Matthew 28:20

Teaching them. The acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ involves the action of the intelligence. Only an intelligent Christian can be a real Christian. Concepts of Christianity that make of conversion and salvation a simple assent to faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour—important though that be—omit a most important part of the gospel commission. It is fully as important to teach men to observe the things Christ has commanded as it is to baptize. In fact, faith in Christ calls for constant growth in “the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Without the exercise of the mental faculties to understand the revealed will of God, there can be no real Christianity, no real growth. Instruction is thus of vital importance before and after baptism. Without adequate instruction in the great vital truths of the gospel, there can be no true religious life. At the same time, it is the wonderful love of Christ that subdues hearts. Without genuine love for Christ the doctrines and forms of religion lose their meaning and value.

All things. Nothing is to be omitted. It is not for man to declare that some of Christ’s teachings are outmoded.

Whatsoever I have commanded you. Human traditions and human requirements are of no value before God. Any teaching that is without the authority of Christ has no place in the Christian church. For comment on the vital distinction Jesus drew between “the commandment of God” and “the tradition of men” see on Mark 7:7, 8, 13.

I am with you alway. At first thought it seems strange that Jesus should make such an announcement as this when He was about to ascend to heaven and be parted, bodily, from His disciples until the day of His return in power and glory. However, by virtue of the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus would be closer to believers throughout the earth than would be possible had He remained bodily present (see John 16:7). The Scriptures make the presence of Christ real to every humble believer. Through the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit, every disciple of the Master may find fellowship with Christ as did the disciples of old.

The end of the world. Or, “the end of the age” (see on chs. 13:39; 24:3). From “the foundation of the world” (ch. 25:34) Jesus has been working for the salvation of His people, and He will continue with them till the close of time.

Amen. See on ch. 5:18. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the omission of this word.