Counsel #4 — The Gospel Commission

Picture: Counsel #4 — The Gospel CommissionCCW 112.1

Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20) advocates for His followers to actively share the good news of salvation. Christians are called to "go" and "make disciples," suggesting a proactive approach to spreading the gospel, an approach protected by governments that safeguard religious liberty. Yet, how this good news is shared is crucial. Coercion or force are completely against the very core of what authentic Christianity stands for. Even God compels no one to worship Him. Following Jesus' own example, the emphasis should be on love, persuasion, and the power of the message itself.CCW 112.2

This approach fosters a genuine response, one rooted in personal conviction rather than external pressure. Religious liberty allows faith to flourish as a response to the call of the Holy Spirit on the heart, rather than coercion.^{[169]https://www.adventistliberty.org/a-new-look-at-religious-liberty}CCW 112.3

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 NETCCW 112.4

“God means that truth shall be brought to the front, and become the subject of examination and discussion, even through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the people must be agitated; every controversy, every reproach, every effort to restrict liberty of conscience, is God's means of awakening minds that otherwise might slumber.” Ellen White in Sons and Daughters of God, p. 261CCW 112.5

Reflect: How can Christians share their faith in a way that respects the right of others to choose differently?CCW 112.6