The idea that one of the duties of a Christian is to "make" other Christians is one I believe to be false. In order to be "made" a Christian, or in other words to be converted, a soul must have a definite, real and redeeming encounter with the Life-Giving spirit that is Jesus Christ - PERSONALLY.
The idea that getting another person to agree with your doctrines and creeds is actually a spiritual conversion is very wrong, deceitful and damning!
It is my opinion that the New Testament was not written for unbelievers to learn about Salvation but for Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and to instruct, teach, warn, rebuke, admonish, encourage and build them up. This sentiment is expressed in 2 Timothy 3:16+17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Notice that verse 17 says that the object of giving the Scripture was to equip THE MAN OF GOD for every GOOD WORK. That is, for those who have ALREADY been converted and have come to know God personally [His kids] to mature and live obediently and honourably and faithfully.
13Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
17And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
1 Peter 1:13-19
No, I don't believe a person can benefit at all from Bible study or Theology apart from being born-again, that is by being spiritually converted by Jesus Christ personally. The Holy Spirit makes converts by His own will through the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.
So if it is not a Christians duty to make other Christians (or, disciples) what IS their duty? Surely it is to obey the sound words of their Lord and to take up their Crosses daily and follow Him - as wise builders labouring diligently to obtain an everlasting life - with patience and confidence. Is it not to decrease and allow Jesus to increase in them. To do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To bear the fruit of Repentance, the fruit of a Holy life - to be good students of the Teacher of Love? I suppose then in a word or two, it is a Christians duty to Repent daily.
In retrospect my own conversion seems absolutely undeserved and very mysterious. It was the birth of a NEW Life and the start of a new Way - a Pilgrimage. It was also the start of a new Relationship and Friendship with God Himself! I don't count myself to be particularly mature in the Faith or that I have "arrived" already at my spiritual goal of Salvation - what I am is glad - glad that I can share my experiences of life in this world with Jesus, no-one else likes me the way He does or wants to know me the way He does - this is gonna take some gettin used to!
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