Grounding Disciple-making in God’s Creation Order: Filling the Earth with the Image of God

Abstract

Matthew 28:18-20 has been considered the classic "Great Commission" text since William Carey ushered in the Modern Missions Movement citing it in his essay entitled, "An Enquiry into the Obligation for Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen."[1]  That biblical text documents Jesus' final recorded words in a summative reiteration of what His follower's lives were to be centered upon - the task to "make disciples of all nations." Carey's Enquiry was aimed at discrediting the false notion that the Great Commission was intended solely for the first century Apostles and has not been binding upon Christians since.  The authenticity of Carey's message to his 19th century context is undeniable as he lived out Great Commission obedience by moving and planting his life among the unreached in India.  [1] For the full text of Carey's Enquiry, see http://www.wmcarey.edu/carey/enquiry/anenquiry.pdf, last accessed September 15, 2015.