What is the Great Commission? How does it relate to the abortion debate?

The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20 and reads:

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

While this commission is given to the original twelve disciples, it applies to God’s people as a whole. We are to be and make disciples. Discipleship, according to the Great Commission, involves two activities: baptism and teaching/learning. Individuals become disciples by being buried with Christ through baptism and learning to walk in newness of life by observing all his commandments (Matt 28:18-20; Rom 6:4).

While not specifically related to the abortion debate, the Great Commission frames out the primary task of the church: we are to be and make disciples for Jesus Christ. If our participation in the abortion debate hinders us from doing so, we would be wise to change our tactics within such disputes. It is certainly appropriate to advocate for the unborn; however, such advocacy must be done with the task of being and making disciples in mind.

You can read more on discipleship via the following articles at www.moodycenter.org: