jesus. It is full of reminders I need often.
***
Starting off 2023 right by listening to this book.
This is an older book, but one with power. Honestly, I've probably listened through this book several times without bothering to mark in on Goodreads. It is a powerful book about being wholly surrendered to Jesus. It is full of reminders I need often.
February 17, 2023
“What is meant by absolute surrender? It means that, as literally as Christ was given up entirely to God, I am given up entirely to Christ. Is that too strong? Some think so. Some think they can never be. They cannot believe that just as entirely and absolutely as Christ gave up His life to do nothing but seek the Father’s pleasure, and depend on the Father absolutely and entirely, I am to do nothing but to seek the pleasure of Christ. But that is actually true.”
For such a small book, it took me such a long time to read. But do not let that mislead you to think less of the quality of this work — it was the most practical and complete argument toward complete surrender to God that I have ever read (aside from Scripture). Honestly, likely the reason that it took me so long to read was that it was soooo convicting, revealing as a flashlight to many little nooks and crannies of my heart where I am still the master. The second hardest part about reading this book was restraining myself from highlighting every word. Complete surrender is something that can be so over complicated, but I’ve found that it is more often ignored altogether. But in Andrew Murray’s book, we are reminded that it is impossible to follow Christ or honor Him without practicing surrender to the fullest every moment of every day.
This book changed my mind, changed my heart, and changed my life. And, perhaps most importantly, left me saying, like Murray, “Glory to His blessed name!”
For such a small book, it took me such a long time to read. But do not let that mislead you to think less of the quality of this work — it was the most practical and complete argument toward complete surrender to God that I have ever read (aside from Scripture). Honestly, likely the reason that it took me so long to read was that it was soooo convicting, revealing as a flashlight to many little nooks and crannies of my heart where I am still the master. The second hardest part about reading this book was restraining myself from highlighting every word. Complete surrender is something that can be so over complicated, but I’ve found that it is more often ignored altogether. But in Andrew Murray’s book, we are reminded that it is impossible to follow Christ or honor Him without practicing surrender to the fullest every moment of every day.
This book changed my mind, changed my heart, and changed my life. And, perhaps most importantly, left me saying, like Murray, “Glory to His blessed name!”
March 25, 2024
This was a good and beautiful text on surrendering to God. It spent most of the text talking about how we are called to submit & on what gets in our way of submitting, but many beautiful and edyfing passages and nuggets of advice all throughout.
August 16, 2017
Rarely do I come across a book that has such value that it impacts from the first few pages of reading. Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray is one of those books. The depth and richness of the challenges set forth by Murray are of such caliber that every Christian should read this book and could you benefit from making it a yearly habit.
Murray sets forth the premise that Christians are living life without the power and grace of God because they are not fully surrendered to him; absolutely surrendered is the term he borrows.
Starting with the example of King Ahab in I Kings 20, with particular attention to verse four, Murray shows the heart of absolute surrender. King Ahab is being attacked and his response to the demands of the invaders is "All that I have and all that I own are yours" (my paraphrase).
Murray challenges Christian to take this approach in their relationship with Jesus Christ. From this challenge, Murray then gives examples of the benefits and blessings of being absolutely surrendered to Christ and calls all Christians to seek such a life.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Murray sets forth the premise that Christians are living life without the power and grace of God because they are not fully surrendered to him; absolutely surrendered is the term he borrows.
Starting with the example of King Ahab in I Kings 20, with particular attention to verse four, Murray shows the heart of absolute surrender. King Ahab is being attacked and his response to the demands of the invaders is "All that I have and all that I own are yours" (my paraphrase).
Murray challenges Christian to take this approach in their relationship with Jesus Christ. From this challenge, Murray then gives examples of the benefits and blessings of being absolutely surrendered to Christ and calls all Christians to seek such a life.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2020
I almost think this book's subtitle should be, "How to come into unity with God in Christ." If those words shake you, the idea of coming into true oneness with the Spirit of Christ, His life truly living through you and in you, then this book is for you.
I praise God for how much He has taught me through this little book. It came at an apt time, just as God's Spirit was teaching me about His love and to seek unity in His Spirit. I have found myself praying on many occasions - and may it be my prayer for you now - that Christ would be so gracious as to teach His Bride these wonderful truths from His Word.
Don't miss out on this book. This is surely one to read soon and to return to often.
I praise God for how much He has taught me through this little book. It came at an apt time, just as God's Spirit was teaching me about His love and to seek unity in His Spirit. I have found myself praying on many occasions - and may it be my prayer for you now - that Christ would be so gracious as to teach His Bride these wonderful truths from His Word.
Don't miss out on this book. This is surely one to read soon and to return to often.
March 13, 2019
A beautiful book urging Christians to absolutely surrender to God. It's what God desires for your life - for his glory and your good. It's the best thing that can happen to you.
Instead of trying on your own strength to surrender, pray and depend on Christ to give you the power to surrender and love.
Instead of trying on your own strength to surrender, pray and depend on Christ to give you the power to surrender and love.
November 22, 2019
Surrendering
Wow I found this book riveting. I truly gain new, fresh and encouraging insights from Mr. Murray. Some have a book they will read every year. I haven't had one until now. I highly recommend this book. I am thinking about gifting it to friends.
Wow I found this book riveting. I truly gain new, fresh and encouraging insights from Mr. Murray. Some have a book they will read every year. I haven't had one until now. I highly recommend this book. I am thinking about gifting it to friends.
December 18, 2019
What a book! Murray hits the same simple point over and over again, like an anvil in the steel of my heart that needs to submit and surrender absolutely.
Needed reading for all Christians, but especially those who actually desire the “higher life”, to bow their knee and be wholly his.
Needed reading for all Christians, but especially those who actually desire the “higher life”, to bow their knee and be wholly his.
August 17, 2015
I typically do not write reviews until fully completing the book. However, this book is LIFE CHANGING and I am only through chapter 3.
March 18, 2019
Wonderful encouragement!
May 8, 2019
This was a thought provoking part of my morning quiet time. Though the writing feels turn of the last century in places, this is a classic and well worth the read.
February 4, 2023
Despite the Keswick theology, I did find this a moving read. Murray is an excellent devotional writer.
April 9, 2025
"Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray stands as a remarkable meditation on the profound yet often intimidating concept of complete submission to the divine. Published in the late 19th century, this spiritual classic doesn’t just present theological arguments; it invites readers into an intimate dialogue about faith, dependency, and the art of letting go.
Murray's prose is suffused with a kind of earnestness that resonates with those in the throes of spiritual introspection. He confronts the reader with the challenging proposition that true faith necessitates relinquishing control, a notion that stirs both anxiety and hope. By sharing his own voyage through doubt and faith, Murray crafts a narrative that feels strikingly personal and relatable.
At the heart of Murray's argument is the notion of total surrender; not merely an outward act, but an inward transformation that reshapes one's entire existence. He deftly illustrates that this relinquishing of self is not an act of defeat but a pathway to liberation, inviting the reader to embrace a connection with the divine that transcends mere transactional prayer.
As one navigates Murray’s reflections, there emerges a compelling case for the radical trust in God’s wisdom. It's a call to dare to release oneself from the anxieties of life, to cultivate a reliance on the divine that is both refreshing and formidable. Readers often come away transformed, pondering their own lives and the ways in which they might more fully engage with the divine narrative at play.
Murray's prose is suffused with a kind of earnestness that resonates with those in the throes of spiritual introspection. He confronts the reader with the challenging proposition that true faith necessitates relinquishing control, a notion that stirs both anxiety and hope. By sharing his own voyage through doubt and faith, Murray crafts a narrative that feels strikingly personal and relatable.
At the heart of Murray's argument is the notion of total surrender; not merely an outward act, but an inward transformation that reshapes one's entire existence. He deftly illustrates that this relinquishing of self is not an act of defeat but a pathway to liberation, inviting the reader to embrace a connection with the divine that transcends mere transactional prayer.
As one navigates Murray’s reflections, there emerges a compelling case for the radical trust in God’s wisdom. It's a call to dare to release oneself from the anxieties of life, to cultivate a reliance on the divine that is both refreshing and formidable. Readers often come away transformed, pondering their own lives and the ways in which they might more fully engage with the divine narrative at play.
February 10, 2025
Exactly what I needed to start to better understand and develop my perspective on the Holy Spirit and what true, absolute surrender to Christ entails.
"God wants us to seek for the Holy Spirit as a Spirit of power in our own heart and life, to conquer self and cast out sin, and to work the blessed and beautiful image of Jesus into us."
"𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦𝘯; 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯."
"𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘪𝘮, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥! 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦."
"God wants us to seek for the Holy Spirit as a Spirit of power in our own heart and life, to conquer self and cast out sin, and to work the blessed and beautiful image of Jesus into us."
"𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦𝘯; 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯."
"𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘪𝘮, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥! 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦."
July 17, 2024
In the spirit of C.S. Lewis, I picked up this short book by Murray to "keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing" through my mind. Murray urges the Christian to consider the power of God to work His purposes in us as we rest in Christ. I found Murray's writing style admirable... He confronts the reader's conscience with truth, yet wraps every word in humility and gentleness.
A favorite quote from the book:
"You cannot stir up faith from the depths of your heart; leave your heart, and look into the face of Christ, and listen to what He tells you about how He will keep you."
A favorite quote from the book:
"You cannot stir up faith from the depths of your heart; leave your heart, and look into the face of Christ, and listen to what He tells you about how He will keep you."
December 31, 2023
“I have no care, my cares are His! I have no fear, He cares for all my fears.” Concise and powerful.
July 20, 2024
As with any theological book, I will have differences of opinions on how things are interpreted from God’s Holy Word. This one was no different. It did, however, challenge me greatly in my own walk with God. For that alone, it was a valuable read that I highly recommend.
January 12, 2023
Surrender
Why wouldn't I surrender to someone who loved me enough to surrender His own life in exchange for mine, who only has my best interests at heart?
Why wouldn't I surrender to someone who loved me enough to surrender His own life in exchange for mine, who only has my best interests at heart?
October 8, 2021
Andrew Murray was one of the key voices in the Keswick movement and his doctrine of entire sanctification comes through more clearly here than any of his other writings I have enjoyed. He believes that when a person reaches a state of absolute surrender, they can achieve a state of complete holiness through God's grace. He also calls this state the Baptism in the Holy Spirit but this is not to be confused with the Pentecostal understanding of the term. I always wonder if he might have become a pentecostal himself had he been born a couple of decades later.
This book is definitely worth reading despite this clear doctrinal error that is running throughout. Andrew Murray's challenge to a life of holiness and surrender is a challenge the church of our day (and me personally) need to take up. His recognition that even this cannot be done without God's strength is also a necessary reminder to both keep us humble and avoid legalism. His illustrations and writing style might be a little bit dated, but the clarion call towards holiness is timeless and necessary.
Notice how Christ used that word deny twice. He told Peter the first time to deny self. He said to Peter the second time, Thou shalt deny Me. It is either one or the other. There is no other choice for us; we must either deny self or deny Christ. - p45
When I come to a man and he hands me a gift of money, I take it and go away with it. He has given me something of his; the rest he keeps for himself. But that is not the way it is with the power of God. He cannot part with a portion of His own power. Therefore, I can experience the power and goodness of God only so far as I am in contact and fellowship with Him. - p100
Let’s make God’s omnipotence as revealed in His Word the measure of our expectations. - p102
This book is definitely worth reading despite this clear doctrinal error that is running throughout. Andrew Murray's challenge to a life of holiness and surrender is a challenge the church of our day (and me personally) need to take up. His recognition that even this cannot be done without God's strength is also a necessary reminder to both keep us humble and avoid legalism. His illustrations and writing style might be a little bit dated, but the clarion call towards holiness is timeless and necessary.
Notice how Christ used that word deny twice. He told Peter the first time to deny self. He said to Peter the second time, Thou shalt deny Me. It is either one or the other. There is no other choice for us; we must either deny self or deny Christ. - p45
When I come to a man and he hands me a gift of money, I take it and go away with it. He has given me something of his; the rest he keeps for himself. But that is not the way it is with the power of God. He cannot part with a portion of His own power. Therefore, I can experience the power and goodness of God only so far as I am in contact and fellowship with Him. - p100
Let’s make God’s omnipotence as revealed in His Word the measure of our expectations. - p102
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