- Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical person who preached, healed and taught in Judea and Galilee in the early part of the first century A.D.
- He was opposed by the religious leaders of His day, resulting in His being arrested, condemned and crucified by the Roman government under Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea. Secular historians from the first century A.D. corroborate this.
- He arose from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion and made at least ten appearances in public and private after His resurrection.
- He ascended to heaven 40 days later (Acts 1:3), but first He had, by the Holy Spirit, given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1:2).
The orders were to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20.
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’ ” Mark 16:15.
“[Then] He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’ ” Luke 24:45–47.
“Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you.
“The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. …
“Whatever one’s calling in life, his first interest should be to win souls for Christ. He may not be able to speak to congregations, but he can work for individuals.” The Desire of Ages, 822.
If you have been baptized as a Christian, are you fulfilling your commission from Jesus Christ?
[Bible texts quoted are New King James Version translation.]