I Have Decided to Follow Jesus is a hymn beloved by many Christians worldwide, yet its origins trace back to the northeastern region of India, in the state of Assam, during the 19th century. At that time, missionaries from England and America brought the Gospel to tribal communities that were often resistant to outside influence. These communities had deep cultural traditions and social structures, which made accepting a foreign faith dangerous and challenging. Missionaries faced hostility, threats, and sometimes life-threatening situations. Despite these difficulties, many locals embraced Christianity, and from this spiritual awakening, the hymn emerged as an expression of personal commitment to Christ.

The hymn is traditionally linked to Simon K. Marak, a Garo pastor, schoolteacher, and missionary in Jorhat, Assam. Historical research indicates that Marak composed the song sometime between 1935 and 1940. His children recall hearing him sing it daily, and it quickly became central to chapel services, church gatherings, and A·chik fellowship events. The song originally had two stanzas in Assamese, with additional stanzas added later. Its message emphasizes total commitment to Christ.

Luke 9:23: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Beyond Marak’s composition, the hymn carries a powerful story of martyrdom that has circulated in missionary accounts. A man named Nokseng, a Garo convert, was commanded by a village chief to renounce his faith or face execution. When the chief ordered archers to kill his two sons, Nokseng refused to deny Christ, declaring, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.” Even as his wife was executed before him, he remained steadfast, ultimately dying with the words, “The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back.” The chief, moved by Nokseng’s faith, reportedly accepted Christ, inspiring his entire village.

The refrain “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back” reminds us that discipleship is an intentional choice affecting all aspects of life. The song encourages us to evaluate our own faith: Are we living in full commitment to Jesus in our decisions, relationships, and priorities?

What we can takeaway from this hymn is that we must commit ourselves to Christ through prayer and reflection, exercising integrity and kindness in small decisions, encouraging faith within the community, and drawing inspiration from the courage of early Assamese converts when facing trials. The hymn has become a staple for baptisms, revivals, and mission events, serving both as a personal declaration of faith and a communal expression of commitment to Christ.

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus is a historical testament to the perseverance of faith under persecution, and a call to wholehearted discipleship. Its simple melody and profound message continue to inspire believers globally, reminding us that following Christ requires deliberate, daily commitment, even in the face of great adversity.

Listen on YouTube: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Full Hymn Info and Lyrics: HymnAllibrary Page

Title: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Author: Traditional Assamese hymn (translated to English)
Year: 19th century
Bible Reference: Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24