Believer or Disciple? What's the Difference?

[SteveEpperson]

I wouldn't say all those who believe in eternal security do nothing; but they automatically assume anyone who doesn't buy into eternal security is working for salvation. If they do works it's okay, but if anyone else does good works it's not okay. It's a nice manipulation tactic.

I see this with many church leaders, especially. They want the recognition and glory for making disciples, instead of training others to spread the gospel and teach new believers.

It's kinda frustrating, but we as lowly pew-warmers can make a difference if we're willing to go outside the 2,000-year-old failed church system. We can also use the buildings, equipment, and expensive programs already in place. We just have to find a way to get past the heirarchy at the top.

It shouldn't be too hard to do, since most are either asleep at the wheel or busy writing books.

 

[maxwel]

Answer to title question.
There isnt a difference.

Theologically, I think this is accurate.

Semantically, the words have different meanings, but theologically they seem to refer to the exact same group of people.


How so?
In the New Testament we find certain expectations, very high expectations, placed upon believers.
They are simply expected, by virtue of being believers, of attending the assemblies, sharing the gospel, learning scripture, praying, following Christ in all ways, living virtuously, and suffering for their faith. These are all just normal expectations. So in the New Testament, although the words "believe" and "disciple" are not the same grammatical words, they refer to the same people. All Christians are expected to believe (or they wouldn't be Christians), and all Christians are expected to follow Christ as disciples.


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