I have met elders of churches who say, “there are no disciples post cross.” And, these are the very same people who carry their bibles around at church and who are held in high esteem.
Yet, Jesus says the truth sets you free, as the result of BEING a disciple. Yes. If we abide (remain) in Him, we are truly His disciples, and knowing that truth of who He is and who we are in Him …. sets us free.
As a result. If you aren’t His disciple, you will NOT experience true freedom.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Here’s the other reason why most fall short of full freedom. We fail to count to cost of discipleship. YES, there’s a cost.
The true gospel, the freeing truth - is that you died, you don’t belong to you, and all that you are is His. It’s about selflessness. The cost of freedom is yourself.
As we surrender, the grace of God becomes full supply.
We refuse surrender. We refuse to put others first. We refuse to renounce our life as our own.
True freedom. True discipleship. Is to know His grace is fully supplied to those who are fully surrendered.
“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33