There is a trend among churches today to post pithy and clever phrases on their outdoor reader boards. Very few seem to have any spiritual value in convincing an unbeliever of their need for Christ or even for wayward believers to mend or reform their ways.
Directed To The Unbeliever
Now you might think that this is rather harsh criticism from a grumpy old man. But hold on a second; consider the most recent signage that was posted just at the start of autumn: “Fall in Love with Jesus.” Clever, right? But imagine the hardened heart of the unbeliever melting when they read this while driving by your church. Yes, I’m just being sarcastic. Yet some might be thinking: “Hey, didn’t Jesus state that ‘with God all things are possible,’1 so we should try anything! Right?” Wrong, for this is an inaccurate interpretation of Scripture, making this an entirely erroneous line of thinking.
But let’s consider this autumn posting again: “Fall in Love with Jesus.” With its play on the word fall and the falling leaves of autumn suggesting the idea “to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition,” like to fall asleep.2 The worst case scenario would be an unbeliever equating falling romantically and hopelessly in love with someone of the opposite sex with some kind of emotional relationship with Jesus. Those who object to this analysis will point out that because it is witty and amusing that somehow God will still be able to encourage a positive response from any passerby. I hope that one person tells me about it someday in heaven.
The mission of the Church of Jesus Christ never has been about enticing unbelievers using sales pitches or promotional advertising hype in order to sway the hearts and minds of mankind—and especially with that which lacks scriptural truth. No matter how witty, amusing or pithy that it might be, there is no Scripture evidence that suggests that a person should fall in love with Jesus, it is just not biblical. The truth is, a person responds to the love of God in order to gain eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
This is the gospel of salvation presented by Our Lord Himself. The right response to the gospel is not an emotional “falling in love” with Jesus; instead it is precisely whosever believes. The apostle Paul stated it succinctly: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Belief is uncomplicated and does not demand an illogical leap or an emotional free fall. For a person to believe means that they are making a rational decision. And as Chafer points out, this “is a work of the Spirit in the heart of the individual unregenerate person, which is essential preparation of that person for an intelligent acceptance of Christ as Savior.”3 Human sales gimmicks are inappropriate and unnecessary, since the Holy Spirit is a significantly more powerful influencer.
Directed To The Believer?
On the other hand, if by fall in love with Jesus is intended to evoke a spiritual revival in the believer, then again, there is no Scripture to support this concept. But just a minute, you might say, how about the command given in the Old Testament and restated by Our Lord?
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30; cf. Deut. 6:5)
Surely isn’t this clear evidence to support fall in love with Jesus? No, because the right response to a command is to obey, not to plunge into an emotionally rapturous relationship. The correct directive came from Our Lord:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)
The apostle John aptly summarizes the anticipated results of the believers’ obedience:
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. (2 John 6)
Why All The Fuss?
So why is this so important for the 21st Century Church today? Because, reaching out with the gospel in response to the unbelievers’ spiritual predicament should be based upon biblical truth. For we live in the most intensive stage of the angelic conflict where there is much demon activity that blinds the minds of unbelievers. The apostle Paul explained this nearly 2000 years ago exactly what we are confronted with that impedes the gospel message—and it remains the same today.
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:3–4)
But believers are also distracted by their desire to assist the Holy Spirit in doing His work, instead of recognizing and relying upon His power. And whatever the constraint may be to the dissemination of the gospel message, whether it is human or of satanic interference, it “can be overcome by the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit.”4 For as Chafer concludes: “the Spirit is that enabling power who delivers from the enticements of the world.”5
Therefore it is imperative that we refrain from attempting to help the Holy Spirit. For after all, He is the Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). And we are to “stay in our lane” by walking in the light (1 John 1:7); mindful that our primary objective is to prepare ourselves so that we are able to present an intelligible gospel message, with our words and our lives. This was Peter’s instruction to us:
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15)
Just because the world’s tactics of promotional advertising might bring in customers and stimulate sales, the gospel is not a commodity to be sold, “it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16); the free gift given to those who intelligently respond to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). For it is the work of the Holy Spirit that will ultimately “convince men of the truthfulness of the gospel”6 and the need to believe in Christ for salvation.
[1] Matt. 19:26; cf. Gen. 18:14; Job 42:2; Jer. 32:17.
[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall [Retrieved October 3, 2025]
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry (1976). Systematic Theology, Dallas, TX: Dallas Seminary Press, 1.412
[4] Chafer, 1.108
[5] Chafer, 1.412
[6] Ryrie, C. C. (1995). Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 update. Chicago: Moody Press, p. 1712 note.
© 2025 David M. Rossi
Trust God. Stay in our own lane. Perfect
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