What Is the Great Commission?

What Is the Great Commission? offers a concise introduction to the church’s mandate to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, exploring what these terms mean and how believers carry out this mission.

Dr. R.C. Sproul begins by tracing the meaning of the word gospel from its Greek roots to its New Testament usage, showing how the early church’s message centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Sproul distinguishes this biblical gospel from reductions of Christianity to social concern alone, while affirming that genuine social compassion flows from the gospel rather than replacing it.

From this foundation, Sproul examines the nature of evangelism, the role of laypeople in gospel witness, and practical approaches to systematic outreach. He draws on the book of Acts to show how the early church grew not through the efforts of the Apostles alone but through ordinary believers who proclaimed the word wherever they went. The booklet also addresses the biblical basis for missions and the urgency of seeking the lost, drawing on Jesus’ parables in Luke 15 to illustrate God’s heart for those who are spiritually disoriented and in need of redemption.

Key Themes

• The biblical meaning of the gospel as an announcement about Jesus Christ
• The distinction between the biblical gospel and the social gospel
• The responsibility of all believers—not clergy alone—to participate in evangelism
• The church’s ongoing mission to seek the lost and make disciples

Featured Quotes

“Anyone who has the ability to speak about three or four simple principles can become an effective evangelist.”

“It’s one thing to be lost; it’s another to be lost and not know it.”