In his book "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Discipleship means adherence to Christ, and, because Christ is the object of that adherence, it must take the form of discipleship. An abstract Christology, a doctrinal system, a general religious knowledge on the subject of grace or on the forgiveness of sins, render discipleship superfluous (serving no useful purpose), and in fact they positively exclude any idea of discipleship whatever, and are essentially inimical (harmful in effect) to the whole conception of following Christ. With an abstract idea it is possible to enter into a relation of formal knowledge, to become enthusiastic about it, and perhaps even to put it into practice; but it can never be followed in personal obedience. Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. And a Christianity of that kind is nothing more or less than the end of discipleship. In such a religion there is trust in God, but no following of Christ. Because the Son of God became Man, because he is the Mediator, for that reason alone the only true relation we can have with him is to follow him. Discipleship is bound to Christ as the Mediator, and where it is properly understood, it necessarily implies faith in the Son of God as the Mediator. Only the Mediator, the God-Man, can call men to follow him.”
My definition:
Discipleship is the following of Jesus Christ through adherence to the Word of God. Discipleship is pursuing a deep and intimate relationship with the Savior. Discipleship is the radical obedience to answer Christ’s call to “come, follow Me” regardless of the cost. (By the way, Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who was killed by the Nazis.) Will you consider with me how to become a true disciple of Christ? What will I have to do or no longer do in order to become a true disciple?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to follow You, whatever the cost!
Guest blog by:
Dr. Bo Rice
Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Loxley AL
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