THE MATTER ARISING
Which is more appropriate: “I give my life to Christ” or “I accept Christ” on the day one becomes born again?
The question, however, is this: Does your life truly belong to you in the first place? Are you the owner of your life, such that you can give it to Christ as though it were your possession?
I accepted Christ is the appropriate.There was no life to give before salvation. It was dead in sin before Jesus came to offer you life – Bishop Dr Bankole Jefferson, General Overseer, Mercy Terbernacle, Ijaye Ogba, Lagos
In my opinion sir. None is deeper than the other. It conveys the same meaning. Most important is that you become born again genuinely. On question 2: This is an issue of mindset. Of course your life doesn’t belong to you but God gave you your life….so it’s yours as a gift but God’s as the Source. Acts 17:25 NKJV [25] Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Technically what I give to you becomes yours sir….if you hand it over to me again….ownership changes – Pastor Ayo Fadumiye, Senior Pastor, Citadel Of Light Global, Ikeja, Lagos.
Athe point of salvation, we accept Him because He’s the One who gave His life for us. Thereafter, we keep giving our lives to Him in love and consecration till eternity. Thanks for bringing this here sir – Pastor Ade Ayeni, Lead Pastor, The Faith Family Church, Okota, Lagos.
I think I’ll go with I accept Christ. Our lives do not belong to us originally but at salvation we officially give it in surrender to the one who owns it to do as He pleases – Temilola Olarinde (Student, Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH, Ogbomoso)/ The Christian Brethren Church (TCBC), Ejigbo, Lagos.
The secong one is more appropriate. From day one your life belongs to God. So the correct one is you accept christ and become born again – Ms Peace James, Founder, Family Encouragers Ministry, Lagos.
“I give my life to Jesus Christ.”
Light has different components—seven rays of light—and so also is life, with its many dimensions. This is why the expression ‘I give my life to Christ’ is more appropriate. It reflects a conscious, total surrender.
Remember what Jesus said: “I lay down my life…”—a deliberate act of giving.
On the other hand, ‘I accept Christ’ suggests the receiving of a gift, which is also valid but emphasizes a different aspect of the experience.
— Rev. Ajani Olutade
Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oro Iye, Idimu, Lagos.
I accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is more appropriate – Bishop Tammy Willie
I accept Christ has my Lord and personal Savior on that glorious day – Apostle
William Akaniyene David, General Overseer Christ Assembly Mission, Egbeda Lagos
I think I give my life to Christ is more appropriate – Pastor Funmi Ademola, CLAM, Lagos.
While we might not have possession of our lives, God gave us free will to decide what we want to do with it. Judas Iscariot knew Christ intimately but his self will determined his actions – Pastor Olalekan Omotosho, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Sango Ota, Lagos
Both are correct. Man is a free moral agent. God doesn’t impose. My spirit will no longer struve with men- Genesis 6:3.) God created life. He gave life to man. At that, the life of man remains his. Whatever God gives you is yours. Man is at liberty to run his life the way he wants hence, the devil remains the devil and unbelievers remain who they are. What God does is to set rules, punishment and judgement for man to choose according to their living. Christ offers salvation. He doesn’t impose, a fellow can accept or reject the salvation. John 3 tells much about this – Pastor Abayomi Obabolujo
Both are appropriate, but they highlight different aspects of salvation. ‘I accept Christ” is receiving the gift of salvation. ‘I give my life to Christ’ is surrendering your life to follow Him.
I can say, I receive Jesus Christ today as a gift of salvation, and surrender my life to Him as my Lord and Savior. I acknowledge him and strife daily to live for Him. – Magaret Aniekanabasi Tommey
