The phrases have all kinds of names: Last word, final say, dying declaration, closing statement and parting shots – just to name a few.

So much stock is put into a statement with finality. When we bid farewell to a loved one, we say, “I love you,” as if it carries more weight because they are the last words heard. Political speeches are often built to a powerful closing line, and coaches cap locker room pep talks with a passionate ending for effect.

The Bible certainly uses this same element. For example, Ecclesiastes wraps up a long list of life lessons by stating “the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

We like long, winding stories to come to a head, and our Creator knows that. Twice in Scripture, Jesus left us with his final word – first in the flesh and again in the spirit – and gave us powerful commands that are almost impossible to misunderstand.

In the resurrected flesh just before his ascension, Jesus’ final message was, “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.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

And in spirit, Jesus spoke to John, both directly and through an angel, to record the book of Revelation. Through that angel (Rev. 22:16), Jesus passed along a stern warning just a couple of verses before the end of the Bible. It told us that adding to or taking away from God’s Word would be met with eternal plagues and the removal of our name from the Book of Life (Rev. 22:18-19).

While we should study and obey the Bible in its entirety (II Timothy 3:16-17), there is certainly value in identifying the last commands our Savior gave us: Teach, baptize, obey and protect every single word of his message.

After all, it would be a shame on judgment day to look Christ in the face and be told: “How did you not obey those things? They were the last things I told you.”

And on that day, Jesus will tell us one of two phrases, once again with finality: “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matt. 7:23) or “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter in to the joy of your Lord.” (Matt. 25:21)

Make sure we heed the Lord’s last words so we get to hear many, many more.

– Adam Sparks