Making the decision to follow Christ is very exciting!
Why?
It’s one of the most profound life choices you will ever make! It’s not simply a matter of joining a religious group or adopting a set of beliefs.
It’s a life-altering commitment that will shape your identity, purpose, and destiny.
The Call to Follow Christ
When Jesus said, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19), it was an invitation to all who would hear and respond. But it wasn’t only meant for those back in His day on Earth.
This invitation never expires. It’s a call for everyone to leave behind their old way of life—to relinquish control, surrender their will, and embark on a journey of discipleship with Him.
Luke 9:23 says it best: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”
There has been much confusion about what “deny themselves” means.
A good example is in John 8:1-11. Jesus was in the temple courts when the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. Their law stated they should stone her to death.
But Jesus did not condemn her. Instead, He instructed her to quit her sinful lifestyle, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (v.11). We’ll discuss what this means further another time.
The Significance of Your Decision
Don’t take your decision to follow Christ lightly. It’s a commitment that carries eternal weight and significance.
To emphasize how important this is, the word “eternal” means “lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning; everlasting; without end; infinite.”
To put it simply, your decision to follow Christ is a big deal! And the best one you’ll ever make!
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
By choosing to follow Christ, you acknowledge Him as the exclusive source (the only way) of salvation and eternal life. It’s a decision that will change your present and future.
Do you understand the impact this has on your life? I hope so!
Following Christ Brings Transformation
Following Christ isn’t just about practicing a set of religious rules. It’s about experiencing a radical transformation from the inside out.
2 Corinthians 5:17 beautifully illustrates this truth:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are made new—redeemed, forgiven, and empowered to live a life that reflects Christ’s character and love.
Yes, you will have to make some changes in your life. But believe me when I say they are all good!
The Assurance (Promise) of Salvation
The assurance of salvation is one of the most precious promises of following Christ.
Romans 10:9-10 affirms this truth:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
This promise is not based on how good you are or how many good things you do. You can’t buy this promise.
You only receive it by the grace of God and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
And 1 Peter 2:24 tells us, “He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
If you’re confused about what this means, Jesus Christ died for everyone and took our sins with Him—everyone includes you!
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Following Christ is not a one-time thing, and not only on Sunday. It’s a lifelong journey. It’s the daily continual pursuit of knowing Him more intimately, growing in faith, and being conformed to His image.
The best (and only) way to know Jesus and grow in your faith is to continually read and study the Word – the Holy Bible.
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:10-11
This journey will have ups and downs, victories and challenges. Continually staying in the Word will equip you for these ups and downs, and your newfound knowledge will ultimately lead to a deeper relationship with your Savior.
Don’t Keep This To Yourself
But wait! There’s more!
Following Christ comes with an important responsibility. You now have a commission to uphold and share the good news of salvation with others.
What exactly does this mean?
I know people say you’re not supposed to talk about religion.
But how will people know the truth if you don’t talk about Jesus?
Mark 16:15 explains this responsibility:
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
As recipients of God’s grace and mercy, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ. We are commissioned to share His love and message of hope with a world needing salvation.
And right now, our world is in desperate need of salvation!
Go Now!
The decision to follow Christ is a personal commitment and a divine calling—a journey of faith and transformation leading to eternal life.
When you make this decision, you will be full of peace because you know it’s right.
As you consider this decision, may you heed His call, experience His transformative power, and share His love and message with everyone around you.
Openly declare that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and “go now and leave your life of sin!”