Pick Up Your Cross Daily or Forfeit Salvation: The Call to True Discipleship

Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."

This is not a light or casual invitation. It’s a call to die to ourselves every day and live for Christ. But today, many people take a laid-back, laissez-faire approach to Christianity. They want the benefits of salvation without the sacrifice. This kind of faith does not lead to true discipleship and, ultimately, does not lead to eternal life.

A casual approach to faith will cost you everything in the end. Heaven is not for the lukewarm. Revelation 3:16 warns,

"So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

What Does It Mean to Pick Up Your Cross?

To pick up your cross means to die to your old self. It means saying no to sinful desires, no to the things that separate you from God. It’s not about comfort, but commitment. It’s about surrendering your plans for God’s will. Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry our cross once a year or even once a week, but daily. Every day we must choose to live for Him and not for ourselves.

Understand this: carrying your cross is painful. It means enduring ridicule from the world, rejection from friends, and even division in families. Jesus said in Matthew 10:38,

"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

Do not underestimate the weight of this call.

Repentance: The Foundation of Salvation

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sins. True repentance means turning away from sin and turning to God. It’s a complete change of direction. Acts 3:19 says,

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."

Without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation.

Hell is the destination for those who refuse to repent. It’s not an abstract idea or a place for the exceptionally wicked—it’s a reality for anyone who lives apart from God.

Jesus spoke more about Hell than Heaven, warning us repeatedly to flee from sin. In Mark 9:47-48, He said,

"If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into Hell, where 'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"

Too many people treat grace like a license to sin. They believe that because they once said a prayer or walked to an altar, they are saved, even if they continue living in sin. But salvation requires ongoing repentance and a lifestyle of holiness. Those who deceive themselves risk eternal separation from God.

Can Our Names Be Erased from the Book of Life?

You can absolutely lose your salvation! Revelation 3:5 says,

"The one who is victorious will be dressed the same way in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life."

But this implies that names can be erased. Consistent, unrepentant sin separates us from God. We cannot live in rebellion and still expect to inherit eternal life.

Hell is full of people who believed in God. But believing in God is not enough. James 2:19 says,

"Even the demons believe—and tremble."

Demons believe in God, but they will spend eternity in torment. Belief must lead to action. If Jesus is not first in your life, then He might as well be last. God will not take second place to our desires, relationships, careers, or comforts.

The Will of God: Our Unshakable Guide

Many wonder what the will of God is, but the answer is not hidden. The will of God is clearly revealed in His Word, the Bible. The Scriptures are not optional guidelines; they are absolute and binding. Psalm 119:105 says,

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

The Bible must serve as the foundation of our lives—our unshakable guidebook of laws and morals. We cannot pick and choose which parts to follow or worse off, willfully rebel in His name. God does not condone sin because you have good intentions or choose to condone worship in a matter that He does not allow. This includes adhering to the practices of a Christian denomination over Christ Himself! There is no justification to man's ways over Gods absolute Word.

Jesus said in John 14:15,

"If you love me, keep my commands."

Obedience to God’s Word is the defining mark of a true disciple. To compromise or disregard any part of it is to reject God Himself. The will of God requires full submission, not partial effort. Matthew 7:26 warns,

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."

If we fail to follow God’s commands, we risk hearing the most terrifying words imaginable:

"DEPART FROM ME! I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:23).

The Danger of False Teaching in the Church

Many churches and pastors today are leading people astray by preaching a message that focuses only on love and blessings but ignores holiness and repentance. They paint a picture of Jesus that conforms to people's preferences rather than the truth of Scripture.

Worship becomes about entertainment instead of surrender, and the congregation becomes followers of themselves, not Christ. This is dangerous. False teaching has eternal consequences. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:13-14,

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Don’t be deceived by smooth words and shallow messages. The road to Heaven is narrow and difficult. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21,

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father."

God desires obedience, not lip service. Discipleship is costly, but the reward is eternal.

A Call to Action: Examine Your Heart

Ask yourself today: Is Jesus truly Lord of your life, or just someone you call on when you’re in trouble? Are you carrying your cross daily, or are you living for yourself? True salvation requires complete surrender.

It’s time to stop playing games with your faith. God is calling you to repentance. He desires relationship, but sin separates us from Him. The good news is that no matter how far you’ve wandered, the grace of Jesus Christ is available to bring you back.

Prayer of Repentance

Father, I come before You today acknowledging that I have sinned. I have lived for myself instead of for You. I repent and turn away from my sins. Forgive me, cleanse me, and make me new. I surrender my life to You. Help me to pick up my cross daily and follow You wholeheartedly. I choose to make You Lord of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Invitation to Respond

If you feel God tugging at your heart today, don’t ignore it. Today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him, repent, and commit to living for Christ. Don’t settle for a shallow faith. Pick up your cross daily and follow the One who gave everything for you.