When someone surrenders their life to Christ and confesses His lordship, all of Heaven rejoices. It is a moment of celebration and the beginning of a lifelong adventure of transformation.
That’s because salvation is not the end of the journey—it is the starting line. Jesus did not call us to make converts; He commissioned us to “‘make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20a).’” Discipleship begins the moment someone places their faith in Jesus.
This poses the question: How do we come alongside new believers as they begin their walk with Christ? One of the most effective ways to establish new believers in their faith is through the seven commands of Christ—simple yet powerful teachings that form a strong foundation for following Him. These commands guide new believers in how to walk with Jesus, obey His Word, and grow in relationship with Him. The seven commands of Christ offer a clear, practical framework for helping them grow in obedience, deepen their intimacy with God, and become faithful disciples who make disciples.
Here are the seven commands of Christ that guide new believers.
The Seven Commands of Christ
1. Repent and Believe
This is where the journey with Jesus begins. To repent is to completely turn away from sin—not just in behavior, but in heart posture, as well—and to align your life with the truth of the gospel. In His Word, Jesus calls to us, saying, “‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15)!’” Belief is not a passive thought, but an active trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, a declaration that His way is now your way, too. Repentance is not a one-time decision at the moment of salvation; it is a continual practice in the life of a disciple. As we walk with Christ, we are called daily to turn from sin, surrender our will, and pursue holiness. This ongoing repentance is essential to spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
2. Be Baptized
Baptism is the public declaration of your internal transformation—a bold proclamation that Jesus has saved you and your life now belongs to Him. It is not a means of salvation but a response to it. We are saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8), and baptism follows as an outward sign of the inward work Christ has already done in our hearts. In the early Church, baptism was often the first act of obedience after believing in Jesus—a symbolic burial of the old life and resurrection into new life with Him.
In Acts 10:48, Peter commands Cornelius and his household—who had already received the Holy Spirit through faith—to be baptized: “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” This moment affirms that baptism was not the cause of their salvation, but the clear response to it, affirming their commitment to walk in obedience to Christ.
3. Pray
Prayer must not be mistaken for a mere religious routine. Rather, acknowledge prayer for what it truly is—the opportunity to approach your Heavenly Father in a sacred moment where burdens are laid down, hearts are aligned, and intimacy is built. Jesus taught us not just to pray but how to pray, instructing, “‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:6).’” In the verses that follow, Jesus provides a model in what we now call the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), a simple template for connecting with God.
For those new to prayer, another helpful model is the ACTS model: adoration (praising God for who He is), confession (honestly acknowledging sin), thanksgiving (expressing gratitude), and supplication (bringing your requests to God). This framework helps shape a balanced, heartfelt prayer life rooted in Scripture and relationship.
Your Heavenly Father wants to hear from you—not with perfect words but a sincere heart. He longs to meet with you in private, honest prayer, where His presence brings peace and His Spirit draws you deeper into friendship with Him.
4. Love One Another
Jesus is love. His very nature is love, and He calls us to live the same way. His command is not conditional or especially convenient when those who need love the most are the hardest to love. Rather, it is radical and sacrificial.
“‘Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” -John 13:34-35
Loving one another is not only an act of obedience; it is a testimony. It is one of the clearest ways the world sees Christ in us. When we love as He loves—steadfastly, unconditionally, graciously, and with patience—we reflect the very heart of Jesus to those around us. In a world marked by division and self-interest, this kind of love stands out, drawing others toward the hope and truth of the gospel.
5. Make Disciples
“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations … .’” -Matthew 28:19
This is a command—not a suggestion. Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations is not limited to missionaries or pastors; it is a charge for every believer. The word “nations” refers to all people groups, meaning the gospel must go to the ends of the Earth until every tribe and tongue has heard the good news.
Discipleship is more than walking alongside someone in their faith journey; it is teaching them to do the same for others. As we help new believers grow in their relationship with Jesus, mature in His Word, and walk in obedience, we are also equipping them to share the gospel and make disciples themselves. It is a continuous, multiplying work that requires intentionality, investment, and a heart that burns for the lost.
6. Partake in the Lord’s Supper
To remember Him, to honor the sacrifice He so willingly made, and to glorify His faithfulness and majesty, Jesus invites us to partake in the sacred act of communion. Communion—also known as the Lord’s Supper—is a symbolic practice where believers eat bread and drink wine or grape juice to remember Jesus’ death on the cross. The bread represents His body, broken for us, and the cup represents His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” -Luke 22:19-20
At the table, we remember His broken body and shed blood—the ultimate price He paid to redeem us. This is to be a holy moment of worship, remembrance, reverence, and thanksgiving.
7. Give
Giving is at the very core of who God is. He gave of His precious time to disciple the lost. He gave His invaluable life to redeem us into His family. He gave us the gift of His Holy Spirit as a helper. Christ calls us to live with the same giving spirit in return.
“‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’” -Luke 6:38
While giving primarily involves our finances—supporting your local church, helping those in need, or giving to Christian organizations that are advancing the gospel—it can also take the form of time, talents, resources, or acts of service. When we give freely and live with open hands, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to the King of Heaven. Our generosity becomes a tangible expression of His love to the world and a reflection of the gospel we proclaim.
Go and Make Disciples of All the Nations
Are you ready to take the next step in discipling new believers and helping them grow in Christ? Start today by walking alongside someone who has recently accepted Christ. Try using the seven commands of Christ as your guide to nurture their faith, encourage obedience, and foster a deep, lasting relationship with God.
Discipleship is how the gospel expands, reaching the multitudes. When we make disciples who make more disciples, the Church grows and the good news of Jesus spreads to the ends of the Earth. This is how nations are reached and lives are transformed. Together, let us answer Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations—one life, one step, one act of obedience at a time.
Discipleship on the Mission Field
Discipleship is vital for fulfilling the Great Commission. East-West’s equipping strategy takes our national partners on a journey through various obedience-based trainings—including teaching the seven commands of Christ—so that they have the skills and resources necessary to make disciples and plant rapidly multiplying churches. See how we equip local believers.
