Make Disciples
Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations….
Matthew 28:17 (A.S.V.)
We would not strain for a point here, but it is evident that we are to make disciples, not just believers. Of course, in the Early Church there were no distinctions; a believer was also a disciple and a witness. There we no taking Christ as Saviour now, as Lord later-maybe never. Men confessed with their mouths Jesus as Lord while they believed in their hearts.
But today churches are filled with “believers” who have never been made disciples. Some of them perform perfunctory religious duties, but they have never denied self, taken up the cross, and followed Christ. They have not been taught to observe all things commanded.
The early Christians believed, became disciples, and that sent them out as witnesses to make disciples of others.
We need to learn our Great Commission all over again.