“…they (Paul and Barnabas) assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
That which characterizes true believers in God from those who are not, and this from the beginning of history to this very day, is true faith. If we take Abraham as our example, we find that Paul, in the book of Romans wrote: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (4:3) If we travel several thousands of years from Abraham, to the time of the Reformation in Europe, we find that the central, and most contested Biblical and spiritual principle at that time, was the matter of “Justification by faith.” This justification meant being declared righteous, or just, before God, not by one’s own religious works, but by a faith that God gave. If we consider the coming of the Lord Jesus, walking among us, revealing to mankind God’s ways, thoughts, and eternal purpose, we see that the principle of faith, and justification by faith was consistently proclaimed. However, it would be at the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, that the manifestation of the fruits of justification by faith, and the powerful demonstration of the new birth by the Spirit, were revealed. Justification by faith had its realization, and manifestation, in the works of the Spirit of God, Christ dwelling powerfully in the heart. But what about discipleship? Where does this subject come in with regard to being declared righteous before God, and accomplishing the works of God by the Spirit?
From the beginning of the Gospels, we find when Jesus began His ministry, that the issue of faith had not changed, for His message was very simple, and clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17) Christ’s preaching was aimed at informing the people concerning the truths of Scripture and salvation, but also, to bring them into a right relationship with God, one where He is Lord, and King. His appeal was directed at the heart, at the soul, spirit, and body, of the hearer of His words. However, as was the case when Christ confronted Nicodemus concerning being born again, His call to “repent” was one where the unbelieving sinner was helpless to do so, unless he appealed to God’s mercy. It is there, in the context of the “kingdom of God,” where Christ is Lord and King, that Jesus lays the very clear framework and foundation for true faith, that of calling upon God for His mercy and grace to believe and be saved. The true faith given by God would have its proof in the believer by his submission to the authority of Christ, the power of the Spirit enabling him to follow Christ. The true disciple is one who is first justified by true faith, and since Pentecost, is born of the Spirit. He then is one who has understood that in following Christ, there is but one object of allegiance, or submission to authority, only one means by which to do so, the Spirit of God. When Jesus calls a person to follow Him, He calls him to submit to His authority. The learner becomes at that point a true follower. The true disciple is committed to preferring Christ above all else, ever being taught by the Spirit. In the knowledge of Christ as Savior and Lord, there is the heavenly conviction that to know Christ is to truly live, and this eternally. What then is necessary to be a disciple of Christ?
The first great essential is being born of the Spirit of God, having repented from the ways and pursuits of the world, to embrace Christ as Savior and Lord. The second essential, is that of teachableness, not only with regard to learning the great truths of God and salvation, but the actual, deliberate following of Christ, obeying Him by obeying His words. The true disciple is a student, a learner of the things of God. Taught by the Spirit, and strengthened wonderfully by Him, he follows Christ wherever He might lead.
Dear Father, Make us true disciples. In Jesus’ name, Amen.