What do you understand by the expression to “follow Christ”? In what way does following Christ differ from following other people? ~ Carol Kong
The apostle Paul urged others to follow Christ by imitating him to the extent he was following Christ. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The Greek word for “followers” here means “imitators.” The apostle added to his encouragement to imitate him as he imitated Christ with these words: “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2). They were to continue practicing the Gospel, which was empowered to save them (Romans 1:16). Likewise, the apostle John, by inspiration, stressed the urgency of abiding in the doctrine of Christ, that is, the Gospel or New Testament doctrine.
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).
In addition, the terms “disciple” and “Christian” each involve the concept of following Christ. The latter portion of Acts 11:26 uses both words: “… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The word “disciple” means a learner or pupil, hence regarding Christ, to be a learner or pupil of Christ. The word “Christian” literally means to be a follower of Christ. Hence, following Christ means to faithfully practice Christianity. This would include redemption taught in the new covenant or testament (Acts 2:38), worship (John 4:24; Acts 20:7), Christian living (Romans 12:1-2), service (Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:2), etc.
Primarily, the difference between following Christ as opposed to following a mere man or a doctrine, secular or religious, is simply what or who is followed. Ultimately, we achieve that following of Christ, a mere mortal or a doctrine by either adopting what is taught or what is demonstrated by others who have adopted what is taught. Of course, following Christ is nobler than following a mere mortal or a manmade doctrine. We may follow Christ by turning directly to the New Testament of Christ or by benefiting from the example of others who are following Christ. However, we need to compare the example and teaching of others who purport to follow Christ with the Word of God to ensure that we are not misled (1 John 4:1).
