A Biblical Theology of Missions by George W. Peters

A Biblical Theology of Missions by George W. Peters

Author:George W. Peters
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-16T09:18:00+00:00


Thus we have salvation, dedication, liberation, enthronement, enrichment, content and a goal.

The biblical concept of Christian discipleship must always be interpreted to involve humble following, constant fellowship, sanctified openmindedness, undisputed obedience, ready submission, heroic faith, arduous labor, unselfish service, self-renunciation, patient suffering, painful sacrifice, and cross-bearing. It is the bringing of all of life under the lordship of Christ. This is not only the purpose of salvation but the fullness of salvation - redemption from self and devotion to the Lord. And to this every Christian is called.

Too often, however, Christian discipleship has been detached from the everyday life of every believer and thought of in terms of the great and the heroic, with a peculiar sense of saintliness being attached to it, instead of it being lived out daily in the ordinary affairs of life and relationships.

Second, disciples are to be made of all nations. The commission forbids nationalism, ethnocentrism, provincialism and particularism. Our Lord thinks in terms of the nations of the world, with no particular nation to be preferred. God is not a respecter of persons. Christians must learn to think internationally, interracially and interculturally if they are to fulfill the commission of the Lord.

This fact is well presented by Luke in the book of Acts. Here the gospel of Jesus Christ crosses all barriers and boundaries - geographical, national, cultural, linguistic, religious and racial. The church in the Acts of the apostles is indeed multiracial, international, and multicultural, as well as embracing people of varied social strata and professions. While evangelism and church growth may follow social and cultural relationships, the church of the Acts of the apostles developed into an intrasocial and intracultural organism, an ideal which the church must never surrender.

Third, to make disciples involves a process of Christian development through fellowship and instruction. Christian disciples are not produced in moments of time, in isolation and in a doctrinal vacuum. Time, fellowship and teaching are not only important; they are essential.

In fact, we must keep in mind that discipleship is a path rather than an achievement. While there is growth and grading among the disciples, there are no graduated disciples. Discipleship is a perpetual school which may lead from one degree to another but does not graduate its scholars. Therefore, the beginner is a disciple as well as the advanced individual. The ideals of completed discipleship are too high. No one ever achieves them completely as no one achieves completed sanctification. Discipleship is a unique and continuous experience, a growth in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This factor is well illustrated in the church of the first chapters of the book of Acts. Contrary to much popular thinking, it must be stated that Pentecost did not immediately produce a "witnessing church." Nothing is said of the believers in the first five chapters except that they were diligent in their studies of the Word, regular in their fellowship, fervent in their prayers, liberal in their contributions, and unsparing in their hospitality. Witnessing, teaching and preaching seemingly were carried forward by the apostles.



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