Understanding the Christ Call: Renunciation, Discipleship, and God's Mission

Many Christians grapple with the question: What does it truly mean to answer the Christ call? This isn't a simple matter of attending church or believing in Jesus; it's a profound commitment that reshapes every aspect of life. Drawing from prominent theological figures like John Stott, Andy Crouch, and R.C. Sproul, this article explores the multifaceted nature of this call, illuminating the path toward a life fully surrendered to Christ.

The Christ Call: Renunciation as a Foundation

John Stott's seminal work, "The Call to Follow Christ," emphasizes the necessity of renunciation as a cornerstone of genuine discipleship. This isn't a call to asceticism, but rather a profound shift in loyalties, a turning away from lesser gods to the one true God. This renunciation takes two primary forms: renunciation of sin and renunciation of self.

Stott doesn't shy away from the radical nature of this call. He emphasizes that the renunciation of sin, or repentance, involves more than simply feeling sorry. It's a complete change of heart and mind, a decisive turning away from known wrongdoing guided by Scripture and conscience. This might involve breaking harmful habits, severing toxic relationships, or abandoning destructive attitudes—even those deeply ingrained. The image of "plucking out an eye" powerfully illustrates the need for ruthlessness in removing obstacles to spiritual growth. Furthermore, true repentance frequently necessitates restitution—actively repairing the harm caused by past sins.

This process of repentance and restitution isn't about obsessive self-flagellation; rather, it's about genuine transformation and reconciliation. The goal is not to dwell on past mistakes but to move forward, empowered by God's grace, and committed to living a life pleasing to Him. It's a continuous process, not a one-time event.

The renunciation of self, equally crucial, involves yielding one's self-will to Christ's sovereignty. Stott highlights key phrases from Jesus' teaching: "deny yourself," "take up your cross," and "lose your life." "Denying yourself" isn't about self-hatred, but about prioritizing Christ's will above your own desires. "Taking up your cross" signifies embracing potential suffering for Christ's sake, reflecting His ultimate sacrifice. "Losing your life" means surrendering self-will, leading to the discovery of true identity in Christ. It's not a passive resignation but an active, daily commitment to Christ's lordship.

This surrender is not about losing your individuality but about finding your true self in Christ. It's about aligning your will with God's, recognizing Him as the ultimate authority in all aspects of your life. This complete commitment is crucial—you cannot claim the benefits of Christ's salvation without accepting His lordship.

The Three Callings of a Christian: Beyond the Contingent

Andy Crouch's "The Three Callings of a Christian" introduces a framework that enriches our understanding of the Christ call. Crouch proposes three callings: bearing God's image, restoring God's image, and a contingent calling.

The first two are fundamental and universal, applying to all Christians. Bearing God's image involves reflecting God's character in creation and engaging in fruitful work in the world. This happens primarily within the family unit, where identity and belonging are fostered. Restoring God's image involves actively repairing the damage done by sin and injustice; this occurs primarily within the church community.

These two core callings are far more significant than the third, the contingent calling. This third calling is dependent on individual circumstances, resources, and location. It might be a specific job, ministry, or vocation; however, Crouch argues that it’s secondary to the fundamental callings of image bearing and restoration.

Crouch emphasizes that Scripture doesn't provide detailed blueprints for contingent callings. The focus should be on God’s mission, not individual ambitions. Contingent callings are temporary and can change, but the two fundamental callings remain constant, regardless of life's circumstances. The example of Steve Hayner, whose memorial service focused on his character and relationships rather than professional achievements, perfectly illustrates this principle.

The Great Commission: Discipleship, Not Just Evangelism

R.C. Sproul's reflections on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) offer further insight into the Christ call. He distinguishes between evangelism and discipleship, emphasizing discipleship's crucial role.

Sproul highlights the authoritative nature of Jesus' command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This isn't merely a call to spread the gospel but to cultivate committed followers of Christ. Discipleship, Sproul argues, involves complete submission to Christ's authority, impacting every area of life. It's not simply intellectual assent but a transformative relationship.

The Great Commission isn’t a mandate for numerical church growth but a call to create disciples who passionately pursue Christ's teachings and live according to His will. The goal isn't just conversion, but the development of knowledgeable, articulate Christians who actively participate in extending Christ's kingdom. It is about fully embracing Christ’s agenda.

In conclusion, answering the Christ call is a multifaceted journey of renunciation, discipleship, and committed service. It involves a complete surrender to Christ's lordship, embracing the fundamental callings of bearing and restoring God's image, and living a life of obedience and love. It’s a lifelong commitment, a continuous process of transformation, and a path that leads to a rich and meaningful life devoted to God's glory.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Christian Call

What does it mean to "follow Christ," according to John Stott?

Following Christ, as described by John Stott in "The Call to Follow Christ," demands a complete renunciation of lesser loyalties. This isn't a one-time event but a continuous process involving two key aspects: renunciation of sin (repentance – a fundamental change of mind and behavior, going beyond mere remorse) and renunciation of self (surrendering self-will and acknowledging Christ's sovereignty over one's life). This includes actively repairing harm caused by past sins (restitution) and prioritizing Christ's will above our own, even if it involves sacrifice or suffering. It means accepting Christ's Lordship over every area of life, including career choices, and being open to God's plan, even if it differs from our own.

What are the three callings of a Christian according to Andy Crouch?

Andy Crouch, in "The Three Callings of a Christian," outlines three callings: 1) Bearing God's Image: This is a universal human calling, reflecting God in creation and praising/lamenting to Him, primarily fulfilled within the family. 2) Restoring God's Image: This calling involves actively repairing the damage done to God's image through idolatry and injustice, primarily fulfilled within the church community. 3) Contingent Calling: This is a circumstantial calling, dependent on resources, location, and circumstances. Crouch emphasizes that the first two callings are fundamental and far more important than the contingent calling, which is temporary and may change over time.

How does R.C. Sproul differentiate between evangelism and discipleship in the context of the Great Commission?

R.C. Sproul emphasizes that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) is not simply about spreading the gospel message (evangelism), but about making disciples. Discipleship, for Sproul, involves a complete submission to Christ's authority encompassing every aspect of life. It's not merely intellectual learning, but a transformative relationship where one wholeheartedly embraces Christ's teachings and lives according to His will. The goal is not just conversion, but the creation of committed, knowledgeable Christians who actively participate in extending Christ's authority and influence through the Church, following Christ’s agenda, not their own.

How does the concept of "renunciation of self" relate to daily life?

Renunciation of self, as Stott describes, is not about eliminating individuality but surrendering self-will to Christ's sovereignty. It's a daily commitment to actively prioritizing Christ's will in all decisions, big and small. This may involve sacrificing personal ambitions, embracing potential suffering for Christ's sake, and continually seeking to align one's actions with His teachings. It’s a continual process of self-examination and yielding to God’s leading.

What is the significance of the phrase "Jesus is Lord"?

The phrase "Jesus is Lord," in its historical context, was a powerful declaration of complete allegiance to Christ above all other authorities. Applying it today means submitting every aspect of our lives – public and private – to His control. It's a recognition that Christ is the ultimate authority in our lives and that our decisions should reflect that belief.

Are the three callings (Crouch) mutually exclusive?

No. Crouch emphasizes that the three callings are interconnected and often overlap. Bearing and restoring God's image often inform and shape the contingent calling. The fundamental callings provide a framework and motivation for the contingent calling, grounding it in a larger, more enduring purpose.

Is the "contingent calling" less important than the other two callings?

Yes, according to Crouch, the contingent calling, while important, is less significant than the fundamental callings of bearing and restoring God's image. The fundamental callings are enduring and foundational to a Christian life, while the contingent calling is circumstantial and may change throughout life. The emphasis should primarily be on fulfilling the fundamental callings.

What if my contingent calling changes or disappears?

The beauty of Crouch's framework is that the fundamental callings remain constant regardless of changes in circumstances. If a contingent calling changes or ends (e.g., job loss, relocation), the individual still has the foundational callings of bearing and restoring God's image to provide purpose and direction.

How does restitution fit into the "renunciation of sin"?

Restitution is a crucial element of genuine repentance. It involves actively repairing the harm done by past sins, whether through financial repayment, apologies, or mending broken relationships. While it's important to make amends, it shouldn't become obsessive or lead to undue self-condemnation over minor past offenses. The focus should remain on genuine repentance and reconciliation.