1. Anyone who believes the doctrine, teachings, or philosophy of another and who follows that teacher is his disciple. He stands as a learner, a devotee of the one whose concepts he accepts. Thus we read of the disciples of John the Baptist (Mark 2:18; Luke 11:1; John 1:35; 3:25), of Moses (John 9:28), and of the Pharisees. (Mark 2:18.)
2. All the saints from the day of Adam to the present have been disciples of Christ. (Isa. 8:16; Matt. 27:57; John 19:38; Acts 9:36; 11:26.) Those who believe the false doctrines of christendom consider themselves to be true disciples yet by their false beliefs and evil works they are not so classed by Him whose judgment shall prevail.
Scriptural tests establishing true discipleship include: a. Believing the true doctrines of Christ (Ether 4:10-12); b. Obeying the principles of the gospel (John 8:31); c. Having "love one to another" (John 13:35); d. Accepting the message and aiding the work of the missionaries (D. & C. 84:87-91); and e. Bringing forth works of righteousness (John 15:4-8.)
3. The apostolic ministers chosen to labor among the Jews, and also those who rendered similar service among the Nephites are called "the twelve disciples." (Matt. 20:17; 3 Ne. 19:4.)
(Mormon Doctrine, 143)
