Making the decision to follow Jesus is the most significant choice anyone can make. It’s not just a spiritual decision but a transformative one that changes the entire course of a person’s life and eternity. The Bible tells us that without Christ, we are born into a world of darkness, under the rule of sin and Satan. This darkness isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a reality of being separated from the true light, which is found in Jesus alone.
But when we choose to follow Jesus, something miraculous happens. We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, where Jesus reigns. This transfer isn’t about earning our way into God’s favor; it’s about accepting the gift of grace that Jesus offers through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
The Bible tells us that all it takes to be saved is to confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and to believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). This simple yet profound act of faith moves us from death to life, from being lost to being found. It’s a decision that brings immediate and eternal consequences.
Consider the thief on the cross next to Jesus. In his final moments, he recognized who Jesus was and simply asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. In that instant, Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in paradise. This story shows us that it’s never too late to turn to Jesus, and that no matter what our past looks like, Jesus is ready to welcome us into His kingdom the moment we place our trust in Him.
In a world that often tells us to find our own way, to rely on our strength, or to chase after earthly success, Jesus offers us something completely different—salvation, peace, and a place in His eternal kingdom. This is the opposite of what the world offers, and it’s the only path that leads to true life.
Questions to Ask Ourselves
- Have you confessed that Jesus is your Lord? If so, how has this decision changed your life? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision today?
- When did you first feel Jesus calling you to follow Him? How did you respond, and what steps did you take to align your life with His kingdom?
- Who have you shared your decision to follow Jesus with? How can you be more open about your faith with others?
- What does it mean to you to move from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light? How does this truth impact the way you live each day?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the incredible gift of salvation that You offer to everyone who believes in You. I recognize that without You, I am lost in darkness, but with You, I am brought into the light of Your kingdom. I confess that You are my Lord, and I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Help me to live each day in the truth of Your love and to share that love with others. Guide me as I walk in the light of Your kingdom, and give me the courage to boldly proclaim my faith. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
Takeaways from Choosing to Follow Jesus
- A Life-Altering Decision with Eternal Impact
Following Jesus isn’t just a religious act—it’s a transformative decision that changes your identity, your purpose, and your eternity. It moves you from spiritual darkness into the light, from being lost to being found, and from death to eternal life. This isn’t something you earn but a free gift of grace, offered through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. - Salvation is Simple Yet Profound
The path to salvation isn’t complicated. Romans 10:9 makes it clear: confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. That’s it. This simple act of faith holds the power to completely rewrite your story, no matter your past mistakes or failures. - It’s Never Too Late
The thief on the cross shows us the heart of Jesus. Even in his final moments, with a life filled with wrong choices, he found forgiveness and a promise of paradise. This is the grace of God—it’s never too late to turn to Jesus, and there’s no life too broken for His love to restore. - A Call to Boldly Live in the Light
Moving from darkness into light isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a daily journey. Every day is an opportunity to live as someone who has been saved and redeemed, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in the way you think, act, and speak. This truth invites us to step away from fear, shame, and worldly pursuits and instead walk boldly in the light of God’s kingdom. - The Invitation is for Everyone
Just as Jesus welcomed the thief on the cross, He welcomes everyone who calls on His name. This gift of salvation is too good to keep to ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to share this life-changing message with others, inviting them to step out of darkness and into God’s glorious light.
You are never too far gone, never too broken, and never too late to say yes to Jesus.
