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I Will
Making the decision to follow Christ is a personal choice that can change the direction of a life. In I Will, Arthur Franklin Fuller writes to those who may be considering that decision, encouraging them not to put off responding to their faith.
Throughout the poem, Fuller speaks directly to the reader about forgiveness, salvation, prayer, and trusting Jesus. His repeated words, "I will," emphasize that faith calls for a response. Rather than simply hearing Christ's message, the poet encourages us to make a choice and live according to what we believe.
The poem also reminds us that none of us is without sin and that we cannot depend only on ourselves. Fuller points instead to the forgiveness Christ offers and encourages the reader to turn from sin, trust Him, and follow His guidance.
As you read I Will, may its words encourage reflection on faith, commitment, and what it means to answer Christ's call with a willing heart.
Updated September 23, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
I Will
Poet: Arthur Franklin Fuller
Brother, life's day is short —
Eternity has no end;
You should claim salvation now,
Judgment day you'll need a Friend;
Jesus gave his blood for you,
Jesus is a friend who's true
Brother, how can you stay?
Renounce the world and say:
I will heed the Savior's knock,
And become one of his flock;
Since he now forgives the past.
With the Cross my lot I'll cast;
I will take the manly stand,
Turn from sin, do God's command;
I will answer while I may —
I will yield my soul today.
Jesus is at the door —
O fail not to let him in;
You should take him for your guide,
It is death to live in sin;
You cannot be saved by tears,
Give no mind to mortal fears;
Trust Him and strive and pray,
Come up, dear soul, and say:
I will heed the Savior's knock,
And become one of his flock;
Since he now forgives the past.
With the Cross my lot I'll cast;
I will take the manly stand,
Turn from sin, do God's command;
I will answer while I may —
I will yield my soul today.
Satan will strive to hold —
His triumph is now at stake;
Every day his fetters grow,
Break them while you've power to break;
Say not, you are free from sin —
Mortal man has never been:
Vaunt not your pride today.
Take sides with Christ, and say:
I will heed the Savior's knock,
And become one of his flock;
Since he now forgives the past.
With the Cross my lot I'll cast;
I will take the manly stand,
Turn from sin, do God's command;
I will answer while I may —
I will yield my soul today.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Faith Calls for a Personal Response
The repeated words "I will" emphasize the personal decision at the heart of the poem. Fuller encourages the reader not only to hear Christ's call, but to respond with faith and commitment.
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Forgiveness Offers a New Beginning
The poem reminds us that our past does not have to prevent us from turning toward God. Fuller points to Christ's forgiveness as an opportunity to leave sin behind and begin living in a different way.
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Do Not Put Off What Matters
A sense of urgency runs throughout the poem as Fuller reminds us that life is short. His words encourage us to consider our spiritual choices today rather than assuming there will always be another opportunity.
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Trust Christ for Guidance
Fuller encourages the reader to take Christ as a guide through life. Prayer, trust, and obedience are presented as ways to remain faithful when temptation, fear, or uncertainty arise.
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Commitment Requires Action
The poem presents faith as more than words or good intentions. The repeated promises to turn from sin, follow God's commands, and stand with Christ show a faith that is meant to influence how a person lives.
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Conclusion
Arthur Franklin Fuller's I Will leaves us with a simple but important question: how will we respond to Christ's call? Throughout the poem, he reminds us that faith involves a choice. We can continue as we are, or we can turn toward Christ, accept His forgiveness, and allow His teachings to guide our lives.
The repeated words "I will" give the poem its strength. They speak of willingness, commitment, and a decision to move forward in faith. Fuller reminds us that we do not have to wait until we feel perfect or have every answer. We can come to Christ as we are, trusting in His forgiveness and asking Him to lead us.
May this poem encourage you to consider the choices you make each day and the direction in which they are taking you. Faith grows as we trust, pray, follow God's guidance, and choose again and again to walk with Him.
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