Jesus Follower?

The modern believer has finally figured out the secret to salvation, truth, faith, life, evangelism, service, love. Ditch the label “Christian” and take up the label “Jesus Follower” (or “Follower of Jesus”).

I did a Google search to find a definition, a creed, a confession, or some set of beliefs held in common by those who call themselves Jesus Followers. What I found is hundreds of different statements, mostly short and generic. The Jesus Followers I have spoken with in person seem to want to keep things simple, loving Jesus and one another. That’s all fine and good on the surface, but what about the rest of God’s Word? What about original sin, baptism, absolution, and communion? What about Law and Gospel? What about daily crucifying the sinful flesh and rising to new life? What about all the other aspects of Christian doctrine that God has given us in His Word? Where does Holy Scripture ever take the minimalistic approach? Jesus gave His Church the task of teaching “all” that He has commanded (Matthew 20:18-19).

My observations have led me to conclude that Jesus Followers—though they seem to despise the concept of denominations—are a loosely knit denomination of their own.

By God’s grace, I am a Christian. I have a creed, a confession, a certain set of beliefs—all formed by Christ and His Word. When others ask me for a reason for the hope I have, my answer is simple: Jesus Christ and Him crucified for me. (For you too!) My only boast is in His cross, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Saint Luke gives us the origin of the title Christian. “In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Those who sat at the feet of Barnabas and Paul in Antioch believed their proclamation of Christ crucified and were happy to be identified with His messianic title. Peter later speaks beautifully of this title when he writes: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” (1 Peter 4:16). Given these wonderful examples, why would any believer want to ditch this Scriptural title for something “new” and “innovative”?

If you consider yourself a Jesus Follower, why do you believe this title is better or more effective than the title Christian (which has apostolic foundation and nearly 2000 years of usage)?