Biblical Theology of Mission - Research Paper Example

? Biblical Theology of Mission Module Contents Contents Biblical Theology of Mission 2 Introduction 2 Biblical (Old and New Testament) Texts That Relate To Mission 3 The Nature of God In Relation To Missions 4 Relation of the Mission Theology to Other Aspects of Theology 5 Key Themes or Motifs of Mission Theology 7 The Effects of Mission Theology 8 Missionary 8 Church Leaders 8 Lay People Not In Full-Time Ministry 9 Conclusion 9 References 9 Biblical Theology of Mission Introduction God’s creation is a manifestation of the His favorable purpose towards human kind. The bible affirms God’s commitment in ensuring that the world is redeemed and evangelized. The biblical theology attempts to define God, His nature and association with mankind. The mission theology attempts to define the truth behind God’s mission to mankind and the real meaning of creation. Biblical (Old and New Testament) Texts That Relate To Mission The theology of missions is wholly a biblical concept.1 A careful and spiritual analysis of the bible reveals a solid foundation for missions. The biblical texts prove that missions are not an afterthought creation of God, but rather an intention emanating from his providential nature. According to Glasser (2003), Missio Dei concept confirms the truth that the biblical mission begins with God.2 In reference to Genesis 3 that describes the fall of man, God is exemplified as initiating a mission to rescue man kind from the bondage of sin and guide him back to His fold. The chapter introduces the aspect of mission that dominates the Old and New and Testament, with God strategizing to reach out to human beings. One of the relevant Old Testament texts that discuss the concept of God’s mission upon human being’s life is Genesis 12: 1-3 that offers the description of the Abrahamic Covenant. The passage captures God initiating a covenant with Abram who later undergoes spiritual transformation to Abraham. God explained to him His intention of making him a great nation, bless him and those that bless him as well as curse those who curse him. While commissioning His mission to Abraham, the passage asserts, “....and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). The fulfillment of this promise is affirmed by Moses in the opening Chapter of Deuteronomy. After looking at the large crowd of people gathered and poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses laments, “The Lord has increased your numbers today so that you are as many as the stars in the sky.” (Deut. 1: 10). The increase in number is part of the promise that through Joshua, Israelites will conquer the Promised Land; Canaan. The concept of mission is further discussed in the New Testament. A New Testament text that supports the firm biblical foundation for mission is Matt. 28: 19-20. God’s commands the church to continue with the mission of enlightening and converting more people to become believers, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt.28: 19). The book of Mathew does not account for ascension, but always focuses on the Messiah and his messengers. Another text relating to the mission in the New Testament is Luke 4: 16-30 where Jesus defines his mission on his first appearance in public life. He refers to prophetic Isaiah and proclaims that He is the sent Messiah. The passage, “…This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4: 21), affirms the fulfillment of the God’s promise; sending a Messiah to save the world from the bondage of sin. The Nature of God In Relation To Missions The personality of God can be explained through focus on His personality and attributes. According to 1st John 4:8, God is described as love. Those committed to propagate the course of the gospel are expected to assume this nature; love.3 It is only through acquiring Godly love that one can be encouraged to preach the gospel to the non-believers and destitute. Another personality of God, described by 1 Peter 1: 16, is holiness. Christians have a calling; to become holy just like God. In emulating God’s holiness, Christians have an obligation of teaching others to become like Him. Therefore, the mission to inflict holiness among non-believers is achieved through becoming holy. Omnipresence is an attribute of God that explains His presence everywhere. The missionaries can be used to encourage all those called by His name that God is always present in all locations and situations that they face. Isaiah 6:3 affirms the presence of the glory of God everywhere. God is also described as all-knowing with the creation being a section of His immense knowledge. Successful undertaking of this mission requires the divine wisdom and knowledge to transform the human souls who have fallen short of the glory of God.4 God is also described as omnipotent. Disobedience towards God’s expectation towards His people may lead to dire consequences e.g. He unleashed floods to destroy people when they abandoned His ways and indulged in the worldly evils (Isaiah 6:3). The book of Acts affirms that He also used persecution to disperse the early church. This shows God’s omnipotence in achievement His mission goals.5 Relation of the Mission Theology to Other Aspects of Theology Undertaking of the Missio Dei led to the formation of the church, Ecclessia. The church is identified as the propagator for the spread of the gospel to the world. This is because it is made up of saved people capable of transforming more people through preaching the gospel. According to Snyder (1981), the church acts as the implementer of God’s plan; reconciling and sustaining human beings in His way of righteousness.6 Ecclesiology addresses issues necessary for transforming the church and making it relevant in the progression of the gospel. Such issues include clear understanding of the components of the church, the relationships between the believers and the church, the authority of the church, the role of the church, the internal governance structure of the church as well as the destiny of the church as stipulated by Eschatology.7 Ecclesiology perspective affirms that the Christians are bonded together to undertake the mission by Baptismal covenant that affirms that Christ is present among all individuals. The Baptismal covenant also emphasizes on the principle of oneness and connectivity of the incarnation. It is imperative for those who share life in Jesus to serve Him through focusing on love to strengthen the church and spread the gospel. The greatest commandment, John 15:12-17, emphasizes on loving neighbors to restore and reconcile the human community through church. The Trinity is a crucial component of the mission. It propagates the Mission Dei and ecclesiology. Trinity describes the linkage that the mission possesses with God, the son and the Holy Spirit. The foundation of the mission is anchored on the knowledge of the nature of God.8 The missionaries should be fully equipped with the facts related to the nature of God and His works in order to convince the non-believers of His existence and the crucial role that He plays in their lives. In fact, the concept of theological mission revolves around the nature of God and His works. The impact and strength of the missionary teaching and preaching is related to the faith that individuals possess towards the lordship of Jesus Christ and His role in the mission. Snyder (1981) asserts that Jesus is a pivotal character in propagating God’s plan.9 The Holy Spirit was sent to the earth after the departure of Jesus Christ to act as the Helper to the missionaries and evangelists. Establishing a firm relationship with the Holy Spirit provides the missionaries with a constant reminder of the words and teachings required in advancing the gospel among nations. Key Themes or Motifs of Mission Theology The meaning of the mission theology is defined by various constructs and themes, presented in different ways by different missionaries.10 Successful missionary work requires adherence to defined missionary norms and behaviors. The main themes and motifs encompass the knowledge of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, worship of God and the great commission. It also includes the understanding of their role in propagation and spiritual enhancement of the church members.11 The themes do not only create an efficient spiritual environment that attracts and sustains the new believers; they also create the environment necessary for sustaining the new believers in the faith. This ensures that the new believers understand their new life in the faith and their expectation to Him and His Kingdom.12 The Bible defines the Kingdom of God in two ways. Firstly, it stipulates God is all-inclusive and reigns over all things. Secondly, the Kingdom is presented as that which Christ came to reveal to the human kind and opposes the kingdom of sin.13 This affirms that the mission and God’s kingdom are connected and form the goal that Christians are supposed to undertake while following the Christ mandate. Although the themes are necessary for a successful mission, their impact depends on the biblical understanding of the missionary. Mission theology yearns to provide the new believers with complete peace as Shalom dictates.14 Successful missionary work requires that the believers be provided with spiritual completeness, perfectness, soundness, peace and health among other virtues. This ensures that they commit fully to the kingdom as well as preach the gospel to other non-believers. The Effects of Mission Theology Missionary The mission theology is characterized by numerous relationships, the fruits being the missionaries themselves. Although all Christians can be considered missionaries, Peters offers a distinction, “a missionary is a Christian messenger of the gospel, sent fort by the authority of the Lord and the church to cross national borders and/or cultural and religious lines in order to occupy new frontiers for Christ, to preach the gospel of redemption…to make disciples…and to establish functioning and evangelizing churches.”15 Therefore, a missionary is obligated to perform a definite task in evangelism as well as ensure the fulfilment of the great commission. A clear mission theology provides the missionary with a breakdown of the roles they are supposed to undertake in enhancing the mission. Church Leaders A church leader is expected to possess an idea of mission as the foundation for his/her role in the church. Their leadership obligations are attached to their role in encouraging the congregations to commit their service in enhancing the mission and working according to God’s plan (Piper, 1993). They are also mandated to guide the church in partnering with their missionaries and exposing them to basics detailing how God is working in their lives. They are also expected to advance the mission and not focus on advancing their earthly missions. Lay People Not In Full-Time Ministry Their contribution to the mission is through upholding obedience to the contents of the verses. They are the recipients and beneficiaries of the efforts applied in missionary work. It is the obligation of every lay person with interest in the gospel to understand and follow the God’s word in responding to the gospel message. Conclusion The entire bible is a book of mission. God uses Abraham and Israel in improving His relationship with mankind (in the Old Testament) while Jesus and the disciples advance the missionary work in the New Testament. Therefore, the church is obligated to enhance the mission to all nations and individuals in faith. Piper reminds the church that, “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”16 References Cahill, Lisa Sowle. Global Justice, Christology and Christian Ethics Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Glasser, Arthur, Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God’s Mission in the Bible Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003. John Piper, A Theology for Missions, September 19, 1987, http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/conference-messages/a-theology-for-missions (accessed November 11, 2011). McGrath, Alister E. "Ecclesiology" The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought. Oxford: Blackwell, 1999, p. 127. Moller, F. P. ‘Kingdom of God, church and sacraments’ Words of light and life, Pretoria: Van Schaik Religious Books, 1998. Moreau, Scott A., Gary R. Corwin, Gary B. McGee, Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007. Ott, Craig; Strauss, Stephen J.; Tennent, Timothy, Encountering Theology of Mission: Biblical Foundations, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010. Peters, George W., A Biblical Theology of Missions, Chicago: Moody, 1972. Piper, John, Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1993. Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003, 21. Snyder, Howard, A. The Church in God’s Plan? Pasadena: William Carey Library, 1981, 158. Tennent, Timothy, Invitation to World Missions: A Trinitarian Missiology for the 21st Century, Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2010. Wright, Christopher, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative Downers Grove, Ill: Intervarsity, 2006. Read More