Completing the mission is a concept deeply rooted in the Christian faith, reflecting the fulfillment of God's divine plan and the believer's role in it. This theme is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing obedience, perseverance, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The mission of God begins with the creation narrative, where humanity is tasked with stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:28). This mission is further clarified through the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). The mission continues through the history of Israel, as they are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6).

In the New Testament, the mission is personified in Jesus Christ, who declares, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Jesus' earthly ministry is marked by teaching, healing, and ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection, which accomplishes the redemption of humanity.

The Great Commission

The concept of completing the mission is most explicitly articulated in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This charge establishes the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel and make disciples worldwide.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The empowerment to complete the mission is provided by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts and boldness to proclaim the Gospel and fulfill their divine calling.

Perseverance and Faithfulness

Completing the mission requires perseverance and faithfulness. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this in his ministry, expressing his commitment to finishing the race and completing the task given to him by the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24). He encourages believers to "stand firm in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13) and to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

Eschatological Fulfillment

The mission will ultimately be completed with the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Revelation 7:9-10 provides a vision of the culmination of the mission, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God, worshiping Him. This eschatological vision underscores the certainty of the mission's completion and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Practical Implications

Believers are called to actively participate in completing the mission through evangelism, discipleship, and service. This involves living out the Gospel in daily life, sharing the message of salvation, and demonstrating Christ's love to others. The mission is both a collective and individual responsibility, as each believer contributes to the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

Conclusion

Completing the mission is a central theme in the Christian faith, encompassing the call to spread the Gospel, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the perseverance required to fulfill God's purposes. It is a divine mandate that spans from creation to the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom.