The Great Commission: Finding Divine Purpose in a Secular World

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The Great Commission: Finding Divine Purpose in a Secular World


Abstract

The Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, stands as one of Christianity's most pivotal mandates. It emphasizes the call to evangelize, disciple, and baptize all nations, reflecting the universal scope of Christ's redemptive mission. This essay explores its theological, historical, and practical implications and examines why an objective purpose is lacking in a naturalist, secular, and atheistic framework. Furthermore, it delves into the concept that any purpose or effort toward good, even in secular settings, stems from the innate, God-given spirit common to all humans, contrasting this with the instability of subjective moral relativism.


In His final earthly command, Jesus Christ issued the Great Commission, calling His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. This directive is not merely a historical or religious instruction but a blueprint for universal spiritual transformation. However, in a world increasingly influenced by secularism and naturalism, questions arise about the nature of purpose and morality in frameworks devoid of God. This essay examines the Great Commission's enduring significance while exploring the philosophical implications of purpose in a godless worldview and the innate drive toward goodness as evidence of a divine imprint in humanity.


The Essay

1. The Biblical Foundation of the Great Commission

The Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, is grounded in the authority of Jesus Christ, who proclaims:

> “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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”


This passage establishes the theological foundation of the Christian mission: the gospel is universal, transformative, and inclusive. It emphasizes the holistic nature of discipleship, baptism, and teaching as means to foster a relationship with God and deepen spiritual maturity.


2. Theological and Philosophical Dimensions of Purpose

The Great Commission is more than a religious edict—it represents a divine purpose that gives life meaning. In contrast, a naturalist secular framework, which denies the existence of God, struggles to provide an objective basis for purpose. Without an ultimate Creator, life is reduced to a series of accidents driven by random evolutionary processes. In such a framework:

Purpose becomes subjective: Without an overarching standard, individuals must create their own meaning, which varies widely and is often influenced by societal, cultural, or personal preferences. This lack of universality undermines any claims to objective morality or purpose.

Morality becomes relative: In the absence of God, good and evil are redefined as constructs, leading to moral relativism. This framework cannot account for the innate sense of right and wrong common to all humanity.


3. Evidence of the Innate, God-Given Spirit

Even in secular settings, people undertake actions aimed at goodness, justice, and moral excellence. This phenomenon raises critical questions: If naturalism offers no objective standard, why do humans universally strive for good? The answer lies in the innate, God-given spirit present in every human being. The Bible reflects this in passages such as:

> “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)


The presence of an inner moral compass—often described as conscience—points to the divine imprint. It is this innate sense that drives humans to pursue purpose and goodness, even when they deny the source of this drive. In essence:

Objective morality flows from God: True moral purpose is derived from God’s character, which is unchanging and universal. This is why moral laws, such as the value of justice and compassion, resonate deeply across cultures and time periods.

Secular acts of good reflect divine influence: When individuals pursue justice, charity, or altruism without acknowledging God, they are still influenced by the objective morality imprinted upon them by their Creator.


4. The Instability of Subjective Moral Relativity

In stark contrast, moral relativism leads to inconsistency and moral decay. Without God as the ultimate anchor, morality becomes fluid and susceptible to the whims of society or individuals. Consider these implications:

Ethical ambiguity: In a relativistic framework, what is considered “good” today may be seen as “evil” tomorrow, depending on societal changes. This undermines the pursuit of long-term justice and goodness.

Loss of accountability: Without an objective standard, individuals are not accountable to a higher power, making it easier to justify immoral behavior.


The innate human yearning for justice, purpose, and transcendence is difficult to reconcile with a worldview that denies God. It is only in the Christian framework, undergirded by the Great Commission, that true purpose and moral clarity are found.


5. The Practical Implications of the Great Commission

In light of these truths, the Great Commission calls Christians not only to share the gospel but also to affirm the innate purpose and moral order given by God. Evangelism is not merely about conversion—it is about helping people reconnect with their Creator and find the objective purpose and morality for which they were designed.

The practical application of the Great Commission is especially critical in a secular world that increasingly denies God’s existence. By living out their faith and embodying God’s love, Christians can serve as a beacon of hope and truth in a society adrift in moral and existential uncertainty.

Summary

The Great Commission is a divine mandate that defines Christian mission and provides humanity with an objective purpose rooted in God’s character. In contrast, a secular naturalist framework lacks the foundation for such purpose, resulting in subjective and unstable moral relativism. However, the innate drive toward goodness, seen even in secular actions, reflects the God-given spirit common to all people. This divine imprint is a testament to the universality of God’s truth and the enduring relevance of the gospel message. The Great Commission challenges Christians to share this truth and help others rediscover their purpose in Christ.


William W. Collins
November 17, 2024

© 2024 William W. Collins

#GreatCommission #Christianity #Discipleship #Faith #Evangelism #ObjectivePurpose #NaturalismVsFaith #MoralRelativity


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The Great Commission: Finding Divine Purpose in a Secular World

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Explore the Great Commission and its theological depth. Learn why secular frameworks lack objective purpose and how humanity’s innate drive for good reflects God’s divine imprint.




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