Understanding God’s Mission: Beyond the Great Commission
The concept of mission is often associated with Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” While these words are essential to understanding the church’s mission, they only provide a partial picture. To gain a deeper understanding, it’s necessary to explore other biblical passages that speak to mission.
A Broader Definition of Mission
Mission encompasses more than just evangelism or discipleship. It involves witnessing, gospel community, apologetics, and hospitality. In Genesis 3:1-21, we see God’s mission of redemption begin to unfold. After the fall, God seeks out sinners who are trying to hide from him, demonstrating his desire to redeem and restore humanity.
The Trinity at Work
In Genesis 3, all three persons of the Trinity are at work. The Christ enters the world in his preincarnate form as the Word to evangelize sinners. The Spirit works with the Word to expose guilt and shame, convincing Adam and Eve of sin, righteousness, and coming judgment. The Father begins to reveal his plan of redemption, demonstrating that mission is, first and foremost, the work of the triune God.
Essential Truths about Mission
From Genesis 3, we can summarize several essential truths about mission:
- The context of mission is God’s created world, now cursed after sin.
- The objects of mission are humans created in God’s image, but now running from God’s righteous judgment.
- The consequences of sin are fear, guilt, and shame, which motivate man-made religions and ethical systems.
- God has sovereignly chosen to save sinners who deserve eternal death.
- The first promise of the gospel (Genesis 3:15) hints at a coming final judgment, when Satan will be punished and God’s righteousness will be fully vindicated.
Beyond Redemption
God’s mission is not limited to the redemption of elect sinners. It also involves the restoration of creation and the punishment of Satan. This broader understanding of mission encourages us to think beyond individual salvation and consider the cosmic implications of God’s plan.
Implications for the Church
Understanding God’s mission has significant implications for the church. It challenges us to think about our role in God’s plan, not just as individuals, but as a community of believers. We are called to bear witness about Christ, but our public witness is often weak and fickle. By grasping the full scope of God’s mission, we can be motivated by the Spirit to fulfill our calling and participate in God’s redemptive work.
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