From Church Activity and Church Boy to a Living Relationship with God.
I Was in Church, But I Was Not Saved
For most of my life, I was what people would call a “church boy.”
I was always in church, fixing things, rehearsing for the next service, cleaning the building, dusting the equipment, and helping wherever help was needed. I loved God’s house. I loved God’s work.
I was even trusted to lead the choir from my young age, leading the elders in the choir.
But there was one painful truth I could not deny:
I was still living in sin, and I did not truly know God.
“These people honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” Matthew 15:8
Passion for God’s Work, But No Relationship with God
I was passionate about the things of God.
- I sowed seeds
- Bought church instruments
- Planned programs inside and outside the church
- Represented God openly in my local community,
- Minister in songs, singing and playing the keyboard
Whenever God’s name was mentioned, I was there.
Yet, I did not have a genuine relationship with Him.
Looking back now, I understand something clearly:
I knew about God, but I did not know God.
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39
Church involvement had replaced heart surrender.
A Gift God Placed Inside Me Before I Fully Knew Him
One thing I have always known about myself is my deep love for gospel songs.
Whenever I sing, something shifts. Many times, the atmosphere changes, heaven opens, and the presence of God fills the house. I may not have fully understood God then, but His grace was already at work in my life.
God also blessed me with the ability to play chords and sounds that fit the spiritual atmosphere. I naturally understand how to organise songs—songs that align with the theme of a program, the season, and even the spiritual moment people are in.
Looking back now, I see clearly:
God gave me the gift before I fully gave Him my heart.
“The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
After my salvation, I realised that this gift was never meant to glorify me; it was meant to lead people into God’s presence.
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
What mercy did was not remove the gift; it purified the purpose behind it.
My Testimony of Salvation: When Mercy Interrupted My Life
Everything changed when God saved my life from terrible sickness and death.
Surviving the operating theatre, when doctors had no hope, shook me deeply.
That experience broke something in me… and healed something too.
God used that moment to silence the noise around so he could speak directly to my understanding.
I realised that God did not just save my body,
He wanted my heart.
“Do you despise the riches of His goodness… not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
Mercy drew me closer.
I Realised God Wanted More Than My Service
As I recovered, one truth became very clear:
God wanted me to know Him for who He truly is, not just serve Him from a distance.
I began to understand that He had:
- A better future for me
- A clearer purpose
- A divine blueprint for my life
But access to that plan required one thing:
Surrender.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6
The Moment I Surrendered and Got Born Again
I finally let go.
I surrendered my past.
I surrendered my pride.
I surrendered my control.
I accepted Jesus fully into my life, not as tradition, not as religion, but as Lord.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
That was the day I was born again.
Not because I worked for it.
Not because I deserved it.
But because of mercy.
Life After Salvation: No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Since that day till now, I have never regretted that decision.
My life changed.
My desires changed.
My direction changed.
I moved from doing things for God to walking with God.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” Philippians 1:6
Salvation gave me peace that no church position ever gave me. This is my testimony of salvation
Important FAQs (Questions Many Churchgoers Quietly Ask)
Yes. Church activity is not the same as heart surrender.
“You must be born again.” John 3:7
It means giving Jesus full control of your life, not just attending church.
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
Sometimes God uses pain to awaken the heart.
“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” Psalm 119:67
Yes, through grace and repentance.
“Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20
By surrendering fully and believing in Jesus.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31
Wrapping Up: My Testimony of Salvation How Mercy Leads to New Beginnings
Salvation is not about how long you have been in church; it is about how deeply Christ lives in you.
If this testimony spoke to you, please share your thoughts or your own Salvation testimony in the comments. Your journey could help someone else take their first step.
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16
If you want daily encouragement, Scripture, and real-life stories of people encountering God, the YouVersion Bible App is a free and helpful resource:
“By grace you have been saved through faith.” Ephesians 2:8
If God saved me, He can save anyone.
Check out my post on my testimony from mercy to faith
