Greetings Greater Ohio,
I am reading a book titled The Discipleship Gospel – what Jesus preached – we must follow. In the book, the author says Christ doesn’t call us to make a decision about the gospel, but to be disciples because of the gospel. So what does this mean when it comes to discipleship? Here are a few thoughts as I have been praying.
1. Not just a decision—an allegiance shift
A “decision” about the gospel is often framed as a moment: pray a prayer, raise a hand, agree to a set of beliefs. While those can be sincere, they can also be shallow if they don’t lead to an ongoing life-change.
The gospel Jesus preached wasn’t “believe in Me and go back to normal life.” It was “Repent, believe, and follow Me.” That means surrendering your old way of living and reorienting your life under His leadership.
2. Discipleship starts the moment you believe
If we only think of the gospel as forgiveness of sins, we might see discipleship as “extra credit” for the really committed. But if we see the gospel as the good news that the Kingdom of God has arrived in Jesus and we’re invited to live under His reign, then discipleship is how you live in that reality.
Faith without following is incomplete—it’s like saying “Yes” to a marriage proposal but never showing up for the wedding or life together.
3. Obedience is part of the gospel’s call
Jesus’ invitation was:
- “Follow Me.” (Mark 1:17)
- “Take up your cross daily.” (Luke 9:23)
- “Teach them to obey all that I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:20)
He wasn’t recruiting fans, but apprentices who would learn His ways and live them out. This isn’t “earning” salvation; it’s evidence of salvation. The gospel saves us into a new life, not just from judgment.
4. The goal: transformed people who make more disciples
If the gospel is about becoming part of God’s Kingdom, then discipleship is the process of learning to live as citizens of that Kingdom. And because the King’s mission is to bring others in, disciples make disciples.
In short:
When the author says Christ doesn’t call us to “make a decision,” he’s warning against reducing the gospel to a one-time mental agreement. True faith in the gospel means entering into a lifelong apprenticeship to Jesus, where learning, obeying, and helping others follow Him is normal Christianity, not advanced Christianity.
We must be sure to preach Jesus’ gospel, which is a gospel of discipleship.