We may argue about church stuff. We can disagree about methods and practice. But we must be clear on one thing. Jesus came to this earth on a rescue mission: “to seek and save the lost.” (Jesus, Luke 19:10)
Of all the great debates within Christ’s Church, none is more important and divisive that the question, “How is a person forgiven of his/her sin.” Many agree that Jesus is the only way, but what is the appropriate response to the Gospel?
In the March/April edition of Outreach magazine, Francis Chan asks David Platt the following question:
“Do you think it is possible to be a Christian and not a disciple?”
Please stop and read that question again. The answer may come quick to your mind. However, I am pleading with you to do three things:
1. Ponder your response and the rationale behind your response.
2. Search the Scripture, particularly the four Gospels. What was the call of Jesus? What level of expectation did Jesus have for people?
3. Listen carefully to the Gospel presentations you hear on the radio, tv, Christian events, or from the pulpits. Do these invitations sound the same as the call of Christ?
Here is my conviction:
Don’t call yourself a Christian if Jesus would not call you His disciple.
For years I have struggled with a way to invite people to consider the Gospel of Christ.
How can I assess a person’s understanding of the Gospel message? Do they get “it?” Do they understand the call of Christ?
In the last year, I have been asking people the following question after a brief conversation about Jesus: “If Jesus was standing with us right here, right now, would He say you are His disciple?”
Of course, this is not a fool-proof question, but it does make people think about the concept.
Many people in my area of the world would respond that he or she is a Christian and site a time of baptism, a prayer, walking forward during a worship service, a confirmation class, regular worship attendance, or moral behavior. However, Christ calls us to more than religion, rituals, or model citizenship. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” was the simple call of Jesus. That is the one and only response that is appropriate to the Gospel.
[okay taking a breath here]
Obviously, I believe this wholeheartedly and dogmatically. However, I am a student, willing to learn and listen.
What do you think? Am I overlooking something in Scripture? Is my point too rigid? How important is this issue? Is this belief worth dying for or am I “splitting hairs” with semantics?
Leave me a comment and I promise to listen carefully.
Shepherding Well 
Yes, I think you can be a “Christian” and not be a disciple. Why? We have so many denominations that cannot agree on what it means to be a Christian. Therefore the word has become a “catch all”. Jesus had the exact same definition of what is required of a disciple as the whole Bible taught…complete surrender and obedience to God. It is disappointing that many cannot see that. I think that much of the church today has fallen short on teaching what is required. God has not changed and never will!
Yes, I think you can be a “Christian” and not a disciple. Why? We have so many denominations that cannot agree on what it means to be a Christian. Therefore the word has became a catch all. Jesus had the exact same definition of what is required of a disciple as the whole Bible taught; complete surrender and obedience to God. It is disappointing that many cannot see that. I think that much of the church today does not teach what the Bible says. God has not changed and never will!