Raimer Rojas
The Jesus we preach, the gospel we uphold, and the faith we coach will determine the disciple we get.
“Just pray this prayer, and you’ll be saved.” It’s a line many of us have heard—or even used—when sharing the Gospel. And while the "sinner’s prayer" can mark the beautiful beginning of a genuine relationship with Jesus, it can also unintentionally reflect a truncated Gospel—one that reduces salvation to a momentary decision focused mostly on securing a place in heaven.
But what if the good news is bigger than simply where you’ll land in eternity? What if Jesus isn’t so much inviting us to pray a prayer, but to give Him our allegiance—to trust Him as King, follow Him as Lord, and be transformed by Him over a lifetime? This is the fuller call of the Gospel: not just to be rescued from something, but to be formed for Someone. Allegiance to Jesus isn't a harder gospel—it’s the whole Gospel, a call not only to believe, but to become.
Focus: A one-time decision, often aimed at securing eternal salvation.
Message: "Accept Jesus into your heart and you’ll go to heaven when you die."
View of Jesus: Savior from sin and hell—but not always Lord of your life.
Life Commitment: Minimal. Often implies no need for deep life change.
Discipleship: Optional. Spiritual growth may be encouraged but not essential.
Fruit: Risk of passive, nominal faith—people may “believe” but not follow. They might adjust a few habits, attend church occasionally, or try to be more moral, but without entering a lifelong relationship with Jesus that brings deep, ongoing transformation as a true disciple.
Focus: A lifelong response to Jesus as King—marked by loyalty, obedience, and trust.
Message: "Repent, believe, and follow Jesus. His Kingdom is here."
View of Jesus: Savior and Lord. The rightful King who demands and deserves allegiance.
Life Commitment: Total. Jesus becomes the defining center of life.
Discipleship: Essential. To follow Jesus is to be formed by Him.
Fruit: Deep transformation, ongoing growth, and participation in God’s mission.
A truncated gospel often produces converts who see faith as a one-time transaction. The gospel of allegiance produces disciples—people whose entire lives are reoriented around Jesus and His Kingdom. Jesus never said, “Pray this prayer and you’re good.” He said: "Deny yourself, take up [your] cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) & "I have set an example for you that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15) & “Go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) Eternal life isn’t just about where you go when you die—it’s about who you belong to now.
That being said, I did find a great Salvation Prayer that points kids and adults to a more complete gospel. I want to recommend it to you: The Salvation Poem - The Salvation Poem is a 6-line song formatted as a sinner’s prayer that shares the basics of the Gospel in a simple, effective, and memorable way. The link will also point you to a 10-video collection that is designed for new believers to understand the Gospel and what it means to follow Christ as His disciple. Highly recommend it!
The Gospel proclaims that Jesus Christ—through His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement—is King over all creation and the source of salvation for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). However, responding to the Gospel is not merely about receiving forgiveness and eternal life; it is a call to follow Jesus as His disciple—without exception (Mark 8:34-38). In this way, the Gospel and discipleship are inseparable, and the way we present the Gospel shapes the kind of disciples we become and make.
In the book, "Why the Gospel?," Matthew Bates emphasizes that faith is not just belief but allegiance to King Jesus. The title "Christ" means “Messiah” or “Anointed One,” signifying His kingship. To call Jesus "Christ" is to recognize His authority and submit to His rule—expressed through obedience, devotion, and participation in His mission. A Gospel that offers only grace and forgiveness without calling for transformation leads to shallow faith, reducing salvation to a mere transaction rather than a lifelong commitment. It creates passive believers instead of devoted disciples. Jesus never presented discipleship as optional; it is the natural response to His kingship.
To be a disciple is to be an apprentice of Jesus—to be with Him, become like Him, and do as He did. This is not only how we demonstrate our allegiance to Him but also how we are shaped into His image. True discipleship flows from a complete Gospel that calls us to submit to His authority, prioritize His kingdom, and actively participate in His work in the world.
If we are to preach the full Gospel, we must make it clear: faith in Christ is a lifelong commitment to following Him. Only then will we make not just converts, but disciples who, in turn, make other disciples—bringing glory to God and advancing His kingdom. A Gospel without discipleship is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.