Mission

The concept of "mission" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine mandate to spread the message of God's salvation and to make disciples of all nations. This mission is primarily derived from the Great Commission, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: "Therefore go and 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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command from Jesus Christ serves as the foundational directive for Christian mission work.

The mission of the Church is not merely an activity but an essential aspect of its identity. The Church is called to be a light to the nations, reflecting the mission of Israel as described in the Old Testament. Isaiah 49:6 states, "I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth" . This prophetic vision finds its fulfillment in the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to all people.

The Book of Acts provides a historical account of the early Church's mission efforts, beginning in Jerusalem and expanding to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The apostle Paul, in particular, exemplifies the missionary zeal and commitment to spreading the Gospel, as seen in his numerous missionary journeys and epistles. His declaration in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes," underscores the transformative power of the mission.

Witness

The concept of "witness" in the Bible is closely related to mission, as it involves testifying to the truth of the Gospel and the reality of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for witness, "martys," is the root of the English word "martyr," reflecting the early Christians' willingness to bear witness to their faith even unto death.

In the New Testament, believers are called to be witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to 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" . This empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential for effective witness, enabling believers to speak boldly and live authentically in accordance with the Gospel.

The role of witness is not limited to verbal proclamation but extends to the demonstration of the Gospel through actions and lifestyle. Jesus taught that His followers should let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). The apostle Peter also exhorts believers to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for their hope, doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

The witness of the Church is both communal and individual, as the body of Christ collectively bears witness to the world through its unity, love, and service. Jesus prayed for His followers, "that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:21). This unity serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the reality of God's love.

In summary, mission and witness are integral to the life and purpose of the Church, as believers are called to proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel to all nations, empowered by the Holy Spirit and motivated by the love of Christ.