What is the Difference Between a Convert and a Disciple?

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DesertWanderer

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Nov 17, 2019
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In your own words, and with the backing of scripture, what do you see as the difference between a convert and a disciple of Christ?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
 
Jesus' final instruction to His followers was to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20). Can one become a disciple before conversion? In other words, are not all all disciples also converts? Those who put their faith in Jesus are to be His disciples.
 
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DesertWanderer said:
In your own words, and with the backing of scripture, what do you see as the difference between a convert and a disciple of Christ?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
Click to expand...

A disciple of Christ is in a student-teacher relationship. What we learn from the Bible (Word of God) is linked closely to the essence of our faith - "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17-

Faith is closely linked to a personal relationship with God. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6

So we are lifelong disciples or students of Christ. As we continue walking in the Spirit, we are gradually transformed over time through our faith relationship with God.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

So my final thoughts are that a convert and a disciple are actually just two different ways to describe a Christian. However, the title of disciple does not presuppose that saving faith is present, but rather only a willingness to be taught by a teacher with the end-goal of eventually being like the teacher.
 
DesertWanderer said:
In your own words, and with the backing of scripture, what do you see as the difference between a convert and a disciple of Christ?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
Click to expand...

A convert is a person who once did not believe in Jesus but comes to believe.. Converts upon converting become disciples of Christ. Disciple simply means follower
 
DesertWanderer said:
Okay, but it is it possible for a convert to never choose to become a disciple?
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Yes I guess so. We can come to full faith in the life, death, resurrection of Christ without being under someone's discipleship. Though I would argue that the Holy Spirit influences people to come to Christ.

The promise of the Holy Spirit
John 16:5-16
 
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DesertWanderer said:
In your own words, and with the backing of scripture, what do you see as the difference between a convert and a disciple of Christ?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
Click to expand...
Converts are not spiritually mature, but they have potential, disciples have spiritual maturity, but exhaust their potential more than converts do.
 
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