Any attempt to draw a line of difference between a disciple of Jesus and a Christian arouses a lot of questions, especially, questions pertaining to salvation. We may ask:. And any attempt to differentiate the two directly opposes the Bible. Also, the early Christians who were there at the time the term Christians began, did not see the terms Christians and disciples to represent two different categories of followers of Jesus, neither did they attempt to draw a line of difference between the two, rather, they saw the two to be one and the same.
So why should we attempt differentiating them now. The situation we have on our hands today is that Christianity is plagued with large numbers of people who profess to be Christians yet they do not fit the description disciples of Jesus for their deeds contradict biblical teachings.
Because of this situation, many try to draw a line of difference between the terms disciple and Christian to no avail. Let just accept what the Bible says in Acts that it was the same disciples of Jesus who were called Christians, period. Therefore, if a professing Christian does not fit the description disciple of Jesus , then he is neither a Christian nor a disciple. The words Christians and disciples are synonymous. One can be used as a substitute for the other.
Therefore, every follower of Jesus is a Christian and a disciple. Introduction Relationship between a Christian and a disciple The term Christian was endorsed by the early Church fathers Can one be a Christian and not a disciple of Jesus? What is wrong with attempting to differentiate between Christians and disciples?
Conclusion Food for thought Introduction Oftentimes, on hearing the word disciple or disciple of Jesus , one casts his mind back to the twelve devout followers of Jesus who lived many years ago, unaware that the Christian sitting next to him can be called a disciple of Jesus.
Relationship between a Christian and a disciple Both terms, Christian and disciple, are used to call or refer to the believers and or followers of Jesus Christ. Scripture — And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. The term Christian was endorsed by the early Church fathers In Luke 26, Paul who had been arrested and was in the hands of the Roman governor Festus was brought before King Agrippa for trial.
Can one be a Christian and not a disciple of Jesus? We may ask: If disciples of Jesus and Christians are two different categories of believers, then when and how does one become a Christian and a disciple of Jesus. Which one of them is saved, a disciple or a Christian? Which ones are genuine followers of Jesus, Christians or disciples? Which one of them has the infilling of the Holy Spirit, a Christian or a disciple?
Which ones are called children of God, disciples or Christians? Which one of them will go to heaven, a Christian or a disciple? Is it fellow disciples or the unbelievers? What do you think the people of Antioch saw about the disciples of Jesus for which reason they began to call them Christians? What could be wrong with a Christian who hardly find any boldness to call himself a disciple of Jesus?
Does such a person deserve to be called a Christian at all? Can someone make it to heaven even though he is not a disciple? Are you a Christian? If you are, would you honestly be bold enough to tell others that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ? Who is a true disciple of Jesus Christ? If we want to make disciples we need to know what a disciple is. More than that, if we want to make a disciple then we need to be a disciple.
First written down by Greek historian Herodotus , nearly years before Jesus walked the earth, it referred to a learner or apprentice. His training was immersive and holistic. Jesus traveled with His disciples, ate with them, and lodged with them. In my twenty years of ministry, I have yet to see a teacher reproduce His model. So what does it mean today when we say that we are a disciple of Jesus?
The clearest definition I know is rooted in Scripture and popularized by Jim Putman and discipleship. In order to follow Him, we must put aside our agenda. Just as the disciples set aside their lives to follow Him, so do we.
To follow Him means to submit to Him. As we follow Jesus and submit to Jesus we are changed by Jesus. Not only is our direction changed, but so are our actions and beliefs. When we follow we act, but here Jesus is active in changing us. Transformation is a cooperative work when we are a disciple of Christ. We are changed to join Jesus in His mission.
A disciple becomes like the teacher Luke , not just in morals, but also in mission and methods. This definition allows us to incorporate all true Jesus-disciples regardless of their age or spiritual maturity. A brand new disciple fits within this definition as easily as the most experienced and mature Christ-follower. But, at the same time, it weeds out those who have stopped following, being changed by, or engaging in the mission of Jesus.
It speaks to belief, decision, and outward aim. Church Culture.
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