by Charles E. Fischer
The Theology of the
GREAT COMMISSION
T IS AMAZING, and maybe even I am with you always, to the very end of authority flippantly, nor delegate it indis-
I
tragic, how much stuff the modern the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV). criminately. The authority Jesus gives us
church is involved with that is not I’m not sure who first ascribed the enables us to teach (Matthew 7:29), heal
central to its primary purpose. moniker “The Great Commission” to this (8:1-13), proclaim forgiveness for sins
Building facilities, sponsoring sports passage of Scripture, but I do know the (9:6) and have victory over the devil’s
teams, creating state-of-the-art websites, greatness of this challenge is derived from influence (10:1). Out of this authority He
and joining in fellowship around tables the person speaking—Jesus Christ. The heart calls us to “make disciples.”
filled with food are not bad things. But and purpose of God himself is revealed in This is the only command in the
they are not “the main thing.” Jesus made these words of Jesus to His church. Great Commission. “Make disciples” is in
sure we would understand our mission the imperative. It is not a suggestion or
when He said, “All authority in heaven
Founded on Divine Authority
an option. We are not told to debate, dis-
and on earth has been given to me. The authority Jesus possessed was cuss, or even pray about it. We are to do it
Therefore go and make disciples of all given to Him by His Father. The Greek because Jesus said so and His words are
nations, baptizing them in the name of word used here is exousia. It refers to dele- backed up by our heavenly Father. We
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy gated authority. Jesus tells us to go and stand on stable ground when we follow
Spirit, and teaching them to obey every- make disciples based on His power of the instructions of Jesus. To do otherwise
thing I have commanded you. And surely attorney. God does not exercise His is to venture out on our own and end up
8 EVANGEL • SEP 2009
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