For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Lena Wms
It is very true that we are saved by the Grace of God, through the Blood of
His Son, Christ Jesus. (Eph 2:5,8, 1Jn 1:7) It is a gift of God. We were purchased with a terrible price. (1Cor 6:19,20)
The term 'disciple' simply means a learner, a pupil, to understand. (2Tim 2:15) If we are to follow Jesus' example, we are to first be filled with the Holy Spirit, then begin calling others into the learning of our Savior.
(Luk 3:22)
We should also be striving to learn of Him ourselves, to learn of His Mercy, Love, Kindness, Light, etc... As Christ expands our personal experiences of
His wonderful Love and Hope we will be delighted to share with others as they learn of Him. (Son 2:3)
It is exciting to learn precious truths found hidden in the original languages the Bible was written in. Like the word, 'disciple'. It has different meanings that apply, yet it changes the way we look at ourselves. This is what the Word of God is supposed to be: a huge mirror.
www.e-sword.net for Strong's Concordance
Be Blessed
Lena
Jennifer Rothnie
Being saved by grace, through faith (Rom 5:7, Eph 2:8) is not mutually exclusive with the idea that faith comes through hearing, and hence we need to spread the gospel.
"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”...Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
(Excerpts from Rom 10)
The Good News of Christ, revealed to the world by His death and Ressurection, was an act of grace from God to all men. (John 12:32). Christians are to make others aware of that grace, Christ revealed, to those who have not yet heard. Those who believe then join the body of Christ, and it is God's grace yet again that causes the church to grow.