Unconditional Surrender

“Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18

Plea bargaining is a common procedure in the American courtroom. It is a device that allows defendants to negotiate both the gravity of the offense and the accompanying sentence. While such a tactic is permissible in the halls of justice, it is strictly prohibited and completely ineffective in our dealings with God. We always come to God on His non-negotiable terms.

There is only one way to be saved - by personal faith in Jesus Christ Who bore the guilt and penalty of our sins at Calvary. That is why Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Once we know Christ, we not only have a Savior but a risen, ascended, and sovereign Lord Who asks for complete submission of body, mind, soul, and spirit.

It is futile to argue, dispute, or rebel. Rationalization and disobedience only lead to frustration and disappointment. Christ uses the man and woman who are fully surrendered to His Lordship, who acknowledge His ownership and rule of heaven and earth.

If you are a Christian, you cannot plea bargain with your Savior and Lord. You are called to yield to His loving reign at every point, in every way, every day. Are you unconditionally surrendered to Jesus Christ? Freely submit and expect to be freely used by Him.

“If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land.” Isaiah 1:19