NBA player Jaden Ivey pleaded for people to turn to Jesus Christ and to seek His forgiveness.

Professional athletes are admired and adored by people all over the world. Many are amazed at their athletic prowess and what they can do on the field and court. Most people can only dream of doing what those athletes can do effortlessly on a regular basis. They have been blessed with incredible physical skills and abilities, for sure.

Because of their position as athletes, those men and women have powerful platforms. What they do and say is heard by many and can, therefore, truly impact our world. Of course, this powerful position of influence can be used for both good and bad.

Jaden Ivey, a star point guard for the Detroit Pistons, has used his position of influence and platform to encourage people to turn to Jesus Christ. He added that Christ is coming back someday and told people to ask Him to forgive their sins.

His moving and powerful plea was captured and posted on YouTube.

“First, I just want to say that, that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life,” Jaden said. “And to, to any, any of, you know, the world that’s hearing this message: the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus is coming back, and we all have to repent for our sins."

Later in the short video, he said, "We all have to put our faith in Jesus,” saying, “He will come back when you least expect it.”

Jaden added, “It’s time to wake up if you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ.”

This isn’t the only time the former Purdue University star has publicly demonstrated and shared his faith in Jesus Christ. In an Instagram post, Jaden posted a photo of himself being baptized with the caption “Nothing Without Jesus,” along with the Bible verses James 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold things are become new.”