What Jesus Said About Total Surrender and Death to SelfShembull

How Do We Surrender?

Then Jesus told his disciples If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:24-25).

Surrender has four steps.

The first step is a firm decision to surrender to Jesus. With this, we say no to everything else. Surrender has no meaning unless we take this first step of following Christ, whatever the cost.

The second step is to deny yourself. Jesus said that everyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves. Surrender is to say no to yourself. Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25).

The third step is to take up your cross. To take up the cross is to identify with Jesus spiritually. It is a sign of total surrender to Jesus and unquestioning obedience. Your relationship with God might cost you your family, friends, job, or, in some cases, your very life.

The fourth step is to follow, not looking back, whatever the cost. Total surrender is to live a life of obedience to Jesus. What a terrifying thought to some! But for those walking in unconditional surrender to Jesus, it provides joy, security, freedom, and hope–a hope-filled future. Following means giving up control, living according to divine commands, and being sure of divine provision and eternal hope.

Take action: Take time to pray about this. Work through these four steps.