Disciple of ChristSample

True Christianity has endured through the centuries because believers have faithfully passed the baton of faith from one generation to the next, guarding the Gospel of Grace that was first entrusted directly to the apostles—especially the apostle Paul—and has been preserved all the way to us today. This has been possible because the Holy Spirit has flowed through faithful believers in Christ.

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Not everyone who has been regarded as part of Christianity has been obedient to the faith. And even among those who have been obedient to the faith, some are still not counted among the truly faithful.

-What do you mean by that?

Christianity consists of two types of people:

• Christians
• Believers in Christ

First, the word “Christian,” meaning “little Christ,” was originally a derogatory label given to believers in Christ by unbelievers. The Bible never uses “Christian” as an accepted identity for believers in Christ. It appears only three times, and each time it is used mockingly or by outsiders. In our current culture, this label is no longer suitable for distinguishing a true believer in Christ from an unbeliever.

Today, “Christians” are often people who follow a religion and live a lifestyle shaped by denominational standards and works. Much of what is called Christianity consists merely of empty traditions, conformity to religious laws and rules, and mystical beliefs—rather than genuine faith in Christ and walking by faith. For this reason, some who call themselves Christians are not actually believers in Christ. You must be born again (John 3:3-7).

On the other hand, believers in Christ are those who trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord—the finished work of Christ. They have placed their faith in Jesus and worship Him as the only way, the only truth, and the only life. They are devoted to no other deity, being, or image.

-So what is a disciple?

The disciples of Christ are simply believers in Christ who see themselves as lifelong students of God’s grace. They continually seek to grow in the revelation of Christ’s grace through the Word of God.

John 8:31 NKJV

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

These have been born again by the Spirit, have taken the step of faith to be baptized in water, and bear visible fruit in their lives that testifies to their faith. They have also taken the step of faith to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. They are rooted in the gift of righteousness—the gospel—and in the new covenant of grace.

The theologian John Wesley put it this way:

“The Church changes the world not by making converts, but by making disciples.”

These disciples are compelled by love to live lives fully committed to the faith, giving glory to Jesus. They understand, defend, and proclaim the Gospel of Grace, and they bless the Church of God above their own agendas and ambitions.

Yet the majority of believers in Christ become complacent and never progress to deeper growth in the revelation of Christ’s grace. They are content with receiving eternal salvation but never earnestly seek to know more of His grace and finished work. Instead, they fall back into works, false holiness, and outward observances. These same believers then wonder why they are not walking in the supernatural and why they are not experiencing the prosperity the Bible promises. Every believer in Christ is called to become a disciple of Christ.

Reflection: Are you a believer in Christ? What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Christ? Do you consider yourself to be growing in the knowledge of Christ’s grace?

Daily Application: Pray: “Father, I want to grow in the knowledge of the grace of Christ and His finished work. Open my eyes to see more of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.”