The Bible isn’t ambiguous about its plot line. God is on a mission to gather a people from every nation who will enjoy his grace and extend his glory. Considering that reality, teachers of God’s Word ought to make the plot line clear when they teach, not assume that people will just “get it” on their own.

The New Testament contains clear commands for Christians to engage in God’s mission, but it also tells the story of that mission. It reveals the motives and methods of the apostles, and it also gives hope for God’s people as they participate in God’s mission.

God’s Mission in the Commands of the New Testament

Perhaps the clearest statements of God’s plan for the nations are found in the Gospels and Acts. In the Great Commission passages, Jesus called his followers to make disciples among all nations (Matt. 28:18–20; Luke 24:46–47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8). These aren’t mere suggestions. They are royal edicts from the king of the cosmos.

The One who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth has tasked his people with making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that he has commanded, with the hope and reassurance that he will be with them through all of it (Matt. 28:18–20). It’s not just the church’s mission. It’s God’s mission. And he promises us his presence every step of the way.

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