The Journey of Christian Discipleship
From Encountering Christ to Becoming Like Christ
Considering the years spent examining Scripture, developing Intentional Faith, preparing Bible studies, and exploring what it means to live an authentic Christian life, I would identify several milestones in the journey of the Christian life.
But I would begin with an important distinction: Salvation is a gift of God’s grace; discipleship is the lifelong response to that grace. We do not become disciples to earn salvation. We follow Christ because His grace has called us into a new relationship with God.
Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 4:19 establishes the pattern: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (NIV). Notice the progression. We come to Christ, follow Christ, and eventually participate in His mission.
Understand the Journey
I would resist treating these milestones like grades in a school, where a person completes one and never returns to it. They describe a recognizable progression, but Christian discipleship is both developmental and cyclical. A believer who has followed Christ for fifty years must still practice repentance, prayer, forgiveness, and surrender. Indeed, spiritual maturity often makes us more conscious of our dependence upon God’s grace, not less.
Paul provides a useful theological framework in Ephesians 4:13: “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (NIV). The objective is not simply greater biblical literacy, more religious activity, or increased responsibility in the church. It is growing into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I also see an important distinction between spiritual activity and spiritual development. Someone may attend worship regularly, participate in Bible studies, and even serve in ministry without experiencing corresponding transformation of character. Jesus’ teaching in John 15 reminds us that fruitfulness arises from abiding in Him. Consequently, each milestone should be assessed not merely by what a disciple knows or does, but by the evidence of a changing relationship with Christ and others.
And I would place one question at the center of every milestone:
“How is my relationship with Jesus Christ changing the way I think, the way I live, and the way I love others?”
That question would keep the entire journey centered upon Christ rather than upon any religious accomplishment. The stages of your spiritual journey with Christ can be found in the following interactive milestones. You are encouraged to walk through each milestone as often as you would like to renew and reflect on your journey with Christ. Open each link in a new tab to save yourself some time and repetition.
To begin that Journey, click here: The Journey of Christian Discipleship | Intentional Faith
Next: Coming to Christ
Then: Growing in Christ
Then: Living Like Christ
Finally: Continuing in Christ
Please note that all interactive exercises will load independent of this website to protect your privacy. They will not be stored on our server. This page is designed for you to return as often as you find it helpful. As always, feel free to share this page.
And, of course, continue to use the daily spiritual disciplines to support you in your journey with Christ.