The earliest believers were simply called disciples, those who followed Jesus and for whom He gave His life. They were not divided by theological movements or denominational labels. Their identity was not in a system of doctrine but in Christ Himself—His death and resurrection, His teachings, and their obedience to Him as Lord.
Paul reinforced this when he rebuked early divisions in the church, saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). The focus was never meant to be on theological camps, but on Jesus, the One who died for them. Over time, human traditions and debates created factions, each defining itself by secondary matters. But the true, original identity of a believer is simple: a disciple of Christ, redeemed by His sacrifice, and devoted to His teachings.
The Church’s strength is not in denominational distinctives or theological arguments, but in unity as disciples who live for the One who died for them. Any label that replaces that core identity distracts from the simplicity of what it means to belong to Christ.
Stephen D Green, with ChatGPT, April 2025
