Come to Him—Be in Him
Not the Other Way Around
A common phrase heard in the denominational world is, “Ask Jesus into your heart.” While it sounds sincere and emotional, it’s not what Jesus or the apostles ever taught. In fact, Scripture repeatedly shows the opposite: that we must come to Jesus and be found in Him, not ask Him to enter us on our terms.
Let’s walk backward through Romans 6 and allow Scripture to show what being in Christ truly looks like.
Starting at the Result: A New Life (Romans 6:22–23)
“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (v. 22)
Freedom from sin and eternal life aren’t found in a mere prayer—they are the result of being made new in Christ.
How Did That Change Happen? Obedience from the Heart (Romans 6:17–18)
“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.” (v. 17)
Note that they obeyed a form—a pattern—of teaching, not just felt something or invited Christ in. Their hearts were involved, but so was their obedience.
What Was That Form? Dying, Being Buried, and Rising (Romans 6:3–6)
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (v. 3)
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... we also should walk in newness of life.” (v. 4)
It’s here we see clearly: To be in Christ, we must die to sin, be buried with Him in baptism, and rise to a new life.
There is no mention of simply asking Jesus in—this is about entering into Him through submission and baptism.
Confirmed in Galatians 3:27
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Just as you put on a garment by entering into it, so too do we put on Christ by entering into Him through baptism.
Jesus Says, Come to Me
Jesus never taught, “Invite Me into your heart.” Instead, He called for us to come to Him:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
To come to Jesus is to trust, obey, and follow Him on His terms. We enter into Christ—not the other way around.
Abiding In Him, Not Asking Him In
Jesus said:
“Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4)
The relationship begins by abiding in Him—remaining, dwelling, continuing in His word (John 8:31). Only then can He dwell in us.
A Final Word
Emotion and sincerity alone are not enough. While a tender heart matters, it must be joined with obedient faith. God has given us a clear pattern—a form of teaching—in the New Testament that leads to salvation.
Will you follow that pattern?
Come to Jesus on His terms. Believe in Him, repent of your sins, confess Him as Lord, and be buried with Him in baptism so you can rise to walk in newness of life. This is how we obey the gospel. This is how we come into Christ and put Him on.
The invitation is open—will you respond?