This movie is remarkable on so many levels, many beyond comprehension. It is, without a shred of doubt, truly a lifechanging experience for those who have seen it. Many, myself included, are returning to their long-abandoned faith. We are resolving to elevate our lives to a higher standard. Then, there are those who did not have a faith of any kind and now are searching for it. We are choosing to embrace God instead of denying Him. We are on a quest for something other than human existence.
It is no coincidence that I feel a transformation underway as it has been 19 days since I was given the immeasurable gift of viewing the movie. There is a definite link between the two. In fact, I have seen it six times already. Each viewing opens my heart to Jesus a little bit more. I believe that God is reaching out to me as I watch this film. Am I to turn away from His message? Do I give the message I am receiving a deaf ear or a blind eye? Do I think that I am hallucinating and shrug the whole thing off? Do I deny Him like Peter? The answer is absolutely no!
I have denied and not believed long enough! My soul does not have the luxury of doing so any longer.
—Internet submission
Ten thousand sermons could not have impacted me in the manner that this film did. I have been a Christian since 1978,
and nothing has been more profound in my life than this depiction of The Passion of the Christ. After viewing this epic, I understand why there was so much controversy surrounding this film: It is the truth, and most people cannot deal with the truth. In these last days, I thank God that He has used Mel Gibson to remind us of the price that our Lord and Savior paid for our redemption.
Peggy—Belleville, Illinois
I was raised in a Christian home. I have served in the church I attend and been on charity trips to some really forgotten places inside my country. But never have I experienced such a great impact about Jesus as after seeing this film. It really makes me think before doing something wrong. I feel more patience towards everyone. I feel the urge to love them.
But more than what has happened in my life was the experience an uncle of mine went through after seeing this movie. I won’t tell his name, but he has always been reluctant to give his life to the Lord, and he even showed an attitude of indifference. I have always admired him because he is very intelligent and also a very good film critic. We used to spend long hours talking about films. But now he said he personally accepted Jesus as his Savior and is willing to confess it publicly in our church. This news in my life really makes me happy.
Jorge—Guatemala
I coordinate a support group for teen moms and dads (ages 15-22). We took a group of 16 young moms and dads to The Passion. I have been working with these teen parents for three years and nothing has impacted them as much as this movie. Afterward each one shared how much the movie impacted them. We prayed with some of these young parents and many told us how they’ve made a decision to follow Christ.
Since that time these teen parents have been reading their Bibles and are getting together with leaders to discuss their questions.
Their comments include:
I didn’t even know the true story of Jesus’ death. I’ve seen paintings of His crucifixion, but they showed His perfect body just hanging there—there are usually no marks to show His suffering. I know now that He suffered so much.. .for me.
—Lynsie
The movie was really hard to watch, but it made me realize that if Jesus hadn’t gone through that then, I wouldn’t have what I have now.
—Charlie
I want to see the sequel. And actually the prequel too. I want to know more about Jesus’ life on earth and what happened after He was raised from the dead.
—Nate
The hardest part was watching Mary have to witness her son’s suffering. Now that I’m a mom, it meant so much more to me.
—Mari
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For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
ROMANS 10:10 NLT
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
romans 12:2
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