It’s important that we look at what Jesus said to His disciples when He ascended to heaven after His resurrection (Luke 24:36-43; Acts 1:1-11). He told His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus said:

1. Go. Christians are not to be idle. Our “business” is as Scripture-inspired, Spirit-led and kingdom-focused ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

2. Make disciples. The only way to make disciples is by the power of the gospel. Romans 1:16 tells us the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” When we share the gospel of Jesus Christ, it’s the gospel that “does the work” of salvation by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t save anyone. Only God can.

3. Be baptized. Once people are saved, their usual first act of love, identification with and thankfulness toward their Savior is to be baptized. Baptism is symbolic of a believer’s union with Christ and is also symbolic of the washing away of sins (effected by Christ). Baptism is a visible sign of the new covenant of grace in Christ. Baptism does not save anyone. Scripture passages that verify these truths include Romans 6:3-4 and Galatians 3:27.

4. Teach others to observe all Jesus has commanded us. This statement sums up the first three. We share the gospel and we see that believers are baptized. We teach the disciples all about Christ.

What is the why

for these commands?

Because all power and authority rest in Christ. As His, we serve as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), and we obey Him not for a works-based righteousness but instead because we love Him and are thankful for what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do. And so, we watch and wait for His return.

His return will be marked as Scripture says:

— “For just as the lightning comes from the east and appears even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:27)

— “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

Therefore, Christians are to:

— “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33).

— “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

— “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

We must look forward to physically being with Christ. One day we will, “rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).

Be Heavenly Minded

as You Wait

The Bible is full of the gospel, and it all points to Christ — He is the Gospel. Scripture is our source for all we need to live as Christians as we await Christ’s return (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3). We’re not to obsess or be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6-7). Worrying about the evil events in the world or using them to validate our end times beliefs does not lead toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), nor does it equate to being filled with and displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26).

Being heavenly minded, according to Christ, means being led by the Spirit as we rest in Christ and His sufficiency. Heavenly minded Christians remember and share the Gospel, fellowship with one another and enjoy Christ’s sufficiency through the ordinary means of grace (baptism, prayer and the Lord’s supper).

In the end what matters for every person is what they “do” with Jesus Christ.

1. Question One of the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer? “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Scriptural references for this answer are found in Psalm 73:25-26, John 17:22, and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

2. King Solomon proclaims, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

3. Revelation 14:6-7 states, “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

The key to understanding all three of these truths is to realize God’s redemptive plan for humanity is a thread running throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis 3:15 (the protoevangelium — first mention of the gospel). God’s plan will not be thwarted by any man or event.

Jesus Christ is the only One who could and did obey every one of God’s commandments. He atoned for every sin of humanity on the cross. He did something we can never do. We are indeed in the final age before Christ returns (Matthew 28:20; Titus 2:11-15), and while people still have breath, hope remains. The hope lies in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that’s our call, to “keep” (observe, hold fast to) His commandments by resting in Christ, His grace and His sufficiency.

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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week’s column comes from Rev. Don Grant of Hillview Wesleyan Church, Flemington.