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The True Nature of Discipleship: Belief and Obedience



In John 8:31, Jesus speaks to those who believed in Him, saying, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." And this reveals to us a powerful truth about the nature of true discipleship - it is not merely a matter of initial belief, but of continued obedience and faithfulness to Christ's teachings.

Belief: The Necessary Foundation

Belief in Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the foundation of discipleship. As the Scriptures tell us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This initial act of faith is crucial, for "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

However, while belief is necessary to enter into a relationship with Jesus, it is not sufficient on its own to constitute true discipleship.

Continuance: The Mark of True Discipleship

Jesus emphasizes the importance of continuing in His word. This continuance is what distinguishes true disciples from mere believers. As James 2:19 pointedly remarks, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." Clearly, belief alone is not enough.

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Colossians 1:23, urging believers to "continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." This continuance involves both steadfast belief and obedience to Christ's teachings.

Obedience: The Proof of Love and Discipleship

Jesus Himself equated obedience with love for Him, saying in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." He further emphasizes this in John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

This obedience is not a burdensome obligation but a natural outflow of genuine faith. As 1 John 5:3 states, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

The Inseparable Nature of Faith and Works

The epistle of James provides a powerful discourse on the relationship between faith and works. James 2:17 declares, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." He goes on to say in verse 26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

This does not mean that we are saved by works, for Paul clearly states in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Rather, good works are the evidence and fruit of genuine, saving faith.

In conclusion, true discipleship involves both initial belief and continued obedience. One cannot claim to be a disciple of Jesus without believing in Him, nor can one be considered His disciple without continuing to obey His teachings. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Let us, therefore, not only believe but also continue steadfastly in the word of Christ, proving our discipleship through our obedience and love for Him.

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