The Mission of the Church

MEMORY TEXT: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, to, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” —Matthew 28:19,20

II CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; EPHESIANS 3:7-12

IT IS generally understood by the professed Christian world that the followers of Jesus are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel throughout the earth. This is made plain not only in our memory verse, but elsewhere in the Scriptures. When Jesus appeared for the last time to his disciples before returning to Ms Father in heaven, he said to them, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8

What is not generally understood is that this world-wide witness of the Gospel throughout the age was not designed by God to convert the whole world to Christ; rather, it was designed merely to take out of the world what is described by James as a people for the Lord’s name. (Acts 15:14) It is “after this” (vs. 16) that the world in general will have its first real opportunity to believe and obey the Gospel.

Paul writes that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,” and has “committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (II Cor. 5:19-20) Through this arrangement we are made “ambassadors for Christ,” and as his ambassadors we have the authority to say to consecrated believers that they have, through Christ, been reconciled to God. Reconciliation to God through Christ is based upon the fact that he became a sin offering for us, and for the whole world.

We are “workers together with him”; that is, with the Lord, Paul writes. (II Cor. 6:1) In the next verse Paul quotes from Isaiah 49:8,9, which reads, “Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.”

In quoting from this prophecy Paul applies it to the followers of Jesus, and shows that the present Gospel Age is the day of salvation referred to. This is the “great salvation” obtained by the true church, and the purpose of it is that she may be associated with her Lord in extending blessings of healing and life to the world; of joining with Christ even in the work of calling forth the prisoners of death to life. This is the ultimate mission of the church which so many fail to understand.

In Colossians 1:27 the Apostle Paul refers to a mystery which, he says, had been hidden throughout the ages until his time. He describes this mystery as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Briefly, this means that those who are “in Christ,” and who have the spirit of Christ in them, will share in the glory which he attained in his resurrection, and will live and reign with him in his kingdom. It means that the foretold Messiah is not only Jesus, but also includes his dedicated followers who suffer and die with him.

In our lesson Paul explains that he had been given the ministry of proclaiming this mystery to the Gentiles, assuring any of them who believed that they could also share in “the hope of glory.” This was very vital in the days of the Early Church, for until the first advent of Christ God’s dealings were exclusively with the people of the Jewish nation. But now, and in harmony with the commission given by Jesus, the opportunity of participating in the divine plan was to be extended to the people of all races and nations.

In our memory verse Jesus says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” His presence with his people throughout the age has been through the medium of the Holy Spirit as it has revealed Jesus’ teachings as a comforter and guide to his followers. This should not be confused with his presence at the end of the age, following his return. The word “world” should be “age.” The world, or earth, will never come to an end.

QUESTIONS

What is the divine purpose in preaching the Gospel during the present age?

What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ”?

What will be the final mission of the church?

When will the world in general be reconciled to God?

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