For many, it might seem an act of “spiritual redundancy” to once again consider the Great Commission (GC).  Many in the pew might feel, along with some church leadership, that the GC is overemphasized today, especially by those involved in “missions work” or by those who are hoping to see numerical growth in their local church.  So here is the question: Is there really a “need” to once again consider something so simple, that is, “the obligation to proclaim the Gospel to each generation.”  The purpose of this article is to defend the need of another examination of the Great Commission.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.”

Responsibility and accountability: The first truth that we must reckon with is the two-sided coin of responsibility and accountability.  On one side, we have a tremendous responsibility before the world and before God to proclaim the Gospel.  As those who have been saved from the fires of hell standing before those who are day by day falling into that eternal pit of judgment, we have a moral responsibility to tell them of the only way of escape.  Before the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who died for them, and the one who told us to go and preach the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, we are responsible to carry out this command with all diligence. 

On the other side of the coin, we understand that we are accountable to God for our faithfulness to this responsibility.  We will be held accountable!  Ezekiel 33:8 “When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

There are a couple of factors that seem to heighten the seriousness of this first consideration.  While it is true that there are far more believers today compared to when Christ first gave the GC, it is also true that we are facing some formidable challenges.  We live in a massive, very complicated world that has developed several systems of defense to Gospel advancement, both religious and governmental.  The the largest percentage of the over 7 billion people in the world today live within an area that has been defined as the most unevangelized on the globe and also the most aggressive against the Gospel, the 10/40 window. 

Within and outside this region, sweeping across the nations, are a number of massive religious systems that distort or deny the person and work of Christ, or simply present an absolutely pagan religious system. 

With such obstacles and challenges, one might rest at ease and be lulled into simply accepting the plight that we face, i.e. certain failure.  While that argument might salve the conscience of some, it won’t stand a moment before Him who left the glories of heaven, took on flesh, and bore the sin-guilt of all mankind upon the Cross.  Consider the tremendous resources at our disposal. 

God's own emphasis of the GC: The second compelling reason to reconsider the Great Commission is due to God’s own emphasis upon it.  It is not that man is somehow disproportionately emphasizing the GC; God Himself is the One who raised it to a position of preeminence.  

The tremendous benefit of the GC: The third and final reason that this article will present which should compel any sensitive believer to exalt and once again consider the Great Commission is the tremendous benefit found within the GC.  Without question, the greatest good for a lost, condemned man is forgiveness, eternal salvation, and peace with God. 

Mark 8:36-37 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” 

In addition, from the heavenly vantage point, by the advancement of the Gospel among the nations, the highest and most noble end of all is achieved, the glory of God. 

Romans 15:9 “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.”

While there may be several other considerations, let these three truths be sufficient to bring the earnest disciple of Christ to focus his or her attention once again on the GC.  By God’s grace, let your iron be sharpened for a more effective, fruitful harvest for the Lord Jesus Christ.