The Church’s True Mission
THE great commission, upon which is founded the authority of the church for its work in the earth, reads thus: “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you.” Under this instruction it is plainly the duty of the church to persuade men in every nation to become the disciples of Christ. The office and message of ministers of the gospel are thus mentioned by the apostle to the Gentiles: “We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.” But now comes a professional reformer who says:— The church has given too exclusive attention to righting man's relation to God. The time has come to explore and develop the neglected hemisphere of the second commandment, the righting of man's relations to his fellows.
This view of the case indicates an utter misapprehension as to what is included in man's relation to God. The man who is in right relation to God will be in right relation to his fellows. And the only basis upon which right relations between man and man can be permanently established is the right relation of man to God. That church has fallen from its high place of privilege and duty which devotes its energies to social and political reform, instead of laboring to reconcile men to God. Christ refused to be a judge and a divider over men. He did not attempt political reforms as such. The disciple should be content to follow his Master.