Articles
"I Surrender All"
Truly, if one is to be a faithful Christian, he must deny himself and follow the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:24). However, there are some who join in this song who (evidently) do not realize what they are singing. Instead of denying self to obey Christ, they only “obey” when they want to, or when it is convenient. As a result, they should be singing, “I surrender all – TO A POINT”.
When we are baptized into Christ we are to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We are made “new creatures”, so that, “…Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is disconcerting (and strange) to observe some who claim to be Christians – who claim to have surrendered all to Jesus – living almost the same kind of life they were living before obeying the Gospel!!! When one truly obeys Christ from the heart, others will see a change in his life – will see him as a new person – one who has been “…created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Ephesians 2:10) – a servant of righteousness, “…abiding in the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9).
Consequently, one who seeks to be a Christian without giving anything up does not really want to be “a new creature in Christ”. It costs him too much – the alienation of ungodly friends and family – the giving up of sinful pleasures – “self” no longer allowed to be most important – his time, his money – and all other things which interfere with faithfulness. He is unwilling to do as Romans 12:1-2 exhort, saying, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Paul said, “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8). Can you say you’ve surrendered all for Christ? Or have you just given up the things which are no real sacrifice for you???!!! The next time you sing “I Surrender All”, don’t be a liar!!!
