Accountability for the Great Commission- Will We Answer for Not Sharing the Gospel-
Will we be held accountable for not sharing the gospel? This is a question that has been pondered by many Christians over the years. The Bible teaches that it is our duty to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all corners of the world. However, some may wonder if there are consequences for those who fail to fulfill this responsibility. In this article, we will explore the scriptural basis for this concern and discuss the importance of sharing the gospel.
The Bible makes it clear that sharing the gospel is a critical aspect of our faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” This verse is often referred to as the Great Commission, and it serves as a foundational principle for Christian missions.
Many Christians believe that not sharing the gospel can have serious consequences. The Apostle Paul warns in Romans 1:16 that “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” This suggests that God holds people accountable for their actions, including the choice to ignore or suppress the truth of the gospel.
However, it is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly state that individuals will be held accountable for not sharing the gospel. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news and the joy that comes from doing so. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter encourages believers to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This verse implies that we should be ready to share our faith, but it does not necessarily mean that we will be held accountable for not doing so.
One possible interpretation of the Bible’s teachings on this matter is that God is more concerned with the heart’s attitude than with the actions themselves. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
This passage suggests that simply claiming to be a follower of Jesus is not enough; we must also live out our faith and share the gospel with others. While the Bible does not explicitly state that we will be held accountable for not sharing the gospel, it does emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects our faith and spreading the good news.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly state that we will be held accountable for not sharing the gospel, it does emphasize the importance of spreading the good news and living out our faith. As Christians, we should strive to be prepared to share our faith and to make a positive impact on the world around us. Ultimately, the decision to share the gospel is a personal one, and we must trust in God’s grace and mercy as we seek to fulfill our calling.
