65 Jesus' Final Words & Ascension

This is what we call the Great Commissions. It clearly calls for the apostles to start evangelizing the entire world that is all people everywhere. Paul cites the gospel is to go to the Jew first and then to the Gentile (Romans 1:16) but, nowhere is there any message to exclude any person or people group on the earth. If a person does not accept this offer of salvation he or she is condemned. Matthew’s gospel further defines this command to include the making of disciples as well (Matthew 28:18-20). This provides for a wider dissemination of the good news of the salvation of mankind. Some have mistakenly read this to suggest that baptism is required for salvation. In fact entire ministries of some groups center around this mistaken concept. One affirmation of this is Jesus response to the criminal on the cross with Him therefore we know that baptism is not required for salvation (Luke 23:43). It is the outward sign of what has already taken place internally. That is, the regeneration of the human spirit. Paul makes it very clear what is taking place and required for salvation.