Posted on June 6th, 2026

Few passages of Scripture are more important to the life and mission of the local church than what is commonly called "The Great Commission." These are among the final recorded words of our Lord Jesus Christ before His ascension into heaven. They reveal not only the responsibility of every believer but also the purpose for which Christ established His churches.

The Great Commission is found most clearly in Matthew 28:18–20: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This command remains the marching orders of Christ's churches until He returns.

The Authority Behind the Commission

Before giving His command, Jesus declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). The word translated "power" refers to authority. Christ possesses absolute authority because He is the risen Lord. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He conquered sin, death, and hell. He reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion. It is not a ministry reserved for missionaries, pastors, or church leaders alone. It is a command issued by the sovereign Christ to His church. Because He possesses all authority, His people are obligated to obey. Our motivation for evangelism is rooted in His lordship. We do not go because it is convenient. We do not go because it is popular. We go because the risen Christ has commanded us to go.

The Mission of the Church

The Great Commission consists of three primary responsibilities.

• 1. Make Disciples

Jesus commanded His followers to "teach all nations." The idea is to make disciples of all peoples. A disciple is more than a convert. A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus Christ. The goal of evangelism is not merely obtaining professions of faith but seeing men and women become devoted followers of Christ. The gospel must be proclaimed to every person regardless of nationality, ethnicity, language, or social status. The church is commissioned to carry the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth. This mission reflects God's heart throughout Scripture. Jesus said in Luke 19:10: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." The church continues that mission by proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

• 2. Baptize Believers

The second part of the commission is "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Baptists have historically understood this command to teach believer's baptism. Throughout the New Testament, baptism follows conversion. Those who have personally repented of their sins and trusted Christ are baptized as a public profession of faith. Baptism does not save. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9 declares:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Nevertheless, baptism is an act of obedience commanded by Christ. It symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. As Baptists, we practice baptism by immersion because it best reflects the biblical meaning of the ordinance and the examples found throughout the New Testament. Baptism also identifies a believer with a local New Testament church. It is the public declaration that one belongs to Christ and desires to follow Him faithfully.

• 3. Teach Them to Obey Christ

The commission does not end with conversion or baptism. Jesus commanded His disciples to teach believers "to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." The work of discipleship is ongoing. New believers must be grounded in Scripture, taught sound doctrine, and encouraged to grow in holiness. Churches are not called merely to make decisions but to make disciples. Genuine discipleship involves teaching believers how to live according to God's Word. This includes instruction concerning prayer, worship, Christian character, family life, stewardship, service, and obedience to God's commands. A healthy church is committed to both evangelism and discipleship. One without the other produces an imbalance. The Great Commission requires both.

The Scope of the Commission

Jesus commanded His followers to go into "all nations." The gospel is for every people group on earth. God has never limited His saving grace to one nation or ethnicity. The church must maintain a vision that extends beyond its own community. While we have a responsibility to reach our neighborhoods, we also have a responsibility to support and send missionaries throughout the world. The early church demonstrated this commitment. From Jerusalem, the gospel spread throughout Judea, Samaria, and eventually across the Roman Empire.

Acts 1:8 records Christ's promise: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." That mission continues today. Every church should be actively involved in local evangelism and global missions.

The Power for the Commission

The Great Commission would be impossible apart from God's power. No human being can save a soul. Salvation is the work of God. The Holy Spirit convicts sinners, regenerates hearts, and draws people to Christ. Jesus promised His disciples divine enablement through the Holy Spirit. The church advances not through human wisdom or worldly methods but through the power of God working through the preaching of the gospel.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."

Our confidence is not in our abilities but in God's power. When churches remain faithful to the gospel message, God continues to save sinners and build His kingdom.

The Promise Within the Commission

The Great Commission concludes with one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Christ never sends His people alone. His presence accompanies His church as it fulfills His mission. Throughout history, believers have faced opposition, persecution, hardship, and sacrifice while carrying the gospel to the world. Yet Christ has remained faithful to His promise. His presence strengthens us when we are discouraged. His wisdom guides us when we are uncertain. His power sustains us when we are weak. The success of the Great Commission ultimately depends upon Him.

Why the Great Commission Matters Today

Many churches face the temptation to become focused solely on internal programs, activities, and maintenance. Yet Christ did not establish His church merely to preserve itself. He established it to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. Some are called to go across oceans. Some are called to reach their neighborhoods. Some are called to support missionaries through prayer and giving. All believers are called to be witnesses for Christ wherever God has placed them. The Great Commission is not optional. It remains the central mission of the New Testament church. Until Christ returns, His people are called to proclaim the gospel, baptize believers, teach disciples, and carry the message of salvation to the nations.

The Great Commission stands as Christ's final command and continuing mandate for His church. It is rooted in His authority, empowered by His Spirit, and sustained by His presence. As followers of Jesus Christ, may we be faithful to proclaim the gospel boldly, disciple believers faithfully, and support the spread of the gospel around the world. The task is great, but our Savior is greater. And as we labor for His glory, we do so with confidence in His promise: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."