I Signed Up To DIE

I Signed Up to Die

When I gave my life to the Christ, I didn’t just pray a polite prayer. I didn’t just “join” something. I signed up to die. Spiritually. Physically. Completely.

I knew from the very beginning that following Jesus isn’t about self-improvement, positive vibes, or having a nice social club on Sundays. It’s about surrender. It’s about laying down my life. It’s about saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done” — and meaning it.

How did I know there’s a real chance I might be killed?

Because I read the Bible.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” — John 15:18

“They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” — John 16:2

“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” — 2 Timothy 3:12

Those aren’t metaphors. That’s reality. Every messenger of God — prophets, apostles, disciples — walked straight into danger, rejection, prison, or death. They didn’t “try” to be martyred. But their obedience made them a target. They knew what they were signing up for.

What passes for “Christianity” today — what I call churchianity — is a false apostate version. It’s a watered-down counterfeit that tells you God exists to make you happy, prosperous, and comfortable. It offers a crown without a cross, blessings without obedience, and applause without sacrifice.

But that’s not the faith of Christ. That’s not the faith of the apostles. That’s not the faith of the martyrs who refused to burn incense to Caesar, who sang hymns as the flames rose around them, who bled out under Roman swords rather than deny Jesus.

If you didn’t sign up to die, you’re following the wrong gospel.

The real call of Christ is to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). A cross isn’t jewelry. It’s an execution stake.

Spiritually, I’ve already died. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Physically, I’m prepared if that’s where my obedience leads. Not because I have a death wish, but because I’ve seen the truth: life is not found in clinging to this world but in losing it for His sake.

That’s why the apostles could rejoice after being beaten. That’s why Stephen could pray for his killers as they stoned him. That’s why Paul could say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Will You Sign Up to Die?

I’m not here to sugarcoat it. If your version of faith costs you nothing, it’s worth nothing. If you think following Jesus is a path to applause and ease, you’ve been deceived.

Jesus Himself said: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

This is the real invitation:

Die to your own plans.

Die to your reputation.

Die to your comfort.

Be ready, if necessary, to die physically.

Only then can you truly live.

I signed up to die...