Surrendering to Christ is a concept that calls believers to yield their hearts, minds, and lives to the Lordship of Jesus. In a world that often pushes us toward self-reliance, control, and independence, the act of surrender can seem foreign or even counterproductive. However, to truly follow Jesus, we must learn to surrender—surrendering our own desires, our will, our pride, and ultimately our lives to His perfect plan. Surrendering to Christ is not just a one-time decision but a daily act of submission that leads to abundant life, peace, and eternal purpose.
Let us explore what it truly means to surrender to Christ, the steps involved in surrendering, how to remain surrendered to Him, and how this act of surrender brings peace, freedom, and lasting change. We’ll also include a prayer of surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord, so you can begin this journey of transformation today.
What Does It Mean to Surrender to Christ?
Surrendering to Christ means acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life. It means recognizing that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the one who has the authority to guide, transform, and shape your life according to His will. Surrendering to Him is an act of submission, yielding your own desires, control, and plans to the leadership and guidance of Christ.
In the Bible, Jesus speaks clearly about the cost of discipleship and what it means to follow Him:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’” (Matthew 16:24-25, NIV)
Here, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves—our ego, our pride, and our plans—and to take up our cross, a symbol of surrender and sacrifice. He assures us that when we surrender our lives to Him, we find true life in Him.
Surrendering to Christ does not mean abandoning all of your dreams or desires, but rather aligning them with God’s will. It’s about seeking His kingdom first, trusting that when you surrender, He will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Steps to Surrendering to Christ
Surrendering to Christ is a profound and life-changing decision, but it’s also a process that involves intentional steps of faith. Below are some key steps that can help you surrender your life to Christ:
1. Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour
The first step in surrendering to Christ is recognizing who Jesus is and accepting Him as your Savior. Acknowledging His sacrifice for your sins on the cross and His resurrection is central to the Christian faith. We cannot surrender to someone we do not fully trust or believe in, so a deep understanding of who Jesus is must come first.
Scripture Reference:
“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.” (Romans 10:9, NIV)
The acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord means that He holds the highest position in your life. It’s the recognition that He alone is worthy of your worship, loyalty, and obedience.
2. Repentance and Confession
Repentance is an essential step in the process of surrender. To repent means to turn away from sin and change your heart and Mind. Confessing your sins and asking for God’s forgiveness opens the door for Christ to cleanse you from unrighteousness. Surrendering to Christ requires us to humble ourselves and recognize our need for His grace.
Scripture Reference:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
When we confess our sins to God, we allow Him to purify our hearts and prepare us for the work He has for us. True repentance requires an honest examination of our hearts and a willingness to turn away from sin, inviting God’s transformation into our lives.
3. Trusting God’s Plan and Timing
One of the most challenging aspects of surrendering to Christ is trusting God’s plan and timing. We live in a culture that encourages instant gratification and control, but true surrender means letting go of the need to manage every detail of our lives. Trusting God with the outcome of our decisions and circumstances is a vital step in living a surrendered life.
Scripture Reference:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
God promises that His plans for us are good and that He is working for our benefit. Surrendering to Christ means trusting that God knows what is best for us, even when we cannot see the whole picture.
4. Letting Go of Control and Selfish Desires
Surrendering to Christ means letting go of our need to control everything. It’s about putting aside selfish desires and aligning our will with God’s. This does not mean that we give up our ability to make decisions, but it does mean that we are willing to submit our decisions to God’s authority and follow His leading.
Scripture Reference:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
When we surrender our desires to God and seek His kingdom first, we trust that He will provide for our needs and guide us in the right direction.
5. Living in Obedience and Daily Surrender
Surrendering to Christ is not a one-time decision but a daily practice. It’s about choosing to follow Him every day, submitting our will to His, and living out His commands. We remain surrendered when we continuously choose to obey Him, even when it’s difficult.
Scripture Reference:
“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15, NIV)
Obedience is a natural response to love. When we truly love Christ, we seek to obey His commands and live in a way that honors Him.
How to Remain Surrendered to Christ
Surrendering to Christ is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort. Here are some practical ways to remain surrendered to Christ and live a life of obedience to Him:
1. Commit to Daily Prayer and Communion with God
Staying connected to God through prayer is essential for remaining surrendered. Prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will, and through it, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. It’s a time to lay down our concerns, ask for guidance, and surrender our thoughts and plans.
Scripture Reference:
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV)
Continuous prayer keeps us in constant communication with God, helping us stay sensitive to His leading and remain in a posture of surrender.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Word of God
The Bible is our guide for living a surrendered life. God’s Word teaches us how to live, love, forgive, and serve others. Reading and meditating on Scripture helps us understand God’s will and empowers us to live in alignment with His commands.
Scripture Reference:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
God’s Word provides wisdom and guidance, helping us navigate life with a surrendered heart.
3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Christian Community
Being in fellowship with other believers encourages us to stay surrendered to Christ. A strong Christian community provides accountability, support, and encouragement as we grow in our faith. Fellow believers can remind us of God’s promises and help us stay focused on Christ.
Scripture Reference:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
Being in community helps strengthen our commitment to Christ and supports our ongoing surrender to Him.
4. Practice Gratitude and Trust in God’s Provision
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude keeps our hearts humble and centered on God. By focusing on His goodness and faithfulness, we remind ourselves that He is trustworthy, and His plans are always for our good.
Scripture Reference:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Gratitude reminds us of God’s sovereignty and goodness, helping us stay surrendered to His will.
Christianity is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world, but it is often misunderstood.
In today’s society, many people have misconceptions about what it truly means to follow Christ. Christianity is not simply about religion or rituals—it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rooted in love, grace, and transformation. Let’s take a closer look at some things Christianity is NOT, to clear up common misconceptions and reaffirm what it truly means to follow Christ.
Christianity is NOT Catholicism
While Catholicism is one of the largest branches of Christianity, it’s important to understand that Christianity is not confined to one denomination. Christianity, at its core, is the belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.
Catholicism is a specific tradition with its own set of beliefs, practices, and rituals, such as the veneration of the Virgin Mary, the belief in purgatory, and the authority of the Pope. However, these distinct practices and doctrines are not universally held by all Christians. In fact, these beliefs are rejected by most Christian denominations. Christianity encompasses various denominations, each with different emphases on certain aspects of Christian faith and worship. Christianity, at its heart, is about believing in Jesus Christ for salvation and following the the word of God, the Bible.
Scripture Reference:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NIV)
While differences in tradition and doctrine exist, all Christians, regardless of denomination, are united by their belief in Christ. Christianity is not defined by one specific tradition but by faith in Jesus as the Savior and Lord.
Christianity is NOT Just a Set of Rules
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that Christianity is about following a strict set of rules. While the Bible provides guidelines for how to live a righteous life, Christianity is not about merely adhering to a list of dos and don’ts. Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers grace and forgiveness. The rules are not a means to earn salvation but a way to live out the love and freedom that Christ offers.
Scripture Reference:
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17, NIV)
Following Christ is about love and grace, not rigid rule-keeping. Jesus came to fulfill the law and give us the opportunity to live in freedom, not in legalistic bondage.
Christianity is NOT About Perfection
Christianity is not about being perfect. Many people wrongly believe that Christians must be flawless. However, the essence of Christianity is acknowledging our imperfections and the need for God’s grace. Every Christian is a work in progress, constantly being transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reference:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV)
Christians are not perfect people; they are forgiven people. Christianity acknowledges human failure and offers the hope of redemption and transformation through Christ.
Christianity is NOT a Ticket to Wealth and Prosperity
Some people mistakenly believe that being a Christian guarantees wealth, health, and an easy life. This belief is often referred to as the “prosperity gospel,” which teaches that faith will lead to material success. However, the Bible never promises that Christians will be free from hardship. In fact, Jesus warns that following Him may lead to trials and suffering.
Scripture Reference:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
Christianity is not about material gain but about spiritual growth and eternal life. True prosperity in Christianity is found in peace with God, not in material possessions.
Christianity is NOT About Judgment
Another common misconception is that Christianity is about judgment and condemnation. While the Bible does speak against sin, it is clear that Jesus came to offer grace and mercy. Christians are called to love others and to share the good news of salvation.
Scripture Reference:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17, NIV)
Christianity is NOT About Religion, But a Relationship
Lastly, Christianity is not about religion in the traditional sense. It is about having a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God; the only way for us to come to an Almighty God. Christianity is not about rituals, rites, or a checklist of religious duties. It is about knowing Christ, loving Him, and being transformed by His love and grace.
Scripture Reference:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, NIV)
Christianity is about knowing Jesus, not just going through religious motions. It is a daily walk of faith and relationship with God, based on love, not just outward actions.
Prayer of Surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord
If you feel led to surrender your life to Christ, here is a prayer you can pray:
“Dear Jesus,
Today, I come to You acknowledging that You are my Lord and Savior. I believe that You are the Son of God, and I confess that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I may have eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness.
Today, I surrender my life to You. I give You control over my desires, my plans, and my heart. I trust that Your ways are higher than mine, and I choose to follow Your lead. Help me to live according to Your Word and to seek Your will above all else.
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to live a life that honors You. I commit to daily surrendering my will to Yours and following You faithfully. Thank You for Your love and grace, and for the new life You have given me in Christ.
In Your precious name, I pray, Amen.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just invited Jesus into your heart and life. You are now a child of God (if you were sincere in what you just prayed). Surrendering to Christ is the key to experiencing true freedom, peace, and fulfillment in life. It means giving up control and trusting Jesus to lead us on the path He has prepared. Though surrender can be challenging, it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with purpose and joy. Remember, surrendering to Christ is not a one-time event, but a continuous decision to follow Him daily, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty over every aspect of our lives.