Today, the term “Christian” is often misunderstood. Many people associate being a Christian with attending church services, praying occasionally, or simply identifying with Christian values. But the Bible gives a very different picture.

The word “Christian” literally means “Christ-like,” someone who follows and imitates Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us what that looks like. Jesus lived a life of obedience, love, sacrifice, and power. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and loved even His enemies.

Are we truly imitating Christ?

When Jesus died on the cross, He not only bore our sins, but He also showed us what it means to love deeply and obey fully. While being mocked and beaten, He said:

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34, NLT

How many of us love like this? How strong is our obedience to God?

The Signs of a Believer

“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.’” – Mark 16:15–18, NLT

This is what Jesus said would follow those who believe in Him. Does this describe your life? Do you live the life of a disciple?

What Is a Disciple?

The word disciple means student, learner, or apprentice. A disciple is someone who actively follows their teacher and imitates their way of life. Jesus calls His followers not just to believe, but to obey and follow Him.

Here are some key Scriptures that describe what it means to be a disciple:

📖 Matthew 4:18–22 (NLT)

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
…And they left their nets at once and followed him.

➡️ Being a disciple starts with leaving behind the old life to follow Jesus.

📖 Matthew 16:24–25 (NLT)

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”

➡️ Discipleship requires dying to self and choosing obedience.

📖 Luke 14:27 (NLT)

“And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.”

➡️ This means living sacrificially for Christ’s purposes.

📖 John 15:8 (NLT)

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

➡️ Disciples bear fruit—through obedience, love, and making more disciples.

📖 Matthew 28:19–20 (NLT)

“Go and make disciples of all the nations… Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

➡️ Every disciple is called to make more disciples.

📖 Romans 8:28–29 (NLT)

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God… For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.”

➡️ The goal of discipleship is to become like Jesus.

Christian vs. Disciple

Did you know the term “Christian” only appears 3 times in the New Testament? But the word “disciple” appears over 250 times.

Many people call themselves Christians, but Jesus never told us to “become Christians”—He told us to become disciples.

“Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” – Luke 6:40, NLT

You don’t become a disciple just by going to church. Disciples learn by following, by doing, by obeying.

Additional Scriptures About Discipleship:

  • John 13:34–35 – Love one another; this shows you are His disciple.
  • Acts 2:42–47 – Early disciples devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity.
  • Acts 14:21–22 – Discipleship involves enduring hardship and continuing in the faith.
  • Matthew 5:14–16 – Disciples shine as light in the world.
  • Hebrews 10:24–25 – Disciples encourage one another and stay connected to the Body.
  • Colossians 1:28–29 – Maturing believers through teaching and training.
  • 2 Timothy 2:2 – Disciples make disciples who can teach others.

Discipleship Is a Process

  • Baby disciples don’t have to know everything.
  • Learning is by doing, not just by hearing.
  • Mistakes are part of the process.
  • But after years of being a believer, it’s important that we grow, and know how to:
    • Share the Gospel
    • Baptize others
    • Cast out demons
    • Heal the sick

These are not just for “ministers.” They are for all believers who want to imitate Jesus.

Key Passage

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God… For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…”
– Romans 8:28–29 (NLT)

➡️ God’s plan is for every believer to be conformed to the image of His Son—Jesus.