Great Commission

Definition

The Great Commission refers to the instruction given by Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection, commanding them to spread his teachings and baptize all nations. This foundational mandate emphasizes the importance of evangelism, mission work, and the call for Christians to actively share their faith with others. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the purpose of the church and its role in the world, particularly in engaging diverse cultures and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations.
2. This command is considered vital in establishing the mission of the church as it highlights the need for outreach beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.
3. The Great Commission has been interpreted in various ways across different Christian denominations, impacting their approach to mission and evangelism.
4. It emphasizes not only proclaiming the gospel but also teaching believers to observe all that Jesus commanded, linking evangelism with spiritual growth.
5. The Great Commission has inspired countless missionary efforts throughout history, leading to the establishment of churches and communities worldwide.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Commission reflect the core beliefs of Christianity regarding mission and evangelism?
  • The Great Commission illustrates core beliefs by emphasizing the call for Christians to share their faith actively and make disciples. It highlights the importance of evangelism as a response to Jesus’ teachings, showing that spreading the message of Christianity is a fundamental aspect of living out one's faith. By urging followers to engage with all nations, it reinforces the belief that the message of Jesus transcends cultural and geographical barriers.
• In what ways does the Great Commission challenge Christians to engage with a pluralistic world?
  • The Great Commission challenges Christians to embrace a pluralistic world by promoting dialogue and respectful engagement with diverse beliefs and cultures. It calls for Christians not only to share their faith but also to understand and appreciate different perspectives. This encourages building relationships with people from various backgrounds, fostering an environment where meaningful conversations about faith can take place.
• Evaluate the impact of the Great Commission on modern Christian mission strategies in light of cultural diversity.
  • The impact of the Great Commission on modern Christian mission strategies is profound, as it encourages churches to adapt their methods to address cultural diversity effectively. This means developing contextualized approaches that resonate with different communities while remaining true to the core message of Christianity. By evaluating local customs, languages, and social issues, missionaries can create more effective outreach efforts that respect cultural differences while fulfilling the mandate given in the Great Commission.

Related terms

Evangelism: The act of preaching or sharing the Christian gospel with the intention of converting individuals to Christianity.

Discipleship: The process of teaching and mentoring individuals to follow Jesus and live according to his teachings.

Baptism:

A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth, often performed as a public declaration of faith.