In knowing the Father, the Son, and the relationship between the Father and the Son, we should seek to always walk throughout the course of our lives closely connected with the Father and the Son, in a life of fellowship with them. This requires discipleship. The Father’s Son Jesus Christ died for you and the Father raised him from the dead. The way has been set and help is on hand for you to enter true life because of this. It is a life of discipleship. Discipleship of Jesus Christ starts with simply this: to hear his word and believe that he is the light of the world, sent by the Father. However, we can only live in connection with the Father and the Son IF we keep a tight hold on the light-giving teachings from Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world, but, to benefit from his light, we clearly need to learn his teachings and learn to live by them. Then we will enjoy being led into all truth by the Holy Spirit in his name. Disciples are to do more than hold tightly to his teachings. They must learn to understand and obey his commands within the context of his body of believers, loving one another, so that all are built up. Through discipleship, each disciple is freed from sin, awaiting Jesus’ return while building up the Father’s Temple, which is Jesus’ body of believers. Persistence is necessary. There is an analogy Jesus gives, of a vine where he is the vine and disciples are the branches. Only by keeping tight hold on his teachings will disciples stay part of the vine, connected to Jesus. Upon his coming, they will experience resurrection to eternal life and enjoy fellowship with the Father and the Son forever, but first each one must endure troubles. For enduring such troubles, there is this joyful hope which sustains the true disciple: the hope of true knowledge of the Father and the Son, which is what eternal life is all about, and a share of Jesus’ glory.
