Christians versus Disciples

Christians versus Disciples

Most people have been taught to believe that the terms "Christian" and "disciples" (of Christ) are one and the same. Using the Internet, it is easy to find numerous articles that specifically claim that these two terms are identical and synonymous. These teaching are in error. There is a vast difference between a Christian and a disciple of Christ.

Jesus Christ never once used the term "Christian" in any of his teachings. This term arose much later after his crucifixion. Jesus always referred to His followers as disciples. During His ministry, the term followers and disciples always referred to those who truly followed Christ.

To follow Christ, and to be His disciple as He commanded (Luke 14:33) required a totally committed life. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

It was and still is, a great sacrifice to be a disciple: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matt 16:24).

This was much more then many could bear, with a price that was too high: "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." (John 6:66)

For years, the early Church followed this practice, calling themselves "disciples" (Acts 13:52; 20:1; 21:4) and never Christians.

Christ was not interested in merely 'converting' the beliefs of his followers; in order to actually become a disciple, it was required to deny oneself, and truly follow Christ.

Eventually, the term "Christian" crept into the disciples teaching, but most bible scholars agree that it is unlikely that the believers themselves thought up the name "Christians". It was most likely meant as a derogatory term. The idea that the term Christian was originally a pejorative finds some support in 1 Peter 4:16: "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name".

The term "Christian" came about long after Christ's crucifixion, and is found in Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16. This adopted term was not a part of Christ's original ministry or even that of the early church for a long time, and now has come to represents how Christianity has changed from the teachings of Christ. Disciples can no longer be found, but Christians are found everywhere.

Christians now practice a very different set of beliefs then what was taught by Christ. They lack the total commitment of a true disciple, and are often enamored with politics, wealth, possessions, power, position, prestige and pride. Christ taught against all of these things. Christians seek the alleged "easy road" to Christ by the mere "confession of Christ" without a repentant spirit or a changed life that denies oneself.

Today's "wealthy Christians" are as far removed from the teaching and salvation of Christ as conceivably possible, lacking in personal sacrifice and service, living in accordance to the whims and desires of this world. This dramatic and visible difference to the teachings of Christ is what separates true disciples from Christians.

Many, many other critical changes crept into the teachings of Christ over the centuries, distorting his words and teachings, even infecting the early church. Christians today are mere caricatures (poor imitations) of Christ and rarely, if ever, resemble anything like the disciples of Christ's time and teachings.

If asked, most Christians (if not all) would claim to be "saved", but biblically speaking, they're not, failing to keep all of the commandments of Christ (John 14:15) as true disciples are required to do.