When I took up this study it was with the purpose of having a clear understanding what it is that Jesus has called so many to become. I have always held the belief that being “saved” and a “disciple” were not synonymous. What I did not suspect was the depth of riches of this term. Not only did I learn what the Disciple of Christ meant, but also what it didn’t mean. I discovered why the term is not used in the Hebrew in the O.T. Further what I discovered was the cause of traditionalism.

      There are server terms used very loosely by Christians today. To name but a few they include: “church,” “disciple,” “saint,” and even “Christian.” Modern theology seems to have redefined these terms, thus stripping away their unique characteristics. Because of this confusion it has caused many to have great difficulty and concern in understanding their apparent failure to justify these terms in their lives. I read a question by one who was saved but lamented that his life was so totally carnal that he questioned did he truly believe, have faith. The discussions that followed counseling him dealt with faith, being a disciple, and so on. The man’s problem wasn’t his failure of faith in Christ it was his failure to love Christ. Without realizing it he, by his own experience, came to know that without Christ he could do nothing and without loving Him he would not, nay could not, keep or obey His commands. Not one of those writing to him made the distinction between being born again and being a disciple. I doubt that many of them understood it for themselves. There is a need to grasp the meaning of disciple and how it relates to Christ.

      This study explores four areas of resource. They are the Technical, Cultural, Jewish, and New Testament.