The Great Commission

The Great Commission – Mark 16:15-16

     These next two verses are so powerful and yet at times controversial.  Jesus tells His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel or good news.  Their mission and task are set before them.  This message is universal and to every nation, creed, tribe and color.  He who believes and is baptised is saved and those who do not believed shall be condemned.  Now for some this means unless a person is baptised in water that person is not saved.  Others think it means that if you are not baptised in the Holy Spirit then you are not saved.  Both positions are incorrect.  Jesus is saying here that when a person believes the next logical step is water baptism because it shows what has happened in the heart.  In the book of Acts you see in most cases believers were baptised immediately.  A good example was Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  The second part of verse 15 does make it clear that salvation is by faith and faith alone.  Today go into your world and bring Christ to those who believe and help them to understand the significance of water baptism and it be a celebration of a new life in Christ.