One of the great debates surrounding discipleship is if it equates to salvation by works. For being a disciple of someone intrinsically requires the disciple to “do something.”

 

Because, a disciple is someone who attempts to obey and imitate their master by knowing and keeping their master’s words, teachings, commands, and example. And it is clear from the 250+ references in the New Testament that we are to be disciples of Jesus. So how then does that not equate to salvation by works?

 

One point of clarification is that good works are at the very least associated with salvation. Scripture is clear that one cannot simply “get saved” and then not be conformed to the image of Jesus by imitating Him as His disciple.

At this point in the discipleship journey, it is not uncommon for God to allow Satan to bring extremely difficult circumstances into our life. However, while Satan intends these things for evil, God allows them for good.

 

Like all circumstances, God uses these attacks of Satan to conform us to the image of Christ. During these attacks we are forced to choose between our flesh and Christ. Faith allows us to choose the words and ways of Christ. Faith gives us the ability during these difficult circumstances to choose to respond with the words and ways of Christ rather than with our words and ways.

 

The more times this occurs, the more often we choose to respond with Christ’s words and ways. The more we respond with Christ words and ways, the more we are conformed to the image of Christ and the more honor and glory we bring to Him.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12, NIV)

 

In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16, HCSB)

 

The shield of a Roman soldier on which the Shield of Faith is based is not the small round shield we often imagine. It was about 4 feet tall and either rectangular or an oval.

 

It was basically a mobile wall. While formed in ranks, Roman soldiers would join their shields together to create a protective barrier. The row in front would hold the shields in front of them, while the rest of the ranks would hold them overhead. This would create a protective covering from the incoming arrows of the enemy.

 

Often these shields would be coated with leather which would be soaked with water. This would extinguish any enemy arrows which might be dipped in pitch and lit on fire. These shields were specifically designed to be connected and joined to the shields of other fellow soldiers. Likewise, our faith is designed to be connected to the faith of other disciples.