Assurance of Christ

The assurance of Christ refers to the confidence and certainty that believers have in the promises and presence of Jesus Christ. This assurance is rooted in the teachings and actions of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. One of the most significant assurances given by Christ is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in Him: "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24).

Christ's assurance is also evident in His promise of the Holy Spirit, who serves as a Comforter and Guide for believers. In John 14:16-17, Jesus assures His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you" . This assurance of the Holy Spirit's presence provides believers with the confidence that they are never alone and are continually guided by divine wisdom.

Furthermore, Christ assures His followers of His abiding presence and support in the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This promise underscores the perpetual presence of Christ with His followers, offering them strength and courage as they fulfill His commands.

Commission of Christ

The commission of Christ, often referred to as the Great Commission, is the mandate given by Jesus to His disciples to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. This commission is a central aspect of Christian mission and evangelism. The most explicit articulation of this commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age'" .

The commission emphasizes several key elements: the authority of Christ, the call to make disciples, the practice of baptism, and the teaching of Christ's commandments. The authority of Christ serves as the foundation for the commission, affirming that His followers are acting under divine mandate. The call to make disciples highlights the importance of evangelism and the expansion of the Christian faith across cultural and geographical boundaries.

Baptism, as part of the commission, signifies the initiation of believers into the Christian community and their identification with the death and resurrection of Christ. The teaching aspect of the commission underscores the necessity of instructing new believers in the ways of Christ, ensuring that they understand and obey His teachings.

The commission of Christ is not limited to the original disciples but extends to all believers throughout history. It is a perpetual call to action, urging Christians to engage in the mission of spreading the Gospel and nurturing the faith of others. This commission is further reinforced in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This passage highlights the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to fulfill the commission with boldness and effectiveness.