Disciples first or Saints?
In the synoptic gospels the term disciples is used 160 times, John 78, Book of Acts after the church began 28 times. We can see the number of times it is being used is slowly dwinding, the question is why? Not once is it used in the rest of the New Testament after the book of Acts.
That is extremely peculiar, why is that? Instead the Church members are called saints, brethren. As the Church developed they had what is called the body of Christ. This meant membership in Christ himself 1 Cor.12:13 . You can follow Christ and be a disciple and not be saved, or, you can be saved and follow which makes you a saint or one of the brethren. T
his term "Saint" was first used in the NT when Annaias said Paul did many things evil things to the Saints in Jerusalem Acts 9:13(as when he put the saints in prison and put many to death Acts 26:10) The word Saint shows ones position in Christ, the word disciple shows one is a learner. Which would you rather be known as?
Taken from: http://www.letusreason.org/OCC20.htm
Personally, I believe primarily we are saints, children of God by which we call God 'Abba Father which means Daddy', over time we can follow His ways (discipleship) just like how we model after those we admire or hold in respect. They need not be mutually exclusive but complementary with correct emphasis.
That is extremely peculiar, why is that? Instead the Church members are called saints, brethren. As the Church developed they had what is called the body of Christ. This meant membership in Christ himself 1 Cor.12:13 . You can follow Christ and be a disciple and not be saved, or, you can be saved and follow which makes you a saint or one of the brethren. T
his term "Saint" was first used in the NT when Annaias said Paul did many things evil things to the Saints in Jerusalem Acts 9:13(as when he put the saints in prison and put many to death Acts 26:10) The word Saint shows ones position in Christ, the word disciple shows one is a learner. Which would you rather be known as?
Taken from: http://www.letusreason.org/OCC20.htm
Personally, I believe primarily we are saints, children of God by which we call God 'Abba Father which means Daddy', over time we can follow His ways (discipleship) just like how we model after those we admire or hold in respect. They need not be mutually exclusive but complementary with correct emphasis.
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