If you have not noticed it by the rabbits and plastic eggs on store shelves, the pastel-colored clothing in closets, or by looking at a calendar, Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is here. For Christians, it is kind of a big deal. Actually, it is the biggest day of the year. After all, it is the day in which Christians observe the resurrection of Christ. Yes, Christmas is a major event, but as the song, It’s About The Cross explains, “the beginning of the story is wonderful and great, but it’s the ending that can save you and that’s why we celebrate.” Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus makes you a disciple. Still, that may not be all that makes a disciple.At least not according to some information I recently stumbled across.
The word disciple is one many of us are familiar with, even non-Christians. If you consult Merriam-Webster, the word disciple means someone who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Merriam-Webster also defines disciple as one of the 12 in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the gospel accounts. Easton’s Bible Dictionary takes a different approach. I discovered Easton’s Bible Dictionary app several months ago, and I have enjoyed the ability to search for any person, place, or thing in the Bible. After reading Merriam-Webster’s definition of disciple, I decided to see how it compares with Easton’s.
While Easton’s agrees that a disciple is someone who believes in a doctrine, in this case the doctrine of Jesus Christ, Easton’s goes on to explain that a disciple is someone who rests on Christ’s sacrifice. Moreover, Easton’s Dictionary says a disciple imbibes Christ’s spirit, meaning that person receives into the mind and retains what is Christ’s. Lastly, a disciple imitates Christ’s examples (Matt. 10:24, Luke 14:26-27, 33, John 6:69).
Stop for a moment and think about your walk with the Lord. Now consider Easton’s definition of disciple. Have you accepted and assisted in the spreading of His doctrine (John 3:16, John 14:6, Mark 16:15-16)? At the same time, would you say you rest on His sacrifice in dying for your sins on the cross? Remember, we are saved by grace through faith. While our works show our faith (James 2:14-18), it is not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9) that earn salvation, because none of us would be good enough to earn a one-way ticket to Heaven (Romans 3:23). The crucifixion of Jesus was the means in which He paid for our sins (Romans 5:8), and our sins must be paid for in full (Romans 6:23).
Having said all this, are you living like Him? To be sure, we are still imperfect individuals, even with Christ living inside those that have prayed for and received Christ as savior (Romans 10:13). However, Jesus tells disciples in John 14:15 that, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
I realize this is a lot of information to take in, but Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is here and there is no better time to take things up a notch when it comes to your relationship with the Lord. Better yet, help lead others to Him this Easter. Read and study the Bible more (Psalm 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:15). Share with others what you are reading and studying (Matthew 28:19-20, Psalm 96:3). Pray alone and with others (Matthew 6:6, Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 10:25). Follow His examples and works (John 13:14-17). Finally, share truth and apply Scripture.
