How to Become a Disciple of Jesus Christ: From Justification to Glorification – Multi-Format Bible Teaching

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Steps Towards Salvation (Justification) Through Faith in Jesus Christ

1. Hearing the Gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17): “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

• This is the starting point. The Gospel, meaning “good news,” refers to the message of Jesus’ life, sacrificial death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
• The Holy Spirit can work through various means to bring the Gospel to you: reading the Bible, attending church services, or conversations with Christians who share their faith. As you encounter the Gospel, the Holy Spirit may stir your heart and convict you of your need for God.

2. Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 3:16): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

• This core belief is essential for salvation. It means accepting Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, the Son of God sent to redeem humanity.
• Faith involves trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the payment for your sins and the bridge to God. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling you to grasp this truth and develop a saving faith. The Spirit can illuminate your understanding of Scripture, reveal your own shortcomings, and draw you closer to God.

3. Repentance of Past Sins and Recognition of Original Sin (Acts 2:38): “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

• Repentance is a genuine turning away from sin and a commitment to follow God’s will. It involves conviction of your past transgressions and a desire for change.
• The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, both the specific sins you commit and the inherent sinfulness that entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Romans 5:12). The story in Genesis 3 tells us that Adam and Eve were created perfect and lived in close communion with God in the Garden of Eden. However, tempted by the serpent (interpreted as Satan) who told them they would become wise and be like God knowing good and evil, they ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of disobedience broke their fellowship with God and introduced sin (disobedience and separation from God) into the world. We inherit this tendency toward sin from Adam and Eve, and the Holy Spirit helps us recognize this reality and motivates us to turn away from it.

4. Confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10): “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

• Confession is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus. This can be done through prayer, baptism, or sharing your faith with others.
• It’s an outward expression of the inward change that has taken place in your heart, acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit empowers you to boldly confess your faith and gives you the courage to live a life that reflects your newfound beliefs.

5. Baptism for the Remission of Sins and Indwelling/Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:16, Ephesians 1:13-14): “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

• Baptism signifies a symbolic washing away of sin and a new beginning in Christ. It is also at this point that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, an event also referred to as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, sealing them for salvation.
• The indwelling or Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a critical aspect of salvation, as the Spirit now lives within the believer, guiding, empowering, and transforming them into the image of Christ.
• Denominations have differing views on the necessity and timing of baptism, but it’s generally seen as a public display of faith and identification with Christ.
• The Holy Spirit can use baptism as a powerful outward sign of the inward cleansing that has taken place through faith in Jesus.

Important Note:

• These steps are presented as a framework, and interpretations may vary among Christian denominations.
• The emphasis remains on faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, with these actions as outward expressions of that inward transformation.
• The Holy Spirit plays a vital role throughout this process, drawing you to God, convicting you of sin, indwelling (Baptism of the Holy Spirit) you permanently at the moment of salvation, and guiding, empowering, and transforming you to live a Christ-centered life.
• The most important aspect is a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

2. Sanctification (Growing in Christ): Transformation

Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. It’s a lifelong journey fueled by God’s grace and your active participation. As Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” The Holy Spirit empowers you in your sanctification by:

• Guiding your understanding of Scripture: The Holy Spirit enlightens you to comprehend the Bible’s message and apply it to your life.
• Convicting you of sin: The Holy Spirit continues to reveal areas in your life that need transformation, prompting you to repent and seek forgiveness and grow in holiness.
• Empowering you to live a Christ-like life: The Holy Spirit equips you with the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) (Galatians 5:22-23), enabling you to live according to God’s will.
• Bestowing Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit also distributes spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12). These gifts are unique talents and abilities that empower you to serve God and others.

Following Jesus’ command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) is not just for pastors or evangelists, but a responsibility for all believers. The Great Commission calls us to share our faith, nurture the spiritual growth of others, and guide them towards a deeper relationship with Christ. This is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that creates a cycle of faith multiplication. As you grow in your faith and make disciples, you equip them to do the same, continually expanding God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit may also call you to a specific ministry that utilizes your spiritual gifts. This calling can involve various forms of service within the church, marketplace or broader community, depending on the gifts you have received.

Practices to cultivate in sanctification:

• Bible Study: Regularly reading, meditating on, and applying God’s Word.
• Prayer: Continuously communicating with God.
• Obedience: Striving to live according to God’s teachings.
• Fellowship with Believers: Being part of a supportive Christian community.
• Service: Using your gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God, fulfilling the call to make disciples and potentially a specific ministry.

By actively participating in these disciplines and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life, you will continue to grow in your faith and become more like Christ. You are commanded to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing your faith with others and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus, creating a ripple effect of faith through generations of disciples.

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3. Glorification (Future Hope): Completion

Glorification is the ultimate hope for believers, the grand finale of your Christian journey. It’s the moment you are fully transformed into the perfect image of Christ and receive a glorified body. Here is a breakdown of some key aspects of glorification:

• Complete Transformation: Currently, we experience the limitations of our physical bodies and the effects of sin. Glorification signifies complete freedom from these limitations. We will be sinless, immortal, and completely conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29).
• Resurrection and Glorified Body: The Bible teaches that both the dead in Christ and living believers will be transformed at the second coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Our current physical bodies will be raised incorruptible, free from decay and suffering. These glorified bodies will be perfectly suited for eternal life in God’s presence.
• Unveiling of Our Full Identity in Christ: The glorification process will reveal your true identity as a child of God, fully reflecting His glory. You will see Christ face to face and experience the fullness of His love, presence, and purpose.

While glorification is a future event, the promise of it should inspire hope and perseverance in your present life. It reminds you that the struggles and trials you face are temporary, and that your ultimate destiny is one of eternal joy and fulfillment in God’s presence. As 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

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In Conclusion

The journey of salvation, from justification through sanctification to glorification, is a path marked by transformation and grace. It begins with being declared righteous by faith, continues with growing in Christ, and culminates in the eternal hope of being fully transformed into Christ’s likeness. As you walk this path, you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is your constant companion, guiding, empowering, and comforting you along the way. The more you yield to His work in your life, the more you will reflect the image of Christ, fulfilling your calling as a disciple and disciple-maker, and living in the joyful anticipation of the day when you will be glorified in His presence. This journey is a beautiful testament to God’s love and faithfulness, a reminder that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

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