A. What Is Biblical Mission? “Biblical mission means more than simply going overseas to plant churches or spread civilization. It means the church participating in the ‘mission of God (Missio Dei)’ and seeking the restoration of God’s rule and glory throughout the whole earth. Mission is not a program that begins with human enthusiasm; rather, it is the heart of God that runs throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and is a fundamental reason for the church’s existence. Let me clearly summarize five essential principles of true mission as presented in Scripture. 🌍 1. The Mission of God (Missio Dei) The subject and initiator of mission is not human beings but God. In order to save fallen humanity, God first comes to us, sends His Son, and sends the Holy Spirit. He is the “missionary God” who sends. Biblical basis: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) Key meaning: The church acknowledges that God has the initiative in mission and serves as His agent, obed...
God’s love poured into our hearts [Romans 5:5-11] We believers in Jesus have a sure hope, a hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:5). That hope is the glory of God. Since we have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ, we are now able to rejoice in the glory of God. Now we no longer have to wear a body that is reproached, weak, or perishable (1 Cor. 15:43, 54). On the day Jesus returns, we will suddenly be transformed (v. 51). At that time, we will be like His glorious body (Phil. 3:21). We will fully participate in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). We will fully participate in the character of Jesus, who is God. This hope is a hope that we can have confidently and not be ashamed of (Rom. 5:5). Why? The reason is because this hope that God has given us in Jesus Christ is based on God's love. In other words, because God loves us with great love, this sure hope given to us wh...