October 26
The Unlimited Commission of the Gospel
The Christian's Daily Treasury"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." — Matthew 28:19, 20.
WE have here the Christian minister's directory. See
THE UNLIMITED COMMISSION OF THE GOSPEL.
It is important in its contents. It consists in the communication of instruction. "Teaching them" what glorious truths are to be taught; the ruin and desolation occasioned by sin, and the blessings secured by grace; our duty to God and our neighbor; the all-sufficiency of Christ's merits, and the work of the Spirit. The Bible, and not a human production, is to be our book of reference and appeal. It consists in the administration of an ordinance. "Baptizing them." This is an outward sign of an inward change; by it we are introduced into the visible Church of Christ. While we regard it as of Divine authority, let us beware of attaching too much importance to it.
It is Divine in its origin. It is not the commission of men, but of our Redeemer God. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." It is at our peril to go farther than the contents of our commission, or to refuse to declare the whole counsel of God. We must not multiply words without cause, which will only tend to hide, or at least impair our meaning, as the fruit is seldom abundant where the foliage is too luxuriant.
It is universal in its extent. "Teach all nations." There is something delightfully encouraging in the contemplation of the universal adaptation of the Gospel and its blessings to the nature, capacities, and requirements of the soul of man. Sin is a universal malady, and the Gospel proclaims a universal remedy. Paul rejoiced, that, though he was in chains, the word of the Lord was not bound. May it appear that to me is the word of this salvation sent, with Divine power and energy!
"Lord, spread the triumphs of thy grace; Let truth and righteousness and peace, In mild and lovely forms, display The glories of the latter day."