When a person comes to Christ for salvation, they must realize they are a sinner in need of a Savior, they must be willing to repent (turn from sin and rejection of Jesus), and by faith, call on the name of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins. This spiritual experience, when the person becomes a child of God and freely receives eternal life, is known as the new-birth, or being born-again.

Being saved however, does not automatically make a person a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is not merely someone who believes facts about Jesus—it is someone who follows Him, learns from Him, and lives under His Lordship. The New Testament gives several defining marks of a disciple:

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1. A DISCIPLE FOLLOWS JESUS

 Jesus’ invitation is simple and direct:

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“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

• Matthew 4:19 

 

To be a disciple means:

• Leaving former priorities

• Rearranging life around Jesus

• Trusting Him as Lord

 

2. A DISCIPLE ABIDES IN JESUS AND HIS WORD
Disciples remain closely connected to Jesus and seek to obey His

teachings.

 

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

• John 8:31 

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Abiding involves:

• Reading and obeying Scripture

• Remaining close to Christ in prayer

• Letting His words shape daily life

 

3. A DISCIPLE LOVES GOD AND OTHERS 

Love is the distinguishing mark of a true disciple.

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“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you

have love for one another.”

• John 13:35

 

A disciple reflects Jesus’ love:

• Sacrificially

• Practically
• Joyfully

 

4. A DISCIPLE DENIES SELF AND TAKES UP THE CROSS 

Following Jesus requires surrender and willingness to suffer for His

sake.

 

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
• Luke 9:23

 

This means:

• Submitting personal desires to Christ

• Saying “no” to sin

• Enduring hardship faithfully

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5. A DISCIPLE BEARS FRUIT
Spiritual fruit—changed character and effective ministry—is

significant evidence.

 

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
• John 15:8

 

Fruit includes:

• Christlike character (Galatians 5:22–23)

• God-honoring works

• Helping others grow in Christ

 

6. A DISCIPLE OBEYS JESUS’ COMMANDS 

Obedience is central to discipleship.

 

“...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

• Matthew 28:20

 

Not perfection, but a sincere, Spirit-empowered desire to obey.

 

7. A DISCIPLE MAKES OTHER DISCIPLES

Discipleship multiplies.

 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...”

• Matthew 28:19 

 

A true disciple:

• Shares the gospel with others
• Helps others follow Christ
• Invests in spiritual growth of others

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In summary:

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ means:

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✔ Following Him as Lord
✔ Abiding in His Word
✔ Loving others like He loved
✔ Denying yourself and taking up your cross ✔ Bearing spiritual fruit
✔ Obeying His teachings
✔ Making other disciples

 

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, and by surrendering our will in favor of the will of God.

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May our Lord Jesus Christ be praised and honored and glorified by all that we say, all that we think, and all that we do.

H.K. Holevinsky

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