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NASB | Luke 9:23 ¶ And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 9:23 ¶ And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. |
Bible Question: Many had refer to this verse when they teach on the topic of discipleship, or rather the cost of discipleship. I had a question. Can one become a Christian and not a disciple? i.e. discipleship is optional. Anyone care to explain or enlighten me? |
Bible Answer: Dear BibleForum, an apparently new member of the Study Bible Forum, Jesus never said anything He didn't mean and He meant everything He ever said. And in Luke 9:23 He lays it down in plain and unambiguous straight talk what price He expects of His followers, His disciples -- and, yes, of His Christians -- because the terms are all interchangeable. One can't be a Christian and not be a disciple of Christ any more than he can be married and be a bachelor at the same time. Being a Christian is being a disciple. And being a disciple entails discipleship, whatever the cost may be, whatever the price we have to pay. Christ demands all of us, our total commitment or none at all. He never gave us any other option and never intended to. --Hank |