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

The Vision and Biblical Foundation for Christian Mission: Part 1

Segment 2: Mission as Fulfillment of the Divine Promise

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The Mission as Fulfillment of the Divine Promise framework describes the work of God as fulfilling his promise as the covenant God of faithfulness to Abraham and David. Built upon the role of biblical covenant in the Scriptures, this motif begins with God’s covenant promise to Abraham, confirmed in his sons and the patriarchs, and later identified with the tribe of Judah. This covenant promise for a Seed who would bless the nations was amplified and clarified in the promise to David to have a perpetual heir on his throne. Now in this age and in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the promise of Abraham and David has been fulfilled. Likewise, in this age through the proclamation of the Gospel in mission, the promise of new life is offered to the nations through the preaching of the cross. Our objective for this segment, Mission as Fulfillment of the Divine Promise , is to enable you to see that: • One of the four major motifs (themes) that explains mission in Scripture is the Mission as the Fulfillment of the Divine Promise motif. In the biblical sense, a covenant is an agreement or contract between two parties, whether individuals, tribes, or nations, with both having obligations to fulfill and benefits and advantages as a result of the fulfillment of the conditions. • Biblical covenants abound, and share common characteristics, including how the agreements and/or contracts were invoked by a witness and carried severe consequences for breaking (i.e., breaking themwas considered a great moral evil). Covenants were sealed and given witness by giving gifts, eating meals, and often included the setting up stones of remembrance. They were confirmed with an oath and with sacrifice. • Perhaps the most common form of biblical covenant was the marriage ceremony, and other prominent covenants can be seen throughout the history of Israel, e.g., God’s covenant with Noah, and his covenant of Sinai with the children of Israel. God’s covenants, whether conditional or unconditional, all speak to the solemn contract between God and individuals or with his people.

Summary of Segment 2

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