7 Life-Changing Rewards of Following Jesus That Will Transform Your Life
IK Gibson
Founder & Visionary
Are you asking why you should follow Jesus? The rewards of following Jesus are immense and life-changing! But here is a question for reflection: what shall it profit a person if they gain the whole world and lose their soul? Following Jesus is not just about adhering to religious practices; it guarantees eternal life, peace, and purpose. Our journey on this earth is only the beginning.
As followers of Christ, we are pilgrims heading toward a glorious, eternal destination by the will of God. As Paul declared in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1. Eternal Life
The greatest reward of following Jesus is eternal life. God’s love for humanity is so profound that He sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are assured of an eternal home in heaven. This life is temporary, but eternity is forever. Imagine a place where there is no more pain, sorrow, or death—a perfect existence with God. What a glorious hope we have in Christ! This hope transforms how we live today, giving us peace even in the face of trials.
2. A Personal Relationship with God
Following Jesus means more than practicing religion; it is about building a personal relationship with God. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This relationship is deeply fulfilling, providing guidance, comfort, and strength for life’s challenges. It is through this intimate relationship that we grow spiritually and become more like Christ.
3. Freedom from Sin
Sin enslaves, but Jesus sets us free. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” When you follow Jesus, the chains of sin are broken, and you are empowered to live a life of righteousness. This freedom is not about perfection but about transformation. As you grow in Christ, old habits and sinful tendencies are replaced with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Peace That Surpasses Understanding
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, Jesus offers peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance that God is in control. When you follow Jesus, you learn to trust Him even in the stormiest seasons of life, knowing that He works all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).
5. Purpose and Fulfillment
Many people wander through life searching for purpose, but following Jesus gives your life meaning. In Christ, you discover who you are and why you were created. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God has a unique plan for your life, and as you walk with Him, you find true fulfillment in living out His purpose for you.
6. Joy That Endures
Happiness is fleeting, but the joy that comes from knowing Jesus is eternal. John 15:11 says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This joy is not dependent on external factors but flows from a heart that is aligned with God. It is a joy that sustains you through trials, a joy that reminds you of the hope you have in Christ.
7. Victory Over Life’s Challenges
Life is full of challenges, but with Jesus, you can overcome them. John 16:33 says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When you follow Jesus, you are never alone. He walks with you, strengthens you, and gives you the wisdom to navigate life’s difficulties. His Word becomes a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105), guiding you every step of the way.
Living with Hope
One transformative aspect of following Jesus is the hope it brings. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation of God’s promises. Consider the story of Joseph in the Bible. Despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph held onto his faith. In the end, God elevated him to a position of great influence in Egypt, fulfilling His purpose through Joseph’s life. Like Joseph, when you follow Jesus, you can trust that He is working behind the scenes, turning your trials into triumphs.
An Example of Transformation
Take the example of the Apostle Paul. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his life was forever changed. He went on to become one of the greatest missionaries in history, spreading the Gospel and writing much of the New Testament. Paul’s transformation is a testament to the power of following Jesus. No matter your past, Jesus can turn your life around and use you for His glory.
Call to Action: Make the Decision Today
The rewards of following Jesus are too significant to ignore. If you have not yet made the decision to follow Him, I urge you to do so today. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Will you accept His invitation? Repeat this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of your grace. I believe that you died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I invite you into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Help me to follow you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen.”
Conclusion: A Life Worth Living
Following Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. It is a journey filled with rewards that transform not only your eternity but also your present life. From eternal life and peace to purpose and joy, the benefits are unparalleled. As you walk with Christ, you will experience a life that is rich, meaningful, and filled with His presence. Take the first step today and experience the life-changing rewards of following Jesus.