What does it truly mean to follow Jesus?

Pastor Jason Dohm explains that following Jesus involves two key concepts: union and communion. The Gospel promises us that by faith we become one with Christ. This faith is not just a belief, but a surrendering of ourselves to Jesus and the work He has done for us on the cross. This union with Christ is not the end of discipleship, but rather the beginning.

Discipleship continues with communion—a living relationship between us, the students, and Jesus, our teacher. This communion involves fellowship with Jesus, primarily through the Word of God. The entire Bible is the revelation of Jesus to mankind, not just the “red letters.” Through this communion with Jesus we are shaped and transformed into His image.

Galatians 3:26-27 (NKJV): “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

I would think of it in terms of two words, union and communion. So the good news or the gospel promises us that we actually become one with Christ by faith. So faith is just entrusting yourself to Jesus, who He is and what He's done for sinners, so the work of the cross. That's union that makes you one with Christ. But discipleship doesn't stop there, it actually starts there.

And it continues on with communion. In other words, there is a living relationship between the master and the student, the teacher and the student here, Jesus being the teacher, us being the student. We can actually have fellowship with him. And one of the key ways in which we have fellowship with him, not the only way, but a key way is the Word of God. Jesus in John chapter 1 and then in Revelation is identified as the Word.

So when we think of Jesus's words we shouldn't just think about the red letters in the Bible. It's the whole Bible. He is the revelation from God to mankind. And this is a key way in which He teaches us and conforms us into His image.