What does it mean to follow Christ?
by William Nicholson from Called to be a Disciple 1862 Jesus went out and saw a tax
collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. Follow
me, Jesus said to him. And Levi got up, left everything,
and followed him. Luke chapter 5, verse 27 and
28. The gospel is the power of God
unto salvation. No sinner is too vile, no sins
are too numerous, no guilt is too black for its powerful efficacy. This is proved by the conduct
of Christ in offering his mercy to such sinful characters, and
by the death of Christ, which was for the chief of sinners.
how rich His grace, how impartial His love. The context contains
an account of the grace and favour of Christ to a sinful and despised
tax collector. Matthew followed Christ. That
is, he became his disciple. To follow Christ implies, one,
a knowledge of Christ and His truth. The design of preaching
is to give the knowledge of Christ. No man can really follow the
Redeemer without some understanding of Him. This is the result of
the Spirit's enlightening operations. It implies dissatisfaction with
a life of sin and a conviction of the superior excellence of
a holy life. This also is the result of the
Spirit's enlightening operations. Three, it implies decision for
Christ, the resolve of the heart to love him and follow him. Lord,
I am yours. Four, it implies renunciation
of everything that stands in competition with Christ. Matthew
surrendered a lucrative employment, a good business, et cetera, et
cetera. He got up, left everything, and
followed him. Just so, the sinner must surrender
his darling sins, his impure pleasures, his self-interest,
the world, the creature, however dear, if it is a competitor with
Christ. then he called the crowd to him
along with his disciples and said if anyone would come after
me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me for
whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses
his life for me and for the gospel will save it mark chapter 8 verse
34 and 35 5. It implies dependence upon Christ's
sacrifice for acceptance with God and for all needful blessings. 6. It implies prompt obedience
to all Christ's commandments. Follow me, Jesus said to him. And Levi got up, left everything,
and followed him. you