Anyone who has heard me preach knows that I conclude my sermons with an invitation to become a disciple of Jesus. I also encourage those who are already baptized in Christ to “continue to live their life for Him until Jesus comes back again or they go to be with Him.” There are two Scriptures that come to mind when I conclude the invitation.
The first Scripture is from 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, there the Apostle Paul encourages all Christians about the coming of Christ. He writes, “16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” This reminds us of the truth that all in Christ, whether dead or living, will be resurrected at His coming.
The other Scripture I think about is from Revelation 2:10. In that verse Jesus encourages all disciples to endure and remain faithful until death. Jesus says, “10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” There is little doubt that the disciples of Jesus will face challenges because of their faith. Some might even choose the path of least resistance by compromising their faith. Such faith is not a faith that will ensure “the crown of life.” There are certain decent distinctions that every disciple should diligently develop that will help the Christian to “continue to live their life for Him until Jesus comes back again or they go to be with Him.”
The first decent distinction is that of a follower. Being a follower of Jesus is not only where a disciple of Christ begins, but it is also indicative of the life of the Christian. As followers we start with Jesus, live like Jesus, die like Jesus, and resurrect like Jesus. Being a disciple who follows Jesus in such a way implies that they are faithful.
Distinct disciple faithfulness is more than regular spiritual practices like prayer, Bible reading, and attendance in the assembly. The faithfulness required of the disciple is one of patient endurance like Christ. If we struggle or face challenges because of our faith, we remain patient and endure to the end just like Jesus. This kind of faithfulness shows the priorities of a disciple. A Christian with the right priorities seeks to please Christ in all that they do. This means that the follower of Jesus practices their faith doing and saying those things that will honor and glorify God.
A disciple is not only a faithful follower, but they are a fighter familiar with the Father’s ways. Characteristically this Christian is one who knows “what would Jesus do” and does it. This disciple is determined, driven, and dedicated to living, sharing, and defending the Gospel of Christ.
Finally, the faithful, familiar, fighting follower is a finisher. This means that the disciple of Christ doesn’t quit; they have resolve. This involves knowing that there is nothing greater than selflessly serving our Savior sacrificially. This encourages the disciple to “continue to live their life for Him until Jesus comes back again or they go to be with Him.”
In the end, the decent disciple of Jesus knows there’s a reward for faithfully finishing their following. Like Paul, the faithful Christian can say, “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).”
