Topical Encyclopedia The concept of missions is deeply rooted in the Bible, reflecting God's desire for all nations to know Him and His salvation. The Scriptures provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the purpose, scope, and mandate of missions.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for missions by revealing God's heart for all nations. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenant establishes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. The Psalms frequently echo this theme, calling for the nations to worship the Lord. Psalm 67:2-3 states, "that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." This psalm highlights the desire for God's salvation to reach every corner of the earth. The prophetic books also emphasize the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan. Isaiah 49:6 declares, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This passage points to the Servant of the Lord as a beacon for all peoples, foreshadowing the mission of Christ and His followers. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, is the cornerstone of Christian missions: "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." In Acts 1:8, Jesus further instructs 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 verse outlines the geographical and spiritual expansion of the Gospel, beginning locally and extending globally. The apostle Paul exemplifies the missionary mandate in his ministry. In Romans 15:20-21, he writes, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: 'Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.'" Paul's dedication to reaching the unreached underscores the urgency and importance of missions. Theological Implications Theologically, missions are rooted in the character of God, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The universal call to repentance and faith in Christ is a central tenet of the Gospel message, as seen in Acts 17:30-31: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed." The book of Revelation provides a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of missions, where a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God, worshiping Him (Revelation 7:9-10). This vision underscores the eschatological hope and goal of missions, as God's redemptive plan culminates in a diverse yet unified worshiping community. Practical Considerations The Scriptures also provide practical guidance for missions. Jesus instructs His followers to pray for laborers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38), emphasizing the need for divine empowerment and guidance. The early church models a community committed to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread, as seen in Acts 2:42, which serves as a foundation for effective missionary work. Furthermore, the apostolic letters encourage believers to support and partner with those engaged in missions. In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul commends the Philippians for their financial support, highlighting the importance of partnership in the spread of the Gospel. In summary, the Bible presents missions as an integral part of God's redemptive plan, calling believers to participate in His work of making disciples of all nations. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church is equipped and commissioned to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the divine mandate to bring glory to God among all peoples. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 17:27,28Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom you brought from there; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 16:23,24 Psalm 18:49 Psalm 96:3,10 Isaiah 43:6,7 Jonah 3:1-9 Matthew 24:14 Matthew 28:19 Mark 13:10 Mark 16:15 Luke 24:47,48 Acts 10:9-20 Acts 13:2-4,47 Acts 26:14-18 1 Corinthians 16:9 Revelation 14:6,7 Library General Index. The General Conference of 1836 The General Conference of 1820 Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. The Last Two Decades. Appendix. General Conference of 1824 General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... The General Conference of 1840 Resources Who was William Carey? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hudson Taylor? | GotQuestions.org How can I contribute to world evangelism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |