I Have Decided To Follow Jesus Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus: An In-depth Analysis of the Song by Elevation Worship
Introduction:
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" is a powerful and popular worship song performed by Elevation Worship. This song has touched the hearts of many believers and has become an anthem of faith and commitment.
I. The Journey of Faith:
The song opens with the lines, "I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back." These powerful lines express the decision made by the believer to wholeheartedly follow Jesus. The repetition emphasizes the firmness of this decision and the resolve to never turn back.
The key message in this section is the importance of making a conscious decision to follow Jesus and the commitment to remain steadfast in that decision. This aligns with the biblical teachings of Jesus, who calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (Matthew 16:24).
II. Surrendering to God's Will:
The next section of the song says, "The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back." These lines highlight the believer's willingness to leave the things of the world behind and focus on the cross of Jesus.
The main message here is the act of surrendering to God's will and prioritizing the cross in one's life. It signifies a complete abandonment of the worldly pursuits and a willingness to embrace the path of discipleship. This resonates with the teaching of Jesus, who said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).
III. Faithfulness Despite Challenges:
The following lines state, "Though none go with me, still I will follow, Though none go with me, still I will follow, Though none go with me, still I will follow, No turning back, no turning back." This section emphasizes the unwavering commitment of the believer to follow Jesus, even if they find themselves standing alone.
The key message here is the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, regardless of the circumstances or the lack of support from others. It echoes the biblical teaching of Jesus, who promised to be with his disciples always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). It encourages believers to rely on the presence of Christ and not be deterred by the absence of human companionship.
IV. The Cost of Discipleship:
The following lines state, "My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus, My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus, My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus, No turning back, no turning back." This section highlights the believer's willingness to bear their cross, a symbol of the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus.
The main message here is the recognition that discipleship comes with a cost. It requires a willingness to endure hardships and carry the burdens that come with following Christ. Jesus himself taught, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27). This line in the song reminds believers of the need to persevere in their faith journey, knowing that the ultimate reward is to see Jesus face to face.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" is a declaration of faith and commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It encourages believers to make a conscious decision to surrender to God's will, leaving behind the allure of the world and embracing the path of discipleship. The inspiration for this song is rooted in the story of a man from Garo Hills, Assam, India, who made a firm decision to follow Jesus despite facing persecution and the loss of his family.
Critically Analyzing the Biblical Foundation:
The song "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and reflects the core principles of discipleship. It aligns with the words of Jesus himself, who called his followers to make a decision to follow him, surrender to God's will, remain faithful in the face of challenges, and bear their cross.
The song draws from various biblical passages, including Matthew 16:24, Luke 14:27, and Matthew 28:20, which emphasize the cost of discipleship, the call to take up one's cross, and the promise of Christ's presence. By incorporating these biblical truths, the song provides a solid foundation for believers to express their commitment to follow Jesus.
Conclusion:
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" is a powerful worship song that resonates with believers worldwide. Its main messages of making a conscious decision to follow Jesus, surrendering to God's will, remaining faithful in the face of challenges, and embracing the cost of discipleship are biblically sound. This song serves as a reminder of the commitment and faith required to walk the path of discipleship and encourages believers to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, leaving no room for turning back.
