Have You Truly Given Your Life to Christ?

Discipleship Devotional, June 14th, 2025

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

One of the most commonly used phrases in Christian circles is “give your life to Christ.” Yet, when we examine the Scriptures carefully, we find that salvation is not about us giving our life to Christ—it’s about Christ giving His life to us.

Before salvation, we didn’t even possess “life” to give—we were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). At the point of salvation, we are raised from spiritual death and receive eternal life—the very life of Christ. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NIV)

So, when we believe in Christ, we receive life, not offer it. But does that mean the phrase “giving your life to Christ” is unbiblical? Not quite. The Bible uses that expression—but in a different context.

In the biblical sense, “giving your life to Christ” refers not to salvation, but to dedication—a deliberate act of consecration to God’s service. After receiving the life of Christ, we are called to surrender ourselves fully to Him in love and obedience. God never forces anyone to serve Him—not even those who are saved. He invites us to deny ourselves and willingly yield our lives—our time, resources, energy, and ambitions—for His glory.

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

One vivid biblical example of this comes from Paul’s praise of the Macedonian church:

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability… they gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:3–5 (NIV)

These Macedonian believers were already saved. So when Paul said they “gave themselves to the Lord,” he wasn’t talking about their salvation—he was referring to their selfless dedication to God’s work.

This means it’s entirely possible to have received eternal life, yet still be withholding your life in terms of service, sacrifice, and obedience. So the real question is: Have you truly given your life to Christ?

Our Lord Jesus makes the invitation clear:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
— Matthew 16:24 (KJV)

We are called not just to receive Christ’s life, but to respond with full surrender—to live by faith, for His purpose, and to His glory.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me eternal life. Help me not only to receive this life but to fully give mine back to You. Teach me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You daily. I choose to live for Your glory. Amen.