Semantics? May 7, 2015

The Cost of Being a Disciple (Luke 14)

²⁵ Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

³³ In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.


These verses from Luke are reminiscent of the rich young ruler (ryr) from Mark 10.  In this instance Jesus instructed the ryr to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, then follow Jesus.  I know when I taught this set of verses in Sunday School, it created quite a stir when I suggested that salvation requires more than just faith and grace.  In my heart of hearts, I truly believe that grace and faith are the only two components necessary for salvation, but I did enjoy "poking the bear" a bit.

However, I can see why a person might argue that abandonment of earthly ties might be a requirement of salvation.  Luke 14:33 "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."  Mark 10:21 ²¹ Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

In studying what appears to be a contradiction between salvation by grace vs. salvation by works, I wonder if the tension is being caused by not differentiating between salvation and discipleship.  In both the Luke and Mark verses, it appears that Jesus is talking more of discipleship as opposed to salvation.  Which brings me to my next question.

Can a person be genuinely "saved" and not be a disciple?  Can my belief in Jesus' divinity, death, and resurrection claim for me an eternity with Him, but not be a acolyte?  If that is the case, then the verses referenced from Luke and Mark, do not contradict the grace alone message taught throughout the New Testament.