Having become familiar with some of the costs of discipleship and counting them, a true disciple (learner) is ready to begin to possess the blessings that it has to offer.  Like a tower, it must be builded on a good foundation, as Jesus taught and as has been before observed, there has to be considerable preparation; some deep digging must take place.  This digging is with the mind and studious research into the word of God.  There is no way for one to really be a profitable disciple unless he is familiar with God's faultlessly perfect system of theology.  Discipleship is based upon the knowledge of and obedience to God's word.  God is exact in his requirements for those who would follow the Son in the way of peace and righteousness.  Ignorance does not excuse poor performance.  It is true that God has said that they that do not know shall miss much blessing and many rewards while in this world.  There is much variation in the rewards of discipleship and only those who walk in complete truth receive all the benefits that are available to them. 

     This truth is available only to Christians, and through Christians. There is no chance for discipleship by following Christ's teachings in those nations where there is no knowledge of Jesus.  Only those who hear can obey.

     Obviously then, one has to become acquainted with the gospel before he can have an opportunity to be a disciple.  This acquaintance must be made through the work of those who have become disciples.  Either it must be through a preacher, through literature such as the Bible, or works that tell the story told by the Bible, and this is all the work of mens' minds and hands as they recorded what God allowed them to see of his wondrous works. 

Either it was by the prophets and apostles under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, or else was evoked by scribes and others who had a desire to spread the gospel, the glad tidings, in order that others might be filled with the knowledge of a holy, infinite God of justice in whom all power is vested, and who is also a God of mercy, love and compassion; the source of all power and blessings.

     Belief is the first step in discipleship.  That belief must be so closely related to knowledge that it serves the same purpose.   There are things about God that we cannot absolutely know, things about his works that we do not understand, yet we must act upon them as if we did not see through a glass darkly, but could gaze upon them as if in the morning when the mists are rolled away. 

     Belief is more than assent of the mind: It is a total dedication of every faculty of our beings to letting every precious word dwell in us richly and acting on each phrase as if it came from an absolute monarch who had infinite authority over us, and each infraction of his laws would forever banish us from his presence.(Actually, that is the predicament of the whole human family.  In James 2:10, we are told that he that offends in one point is guilty of the whole.) Belief is not only believing the story of the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the Lion's den (Daniel chapters 4 and 6); that God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah and that he spent three days and nights in the fish (Jonah chapters 1 and 2); we must also believe that men do not seek after God until God touches them.  "There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12.) In a society that has turned almost completely to humanistic ideas, this is a very repulsive text; yet it is just as true as John 3:16.  The Bible teaches that there is nothing in a man to motivate him to good until the grace of God appears to him and teaches him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts; to live soberly, righteously and godly. (See Titus 2:11.)

     I wish to quote from RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD (Copyright 1931 by Harcourt Brace & Co.) from the section on Christianity by Mr. Erich Seeberg of the University of Bonn, Germany:

          The good man is not he who does good and thinks that he thereby has a claim on God, but only he does good whom God has withdrawn from sinfulness into his life and made good in his sin and guilt.  Therefore as has been justly said, Jesus reversed the ordinary way of looking at the relation of religion and morals.  Man does not become good by doing good: Good works do not          build the bridge to God.  God must first have made a man inwardly good before there can be any question of his doing good at all.  Union with God is brought about solely through God's omnipotent grace.  One does not come through morals to religion; it is religion that makes real morality possible.  It is a logical deduction from this that moral life is not the result of the organic unfolding and training of the germs of  natural good in man, nor of the kindling and developing of a divine spark in the soul.  It implies a breach and  a conversion.  The first step is regeneration, being 'born again'."

     Although great minds through the centuries have understood the pitiable condition of men, it has never been very popular and is much more repulsive since the advent of "Christian Humanism," whatever that is.  Christianity is in no way a humanistic philosophy.  Humanism places man at the top of the order of all things.  Christianity recognizes that God is the absolute monarch. Satan deceived Eve in the transgression by enticing her with a humanistic approach, and men have been striving to "become as gods" ever since that day; striving to be the manipulator of God, particularly in the area of eternal life, making responsibility for the eternal destiny of man rest upon the actions of man.  Men like this system because it seems to give them power over the God that created them.  The above quotation from Mr. Seeberg very aptly shows the teaching of the Bible, displaying the fact that men are unable to exercise or offer any moral good until God touches their depraved souls and puts his will into them: "For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13.) Until men believe these things, there is no need for them to start up the ladder of discipleship, but because of the humanistic tendency in men, they have confused sonship with discipleship and really believed that dead men have to act in order to have life.

     There is another area of unbelief that is almost as disturbing.  So many do not believe that all for whom Jesus died will live with him in glory.  This is one of the most God-dishonoring beliefs that has surfaced during the Christian era. 

When we look at the death of Jesus, we learn many things: One of the first is that sin was present on that princely body and soul. He having become the surety for his "sister," his spouse," the Lord had laid the iniquity of all of his beloved on him and he went to Calvary with all the sins of all that will live in glory on that prepared body.  If sin had not been present, he would not have died.  "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12.) Jesus had no sin in himself, yet: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24.) "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."(Hebrews 4:15.) So, we see that he paid the penalty required by God's law of divine justice for all those whose sins were upon him. 

     Due to the fact that he had no sins of his own, the sins that caused him to die were the sins of those for whom he had become the surety.  He paid everything that the law required, because in the new song of Revelation 5:9 the song says, ". . . redeemed us to God . . ."; not to where we can reach God or to where God can reach us, but "to God." If anything had been lacking, the song could not be sung.  So, we now need to understand that "By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14.)

     This sanctification is that of the Holy Spirit and is effective for all the elect of God.  If they are perfected forever, there is absolutely no stain of sin upon them.

     Let us draw a parallel case with a bank and its debtors. Suppose that a great number of those who owe money to a bank get into such circumstances that they are not able to pay their just debts.  A philanthropist knows all about the case and goes to the bank and pays off the debt for as many as he desires to set free from the consequences of default.  He then employs men to go and inform the debtors that the debt has been paid.  These messengers spread the word around, but they do not know everyone for whom the debt was paid; they have to assume that everyone they contact is a recipient of the benevolence.  They tell them that if they will only accept the payment, acknowledge the benefactor and honor him, the debt is settled in full, but if they reject it, they will have to satisfy the law themselves.  Because the hearers reject the offer, they are not given a receipt which they can show.  When payment time comes, those who have rejected the offer are called upon to pay the same price that has already been paid by the benefactor and full collection is made by the bank from them for the debt that has already been paid.  What would we say of a bank that would collect the same debt twice? Would we not recognize that here was dishonesty, covetousness and criminal mistreatment as wicked as any defrauding scheme that has ever been perpetrated by any individual? Yet, this is what men charge God with doing when they say that one for whom Christ died will fail to receive the benefits of Christ's suffering and have to pay again the terrible price that Jesus paid.  Whether we believe that Jesus died because of the sins of every individual on earth, or only a chosen few, I pray that we will not dishonor God by claiming that some for whom Jesus died will endure the eternal pangs of hell.  To me this appears to almost be blasphemy! If the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin (yes, even the sin of unbelief and rejection), what will be the charge when those whose sins went before them on Jesus into judgment are tried? "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after." (I Tim.5:24.) The sin of not believing that everyone for whom Jesus died will live with him in glory is a terrible sin, but because this sin also went before on him into judgment, it will not affect the standing of those for whom he died.  It will, however, prevent any who do not believe it from being true disciples.  The sin of unbelief prevented no one from being delivered from Egypt (even the bones of Joseph came out), but unbelief kept over a million, who had been delivered across the Red Sea, out of Canaan. (See Hebrews 3:19.)

     Another glaring deficiency in the modern system of theology, particularly in the so-called fundamentalist churches is the inconsistency of their teachings and their actions.  Most of them teach that the gospel is absolutely necessary in order for anyone to be saved from eternal hell; yet very few show much concern for the outreach necessary in order for all men to be given a "chance" to go to glory.  This seems to be true with many ministers who try to persuade men to become Christians in their Sunday discourses; yet who spend considerable time playing golf, fishing, or doing other things not related to the ministry of the word; yet, according to their own teaching, if one is missed by them and does not hear the word, his blood will be on their hands.  Indirectly, their lack of action (according to their teaching) is the cause of men perishing in hell; yet they verily believe that they will live in eternal bliss.  It causes one to wonder about the sincerity of such men.

     Also, if God designed the means by which his children become disciples as the effective means of making them sons, it would appear that God is not a God of perfection as claimed.  If he left in the hands of fallible men the sole means for the population of heaven; if hearing and obeying the gospel is the only way for men to glorify God in eternity, then the whole system could be doomed to miserable failure.  Of course, it is claimed by some that God predestinated all of his elect to believe the gospel; that they will all hear it and obey it; that all of the chosen will become disciples through belief of the truth.  Although those who hold this position are quick to deny hyper calvinism; yet such theology is dangerously close to the doctrine of absolute predestination of all things.  Such doctrine reduces men to the role of robots and makes God the author of all evil and wickedness when men practice such.  If such be true, then much of the Bible is superfluous as it deals with instructions for man's conduct here in this world. 

     If God orders and arranges all such conduct; if men are programmed as robots and have no control over their actions, there is no need for much of the Bible.  No, the Bible is given in order that men might have knowledge of sonship and instructions for discipleship.  This portrays God as the perfect being that he is.

     Another area that is abused is that of following the teachings of men, and not proving them by the word of God.  Obviously, this is a considerable task -- few seem to be willing to take the time to search the scriptures to see whether the things they hear are SO. (See Acts 17:11.) A true disciple will search the scriptures to see whether what is being taught agrees with all of God's word. 

     I have seen far too much tendency for men to take the scriptures out of their context, their setting, and attempt to prove something that is absolutely false.  In many instances, a text is quoted which seems to teach an idea when the text is removed from its surroundings and men who hear it go away and say they know the idea is true because the man proved it by a text in the Bible.  If one does not have a reasonable working knowledge of the Bible, it is almost impossible to be anything but a poor disciple. one must believe every text in the bible and continually strive to make it fit every other text and truth in the bible.  This can be done, but it takes diligent study; as before stated, "deep digging," and not many are going to spend the time to do it.  Jesus said that only a few would find it (Matthew 7:14), and these are some of the reasons.  There are almost as many reasons as there are people because of the mischief of our adversary, the devil.

     Satan is a liar, and the father of it. (See John 8:44.) He is enticing God's children to believe lies.  He blinds their minds, playing on the way that seems right unto men.  In C.S. Lewis' "SCREWTAPE LETTERS," there was a constant reminder to the imp, when he was being advised how to subvert a Christian or would-be disciple, to "make him think he thought of it himself." Satan's chief delight is to draw one away from discipleship because he knows that those who have been redeemed by Jesus' precious blood will be delivered by death, completely out of his reach forever. 

     What agony, grief and pain Satan can cause to them will have to be in this world, and he certainly loses no time.  Peter said:

          "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (I Peter 5:8-9.)

     This temptation to believe a lie is extended to all who would be disciples of the Lord.  The only guidelines we have are those in the written, inspired word of God.  They are often preached very truthfully and ably, but unless we try the preaching by the scriptures, we know not whether it is truth or error.

     Also, in this present time, there is a tendency to rely more on feeling, on the presence of the Holy Spirit who manifests his presence to those who walk in truth.  John warned us to . . . believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (I John 4:1.) Satan can deceive us with false feelings, just as the "Witch of Endor" deceived king Saul (I Samuel 28:7-20), or as the magicians of Pharaoh (Exodus 7, etc.), and as others have done through the whole Bible.  This is why we have to be sober and vigilant, trying the Spirits whether they are of God or not.  There is only one way to try them and that is by the letter of the word, by what God has said and not by what we feel.  No one likes to be filled with the Spirit any more than our people, but it is so easy for emotionalism to take over and then for Satan to manipulate it in order to deprive God's people of the promised righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.  Grace and peace are multiplied through knowledge, and false notions are also driven away through the learning of the word of God, the Bible.

     Sometimes the question is asked if one who has some knowledge of the scriptures, who gives himself to trying to serve the Lord, even though he is walking far from the New Testament pattern, is not blessed as fully as those who have all the knowledge possible. 

We must answer with an unequivocal NO! It is true that there are blessings in any kind of sincere Christian life, but the Bible is emphatic: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." (II John 9.) The less we know, the less we believe, the farther God is going to withdraw from us.   Then, as we finish II John 9: "He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." It behooves us to see that our minister preaches the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  It may be a little bitter in our mouths, but it will be sweet as honey as we begin to digest it.  This has been the experience of God's children through the ages.

     I remember, when I was a small child, attending a country church with my parents.  There were three rows of pews from the back of the church to near the pulpit, each facing toward the pulpit.  Then, on either side of the pulpit, there were several benches perpendicular to the other main pews, and one side of this arrangement was filled with elderly men and the other side with elderly women.  It was a marvel to me to see the reaction of the men in this "amen corner" when the preacher misquoted a text, usually on purpose, to see if his hearers were with him.  Three or four would protest, "No, Brother, that's not scripture," or "That does not read that way in my Bible," or some such gentle protest. I wonder how many today would readily recognize such an error.  As we look at the decline in genuine discipleship, it appears that lack of knowledge is probably the cause of more of God's people not being genuine disciples than any other one thing.  Dedication to the study of God's word is absolutely necessary in order for one to be a profitable disciple.  Then, such study must be in order to find out what to believe, rather than to try to prove what we already believe.