The following articles are related to the topic of GREAT COMMISSION, THE

Calvinism and the Great Commission

John Calvin (1509-64) was a religious reformer and theologian. The basic premise of his theology was the absolute sovereignty (right to reign) of God, out of which evolved his misguided theory of "predestination." The Swiss reformer believed that human "free will" was destroyed by man's "original sin"; thus, the innate power to yield to the will of God was lost ... read more »

The Great Commission According to Matthew

Before Jesus ascended back to heaven, he gathered his disciples together and declared: "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I ... read more »

Matthew 28:19-20 – Four Important Points About the Great Commission

"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:19-20). The foregoing is Matthew's account of what ... read more »

Does Mark 16:16 Involve “Water” Baptism?

"Would you provide biblical evidence in answering this question: Does the baptism of Mark 16:16 involve water? A friend contends the passage refers to a 'baptism into Christ' at the point of faith. Then, subsequently - as a Christian - one submits to baptism in water as an act of obedience, symbolizing his salvation. Unfortunately, your friend is quite in ... read more »

Ephesians 4:5 – One Baptism

The words "baptism" or "baptized" are employed in several different senses in the New Testament. Sometimes baptism refers to the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) which was bestowed upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), and which later was granted to the household of Cornelius in order to demonstrate divine approval of God's acceptance ... read more »

Was Paul’s Theology Consistent on “Conversion”?

J. Carl Laney is a Professor of Biblical Literature at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Laney is a respected scholar but in some serious particulars his theology is flawed. For example in his book, Answers to Tough Questions From Every Book in the Bible, he raises the issue of whether baptism is essential to salvation. In response to ... read more »

Conversions in Acts

There are many disciplines of human learning that are governed by rules. For example, there are mathematics rules, rules that govern grammar, etc. It is not uncommon, though, that rules are structured in technical terms that, practically speaking, are of little value to some students. Hence, a wise teacher learns to illustrate. The "rule" is made more understandable by the ... read more »

More Preaching on Baptism?

What do you think? Do we need more sermons on baptism? Ask that question and you will receive a variety of answers. In fact, you will no doubt get conflicting answers -depending upon with whom you are talking. Some have expressed the opinion that "all we hear" are sermons on baptism. First, one need not apologize for teaching any New ... read more »

Were John’s Disciples Required To Be Reimmersed?

"Were those who were immersed by John the Baptizer required to be re-immersed on or after the day of Pentecost?" This question has generated much discussion. Some contend that John's disciples were obligated to submit to the baptism of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). This assumption is based almost entirely on Luke's narrative in Acts 19:1-7. ... read more »

What Must I Know To Be Saved?

Three times in the book of Acts the question is posed concerning what one must "do" to be saved. The Jews, on the day of Pentecost, framed the question (Acts 2:37), as did Saul of Tarsus en route to Damascus (22:10; cf. 9:6). The jailor in Philippi likewise inquired about this crucial issue (16:30). This is a tremendously important question ... read more »