Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has responded to Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix’s recent announcement about dedicating his life to Jesus Christ, sharing his thoughts in a statement on Instagram.

“I’m very happy for Jacoby Shaddix,” Sweet said. “I’ve been saying for years that at some point, we all have a ‘God’ experience. Some of us rebel and deny Christ, and some of us accept and receive Christ. Jesus has given us all the opportunity to choose where we will go. Some choose sooner and some choose later. And sadly, many don’t.”

He continued by addressing the importance of faith as people age.

“Personally, I believe as we get older, we start to understand and realize that we are not invincible,” he continued. “We all die. We just don’t know when. And we will all step into eternity. It’s the most important decision of our lives.”

Shaddix recently shared that he gave his life to Jesus Christ and said, “I finally put the bottle down 13 years ago. More than 13 years ago. And about a year after that, I finally gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Changed my life forever. I have recently been convicted to share my faith walk with the world. I will be honest it’s been a rocky road littered with failure and sin but I continue to turn my will and my life over to the lord one day at a time. God keep doing your work on me! Praise Jesus!”

Shaddix’s spiritual transformation has been a significant part of his personal journey over the past decade. Cross Rhythms reported that the Papa Roach frontman underwent his Christian conversion in 2012 after years of battling alcohol and drug abuse. In the years following his conversion, he began speaking publicly about his faith at various large US events. He shared his testimony and even sang about Christianity.

The singer has been straightforward about his beliefs in recent interviews. “I follow a man named Jesus, and I think he’s awesome,” Shaddix stated, clearly expressing the central role his faith now plays in his life.

Shaddix’s faith has also influenced Papa Roach’s music. Cross Rhythms noted that the band’s 2015 album F.E.A.R. features songs with clear Christian themes such as “Devil” and “Hope For The Hopeless.” This marked a new chapter for the band previously known for mainstream hard rock and nu metal lyrics.

Despite his religious convictions, Papa Roach continues to tour and release music that appeals to a broad audience. This demonstrates that Shaddix’s faith coexists with the band’s established musical identity and fanbase. His willingness to integrate his personal beliefs with his public persona as a rock musician shows a commitment to authenticity in both his spiritual and professional life.