Matthew 28:19-20: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.
In Greek, therefore is a short three letter conjunction, but it packs great meaning. "Therefore" could literally be "Because of this" as the word connects the importance of something stated with what then follows. Here, it is on the basis of the authority of our sovereign lord. This lordship found in verse 18 is the basis of how Jesus could then commission His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Jesus had unlimited authority and thus the commission is unlimited.
Many people say that there is no reference to the Trinity in the Bible, which is absolutely untrue. If you just need one verse to prove it, here it is. We use this as the basis for the baptismal formula. For me, what a blessing to name the members of the Trinity in both baptisms as well as in the blessing of the rings at weddings.
We are evangelistic as a church and certainly Christ commands us to evangelize the lost. It is interesting that Christ in this Great Commission focuses his final words on teaching. Evangelism to be valid must have a teaching component. That is why we urge you to come to church after you are saved. One does not have an instant knowledge of all biblical truth when saved, and thus we must come humbly to seek knowledge from those teaching the Scriptures.
The Lord's instructions never yet have been fully obeyed, and we know that not all the nations will accept the message in this age of grace; but we are commanded to go forth in the name of the Triune God, proclaiming the authority of the risen King and bhidding all men yield to him in glad surrender, and so enter into peace and blessing while waiting for His return from heaven.
Matthew closes with the Lord sending forth His messengers. We do not read of Christ's ascension here. The emphasis is on the Lord as Commander doing the work of enlisting ambassadors for Christ and His Kingdom. We represent the authority of the God of heaven and earth, and plead with people to be reconciled to Him who sent His Son in grace that all men might have life and peace through Him. We are unfaithful representatives indeed if we fail to respond to the command laid upon us, and allow our fellow men to preish in their sins unwarned and knowing not the way of life.
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