What happens to Christians who do not preach the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20)
Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, commands Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.
The Bible does not explicitly state the consequences for Christians who do not preach the Gospel. However, several principles can be inferred:
Obedience to Command: Not preaching the Gospel may indicate disobedience to Christ's command, and to disobey is sinful. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands."
Disobedience could affect one’s relationship with God.
Spiritual Growth: Engaging in evangelism often leads to spiritual growth and deeper faith. Avoiding this responsibility may hinder personal growth and the fulfillment of one’s purpose in Christ (Ephesians 2:10).
Loss of Rewards: The New Testament speaks of rewards for faithfulness (2 Corinthians 5:10). Failing to fulfill the Great Commission could result in a loss of potential rewards in the eternal perspective.
Impact on Others: The failure to share the Gospel can affect others' eternal destinies.
Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the necessity of preaching for people to hear the Gospel and believe.
Ultimately, while the Bible stresses the importance of evangelism, it leaves the specifics of consequences to God’s judgment and grace. Christians are encouraged to seek God’s guidance and rely on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission.
Word