The Two Sides of a Christian Coin
From a Reformed perspective, the Great Commandment (loving God and neighbor, Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (making disciples, Matthew 28:18-20) are inseparable, complementary aspects of the Christian life. They function as two sides of a single coin: the Great Commandment is the heart-motivation (love), while the Great Commission is the active obedience of that love. [1, 2]
Key aspects of this relationship include:
- Actionable Love:Loving the neighbor (Commandment) requires sharing the gospel, which is the highest form of love—introducing them to the savior (Commission).
- Complementary Goals:The Great Commission shows the hands of the church, while the Great Commandment shows its heart.
- Balanced Faith:Neglecting the Great Commission makes social work merely philanthropic, while neglecting the Great Commandment makes evangelism cold and unloving.
- Holistic Ministry:Reformed theology emphasizes both the proclamation of the Gospel and the demonstration of love through justice and mercy in the community. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
In short, authentic love for God and others (Commandment) naturally drives the church to spread the gospel and disciple nations (Commission). [1, 5]
Corresponding sources
[3] http://wawalker.com/the-great-commission-the-great-commandment-and-the-trinity/
[4] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/neglect-great-commandment-hinder-great-commission/
[5] https://www.walkingwithgiants.net/evangelism/a-great-commandment-and-a-great-commission/
Observing the Great Commandment (loving God and neighbor) naturally demands observing the Great Commission (making disciples) because true love necessitates sharing the ultimate truth and salvation with others. Neglecting the Commission often stems from failing to love others enough to bring them to Christ.
- Love Demands Sharing:If you love your neighbor perfectly, you cannot withhold the ultimate good—the knowledge of God's love and salvation.
- The Commission is a Result of Love:The Great Commission is the method by which we act on the love commanded in the Great Commandment—taking the gospel to all.
- The Problem of Disordered Love:Without first loving God above all else (Great Commandment), fulfilling the difficult task of making disciples (Great Commission) becomes impossible.
- Two Sides of One Coin:The commandment defines the boundaryof our actions, while the commission defines the priority. One without the other is incomplete. [1, 2, 5, 6, 7]
In essence, one cannot truthfully claim to follow Jesus by loving God and neighbors (commandment) while ignoring his last command to share that love with the world (commission). [7]
Corresponding sources
[1] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/neglect-great-commandment-hinder-great-commission/
[2] https://www.alifeoverseas.com/commandment-vs-commission/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreedomInChristMovement/posts/1574804240505673/
[4] https://bradjenkins.me/blog/the-great-commission-is-not-optional
[5] https://founders.org/articles/conflating-the-great-commandment-and-the-great-commission/
[6] https://willmcraney.com/great-commandment-or-great-commission/
The perspective that a Christian cannot stand by and let the unsaved go to hell is a central, driving force in traditional Christian theology, often referred to as the duty of evangelism. This belief is rooted in the conviction that hell is a real place of torment and separation from God for those who have not accepted Christ's salvation. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here is a breakdown of the theological and practical arguments supporting this viewpoint:
- The Commandment to Evangelize:Jesus gave the "Great Commission" to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This is viewed not as a suggestion, but as a direct command to active outreach.
- Urgency and Compassion:Christians believe that salvation is the only way to avoid eternal punishment. A desire to see people saved is considered evidence of a Christian spirit. As a result, the motivation to share the faith often stems from love and urgency to save people from that fate.
- The Exclusivity of Christ:Many Christians believe that faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation. This conviction makes sharing the gospel imperative, because there is no other way to avoid damnation.
- The Consequence of Inaction:Neglecting evangelism is sometimes viewed as neglecting a duty. Many Christians feel that if they truly believe in the reality of heaven and hell, they are compelled to act to rescue the lost.
- The Need for God's Work:While Christians are tasked with sharing the message, it is widely believed that only God can open a person's heart to accept the Gospel. Therefore, this conviction is often accompanied by fervent prayer for the unsaved. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Different Perspectives on the Issue: While the view is widespread, it is not the only perspective within Christianity. Other viewpoints include:
- Reformed/Calvinist:Emphasizes that salvation is entirely God’s sovereign choice (predestination), which can lead to a more relaxed, but still obedient, approach to sharing the faith, trusting that the "elect" will be saved.
- Eastern Orthodox:Offers a different perspective, viewing heaven and hell not necessarily as places, but as different experiences of God's presence, depending on the state of the person's soul. [13, 14, 15]
Despite these different views, for a vast number of believers, the belief in an eternal, lost state for unbelievers remains the "crux" that compels them to share their faith. [16]
Corresponding sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=359KnzyWJHg
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/145u4qx/ive_been_told_that_the_point_of_christianity/
[3] https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/how-can-a-loving-god-send-people-to-hell/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ-Fid6ObIw
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5sRDhLLd2s
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jycv1-CIKS0
[8] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2C6ztBe7uU
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCj8_yNW_J0
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCFsFDtB02w
[11] https://billygraham.org/articles/sharing-your-faith-101
[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/Reformed/comments/mj5jwx/what_do_the_reformed_believe_about_heaven_and/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uexEJTIkp9g
[14] https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/the-truth-about-heaven-and-hell/
[15] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_in_Christianity
[16] https://www.theparkwaychurch.com/blog/annihilating-annihilationism
The reformed doctrine of predestination can be misused as an excuse to neglect the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) through a fatalistic belief that if God has already chosen who will be saved (the elect), evangelism is unnecessary. This misunderstanding argues that the elect will be saved regardless of human effort, leading to apathy in missions. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Reasons for Neglect:
- Misunderstood Sovereignty:Some believe that because God's purpose cannot be thwarted, human witness is irrelevant.
- Fatalism over Effort:A fatalistic interpretation suggests that evangelism is pointless because the "reprobate" cannot believe and the "elect" will believe anyway.
- Misplaced Confidence:An unbiblical security might lead some to believe that the church's duty is fulfilled simply by existing as the elect, rather than actively making disciples. [2, 5, 6, 7]
Why This Is a Misapplication of Doctrine:
- Means to the End:While God ordains the outcome (salvation), He also ordains the means(evangelism/preaching) by which the elect is brought to faith.
- The Command Stands:Reformed theology generally holds that the Great Commission remains a direct command from Christ, regardless of God's hidden counsel.
- Motivation for Missions:Many argue that, when properly understood, predestination actually empowersmissions, as missionaries know that God will bring some to salvation through their efforts, guaranteeing success, unlike in theological systems where no one is guaranteed to be saved. [1, 2, 8, 9, 10]
Critiques of the Misuse: Critics argue that this interpretation leads to inaction and makes God's grace seem limited. However, proponents of the doctrine argue that neglecting the command is a failure in practical theology, not a necessity of the doctrine itself. [1, 6, 11, 12]
Corresponding Sources
[1] https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2022/04/motives-for-world-missions/
[2] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/double-predestination-evangelists/
[4] https://learn.ligonier.org/series/predestination/beautiful-feet
[5] https://christiancourier.com/articles/calvinism-and-the-great-commission
[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/921075369179433/posts/1189890798964554/
[7] https://reformedarsenal.com/the-unfolding-plan-on-predestination-and-providence-wcf-3-5-3-8/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/Reformed/comments/1ms1yx4/the_truth_about_predestination_and_election/
[9] https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/reformed-view-predestination
[11] https://www.facebook.com/groups/921075369179433/posts/1305099900776976/
[12] https://www.monergism.com/blog/common-objections-reformed-doctrine-predestination
[13] https://thirdmill.org/newfiles/jim_ellis/jim_ellis.Hyper.html
[14] https://www.baptists.net/history/2025/08/5-umasking-the-myths-of-the-reformed-baptist-movement/
Within the Reformed tradition, Satan interferes with Christians observing the Great Commandment (loving God/neighbor) and the Great Commission (making disciples) primarily by distorting worship through legalism, fostering division, and inducing apathy through busyness. He works to undermine faith in God's goodness, hinder evangelistic efforts through fear, and distract believers from the central importance of the cross. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Satan's strategies, often analyzed by Reformed thinkers, include:
- Subverting the Great Commandment (Love God and Neighbor):
- Distraction and Busyness:Satan seeks to keep Christians preoccupied with the "nonessentials of life," overstimulating their minds and filling their lives with work or entertainment, which restricts time for prayer, bible study, and fellowship.
- Slander and Discord:Satan sows discord among believers, tempting them to engage in gossip, slander, and foolish disputes rather than loving unity.
- Idolatry of Self/Comfort:Encouraging the love of comfort and sinful pleasure over self-denial and holiness.
- Sabotaging the Great Commission (Make Disciples):
- Persecution and Fear:Satan raises "storms of persecution" or intense opposition to intimidate believers and block their efforts in sharing the gospel.
- Distorting the Message:He promotes a "form of Christianity" that focuses only on morality and good deeds while excluding the necessity of the cross of Jesus Christ.
- Inattention and Neglect:He seeks to "pluck the word of God" from people's hearts and distract them, making them inattentive to the Gospel message, often using exhaustion or overstimulation.
- False Doctrine:He lures Christians away from orthodox theology and toward doctrines not grounded in Scripture. [1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]
Reformed theology emphasizes that while Satan is active, his power is limited by God's sovereignty. Therefore, the defense involves walking in the Spirit, constant vigilance, and relying on Scripture. [4, 6, 12, 13]
Corresponding Sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODvg8rRa_do
[2] https://www.saginawstmatthews.org/satans-meeting
[4] https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/the-mod-the-mortification-of-sins-suggestion
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWFi2lVXh-g
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Aod4jqrTCw
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRBr-uVAeYo
[8] https://www.facebook.com/groups/3042262282667605/posts/4288031991423955/
[10] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/beware-of-the-birds
[11] https://mpichurch.org/what-the-devil-can-cannot-do-to-christians/
[13] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satans-ten-strategies-against-you
From a Reformed perspective, the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to fight Satan by regenerating the heart, illuminating Scripture, and strengthening believers to mortify sin. This inward power enables obedience to the Great Commandment (loving God/neighbor) and empowers witness for the Great Commission by affirming victory through faith in Christ. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the Spirit's Role:
- Illumination and Application of Scripture:The Spirit helps believers use the "sword of the Spirit"—the Word of God—to recognize and combat Satan’s lies, transforming knowledge into faithful action.
- Mortification of Sin:The Spirit strengthens believers to die to sin and live unto righteousness, directly countering temptation and dismantling the "footholds" Satan seeks.
- Conviction and Assurance:The Spirit convicts of sin and righteousness, leading to repentance, while sealing believers, which provides assurance that overcomes fear and doubt.
- Empowerment for Witness (Commission):The Spirit supplies power, as promised in Acts 1:8, enabling believers to fulfill the Great Commission, even amid spiritual opposition.
- Guidance and Prayer:The Spirit guides Christians into truth, directing their lives to conform to the Great Commandment (love), and intercedes in prayer, providing strength when weak. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Reformed theology emphasizes that this battle is not fought in human strength, but by relying on the victory already won by Jesus Christ, with the Spirit applying that victory to daily life. [5, 9]
Corresponding Sources
[2] https://revivaltoday.com/2016-12-6-holy-spirit-dominion-over-the-devil/
[3] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/how-should-we-think-about-spiritual-warfare/
[4] https://jdgreear.com/seven-ways-overcome-satan/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Reformed/comments/rhrny1/what_is_the_reformed_view_of_spiritual_warfare/
[6] https://activechristianity.africa/how-to-fight-sin-overcoming-sin-by-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit/
[7] https://www.facebook.com/groups/447670389320125/posts/1807206136699870/
[8] https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/striving-against-satan-building-attacking-offense
[9] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2229218060556721/posts/3397012877110561/
