Is every Christian also a disciple or is there a difference between the two?
We use the term Christian more loosely than the Bible does. If you know the biblical meaning of Christian, then the answer to your question would be yes. Notice Acts 11:26:
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
(Acts 11:26)
The name “disciple” came before the name Christian; it means a disciple who acts like Christ did. When you believe in Jesus, you are not automatically a Christian or disciple in the strictest sense of the word.
You are a believer, washed by His blood, and on your way to heaven, but not every believer is a disciple or Christ-like.
Modern society uses the word Christian interchangeably with the word believer. We call a Christian someone who believes in Jesus; however, the biblical meaning of Christian is one who believes on Jesus, decides to follow Him with his or her heart, and becomes like Him.
John 8:30-32 makes this distinction clear:
As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(John 8:30-32)
One who accepts Jesus as Savior is heaven-bound, but must make a decision to study and practice the Word of God, and be consecrated. This is a true disciple.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.