Are you a follower of Jesus? If your answer is yes, what does that mean?

If concerns me when I hear a message that calls for those who have not yet trusted in Jesus as Savior to just follow him. I am convinced that there are many followers of Jesus who possess a false sense of security in being a follower when they do not possess the faith in Jesus Christ that brings salvation. Let me explain. 

When Jesus began his ministry on earth, he called his disciples to follow him and become "fishers of men" (Matt 4:18-20). One of the twelve followers was a man named Judas Iscariot. Judas followed Jesus for the entirety of his ministry, witnessing the miracles he performed, the way he treated the poor and needy with kindness, and heard Jesus teach the multitudes about the kingdom of God. He heard Jesus confirm Peter's declaration that he was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. But Scripture never records Judas acknowledging Jesus as Lord. He called Jesus "Rabbi", acknowledging him as a great teacher, while the other disciples called him Lord, professing faith in him as the Son of God.

At the time of Jesus, many of the nation of Israel anticipated the coming of the Messiah, whom they believed would overthrow the Roman Empire and establish rule over them. Because of his association with Jesus, Judas expected to be among the ruling elite. But when it became apparent that Jesus would not be the one to overthrow the Romans, Judas seized the opportunity for financial gain by betraying him, delivering him into the hands of the Pharisees who wanted to kill him. After his betrayal, he tragically took his own life, never acknowledging Jesus as Lord. Judas Iscariot was a follower of Jesus. But he was a follower who did not have faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Jesus said that in the day of judgement, many will say "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?", and Jesus will say, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matt 7:21-23). These will be the "followers" who did not trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will be those who have relied on their act of following to earn their way into God's kingdom. Their following may have enhanced the quality of their own lives and the lives of others. They may have even led others to saving faith in Jesus Christ. But following Jesus without believing that he is the Son of God, and trusting in him for salvation, will not lead to eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Those who are saved are called to follow Jesus in a life of obedience to him (see Romans 12-15). 

If you have been following the teachings of Jesus, but have not trusted in him as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to become a true follower of him today. Believe the truth that he is God, that he paid the price for your sin at the cross, and trust in him for salvation. He will save you by his grace through your faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8-9).