Christ in Discipleship vs Christless Discipleship
Orientation
Much of what is called discipleship is a Christless endeavor, focusing on external imitation or moral striving rather than the living presence of Christ.
- Discipleship is not a program of self-improvement or trying harder to be like a historical Jesus.
- Without Christ's present manifestation, there is no true discipleship, sanctification, or spiritual reality.
- This leaves believers with a powerless, hollow religion rooted in self-effort and legalism.
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:14)
— 2 Corinthians 3:14
Clarification
The gospel is not merely about a future reward but about receiving the Holy Spirit now, which is the gift and reality of salvation.
- The promise of the Spirit is a present possession, not a distant hope.
- Authentic discipleship is founded on the indwelling Christ manifesting Himself by the Spirit.
- This is the goal of salvation: to partake of Christ and know Him in resurrection power.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
— Acts 2:38
Structure
True discipleship is participation in an organic union with Christ, established by His finished work and realized through the Spirit.
- Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension enable Him to join Himself to the believer as the Spirit.
- The Christian life is not imitation but participation, with Christ as the source of life.
- We are called to live in the reality of being risen with Christ and seeking heavenly things where He is.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)
— Colossians 3:1-3
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is that authentic Christian life depends entirely on the present, experiential reality of Christ’s indwelling through the Holy Spirit. This is the positive outcome of the gospel: receiving the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:14). The negative outcome, Christless discipleship, results from viewing the Bible as a list of things to do, creating a veil over the heart that blinds one to God’s glory in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). The only remedy is to turn to the Lord Himself, which removes the veil. Pauline categories are essential here: our organic union with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:17), being crucified and risen with Him (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:5), and the present life of Christ in our mortal flesh (Romans 8:10). This is the mystery now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Any system that reduces discipleship to external obedience, law-keeping, or imitation of Christ’s earthly ministry operates in the flesh and denies the sufficiency of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. It is a hollow endeavor that may not negate justification but utterly fails to provide sanctification, which is Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Integration
Your assurance rests on Christ’s finished work, not your ability to grasp or experience these truths perfectly. The very desire to know Christ more is evidence of the Spirit’s work within you. There is no pressure to advance or achieve a certain level of maturity. Christ is your sanctification, your life, and your reward. His presence is the gift, given freely. If your heart is turned to the Lord, the veil is removed. Rest in this: the dynamic relationship with the living Christ is not a challenge to overcome but a reality to receive. He is your life. Your position is secure in Him, seated in heavenly places. Let this truth anchor you, removing all striving. The Christian life is Christ in you, not you for Christ. Abide here.