Q. Were the disciples "saved" when they began to follow Jesus? (Submitted by: M. F.) A. "Saved" is a term used very loosely in the Christian faith. Christ chose the disciples
to be part of His ministry and they answered His call. Judas answered the call of Christ as well. Christ told God in one of His prayers: " While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them (the disciples)
is lost , but the son of perdition (Judas) ; that the scripture might be fulfilled. " (John 17:12) This scripture implies the disciples could have been lost; however with Christ's help they were not lost. The Bible doesn't tell us about the disciples' relationship with God prior to meeting Christ. Christ had special powers because He was and continues
to be the only begotten Son of God. He knew the potential of all the disciples and He understood their character. Because of the disciples' relationship with God and Christ, as well as what they saw during their life with Christ, the disciples fully dedicated
their lives to the teaching of "the good news of the coming kingdom of God" (the gospel). They lived their lives and were martyred for God, Christ, and the God's work of spreading the good
news. Because of the faith and dedication of men like these spreading the gospel, we all have the potential to become "Sons of God" and live eternal
life.
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