20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Galatians 2:20 ESV
"The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bond-slave of Jesus Christ." (Chambers. My Utmost for His Highest. Dec. 1)
Can you recall the exact moment of your salvation? Was it at a brush arbor meeting? A Sunday morning service? Perhaps on your sickbed or in the middle of a crisis? Many of us can recall that exact moment when Jesus Christ became our Lord and Savior. Others may not be able to pinpoint that specific time, but either way, for a true Born-again Believer, there has had to have been that time when a conscious decision was made to believe in one's sinful self, Christ's divinity, and His blood being the only way to redemption.
I wonder what percentage of us can remember the day, time, or events surrounding our salvation? My guess is that for many the specifics may be cloudy, but the assurance clear. While our salvation experience is a specific event, how many of us can say we "deliberately sign away (our) own rights" to Christ? Are we as deliberate in denying our self interest and individual rights and accepting God's lordship as we are in accepting the gift of salvation?
In Baptist churches alter calls used to be the norm. While not as prevalent as in years past, many churches still reserve a time at the end of the sermon for people to publicly profess their acceptance of Jesus Christ by walking to the front of the sanctuary into the arms of a pastor or deacon. I wonder what would happen if an alter call were issued for those who are willing to give up 100% of self, 100% of entitlement, and 100% of "my" rights. Would I be willing to respond to such an alter call? Would you?
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