Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

• Four major theological frameworks/pictures of mission can be found in Scripture, i.e., Mission as the Drama of All Time (God as the major character in the greatest plot motif of all time), as the Fulfillment of the Divine Promise (God fulfilling his covenant promise in Jesus Christ), as the Romance of the Ages (God as the bridegroom of his redeemed humanity), and as the War of the Spheres (God as the warrior reestablishing his rule over the universe). • The elements of the Drama of All Time framework can be understood in terms of the major phases of God’s unfolding purpose, from Before to Beyond Time. Before Time highlights God’s pre-existence and purpose, the mystery of iniquity and the rebellion of the powers, and the Beginning of Time includes the creation of the universe and humankind, the fall and the curse, the protoevangelium , the end of Eden, the reign of death, and the first signs of grace. The Unfolding of Time includes the Abrahamic promise, the Exodus, the Conquest of the Land, the City-Temple-Throne, the Captivity and Exile, and the Return of the Remnant. • God’s unfolding purpose in the Fullness of Time phase includes the incarnation, the Kingdom revealed in Jesus, the Passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. The Last Times include the descent of the Holy Spirit, the formation of the Church, the inclusion of the Gentiles, and the age of world mission. • The Fulfillment of Time phase includes the end of world evangelization, the apostasy of the Church, the Great Tribulation, the Parousia , the reign of Christ on earth, the Great White Throne, the Lake of Fire, and turning the Kingdom over to God the Father. Finally, the Beyond Time phase includes the new heavens and new earth, the descent of the New Jerusalem, the times of refreshing, and the ushering in of the Age to Come. • The framework of Mission as the Drama of All Time explains how God’s sovereign purpose underwrites all human history, and how he himself is the central character in the unfolding phases of the divine drama. Furthermore, it enables us to see mission as the recovery of that which was lost at the beginning of time , and the making of disciples among all nations as our part in fulfilling our role in the script of Almighty God .

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