Thank you for the theological question, “If Matthew chapter 28 describes the great commission, would that be the evidence against predestination?”
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
A. Predestination may be viewed as the plan of God for the salvation of individuals to become children of God.
Romans 8 says this, “29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (NIV).
The persons being redeemed or saved is known by God himself. God has not revealed the names of the individuals who will be redeemed. The above passage states the broad process plan of God in bringing the individuals to experience of salvation.
B. The Great Commission of Matthew 28:18–20 and I Corinthians 15:3–4 prescribes the message whereby the predestined humans will become children of God.
The message of salvation is the Good News that Jesus Christ came and died for the sins of the world. The person who believes that Jesus died for his/her sins becomes one of the children of God.
John 1:12 says this, “12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (NIV).
The message is given to all, to everyone, but the positive response who hears the message is a work of God in that person’s heart. The other people who hear that same message considers it foolish or rejects it as being nonsense. From a human perspective, each person made their own choice since none of the people know who will become a child of God or not.
C. God has committed the proclamation of the salvation of God to his redeemed people.
God did not assign the angels to proclaim the message of salvation but has committed that work to his people. Those who received the message has the responsibility to share that Good News to others.
Acts 1:8 says this, “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NIV).
The participle, go, in Matthew 28:18 directs the believers of Jesus, not to stay home or be silent in public. They are to go and tell others even to the most remote part of the world. It’s sharing, not forcing people to believe since salvation is the work of God. Believers in Jesus are the messengers.
Summary: Matthew 28:18–20 is the process to fulfill the predestination of God.
-Kingston