Recently, I have read a number of blog posts that concern current debates about being centered on the gospel, the grace of God, etc. Because I have not myself read the actual book-length works of the various leading authors who are propounding these views, I am not able to assess thoroughly the validity of what these who advocate this approach to the Christian life are saying.
Nonetheless, after reading these posts, I find my thoughts gravitating to Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18-20 as decisively showing what kind of life Jesus has called us to live:
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Because these verses as so well known, a detailed exposition is unnecessary. In brief, they stress that Jesus has called His disciples to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them and teaching them.
What Jesus specifies about the teaching that must take place is noteworthy. He stressed to His disciples that they must disciple others by teaching them to obey everything whatever He had commanded His disciples themselves to obey. He thus plainly enjoined a focus in discipleship of teaching people all that Jesus has commanded and directing them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.
Based on this analysis, I believe that any teaching that ultimately results in a de-emphasis on Jesus’ call to a commandment-centered making of disciples is not supported by Scripture.
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