Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

2 4 2 /

T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

This devotion focuses on the priority of Jesus’ last words, and how those words exhort us to share the good news of his salvation and Kingdom to the ends of the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by its Head to go and share his Gospel with all the peoples of the earth. In this sense the Church is both a redeemed community and a redemptive one, we are a saved community as well as a salvation-declaring community. We have experienced the fruits and riches of God’s gracious salvation, and are likewise called to go and share with others the promise and hope of redemption in Jesus Christ. The goal here is explicit and discrete. We are to preach the Gospel to every creature; what a testament this is to God’s intent to draw from every clan, group, ethnicity, nation, tongue, and group on earth a people that will belong to him and serve him forever. What a remarkable privilege we have to share this news unashamedly, with all the creativity, energy, and sincerity that God’s Spirit may supply, and to resolve, deep in our hearts, never to give up until the commission is accomplished. Indeed, this was his last Word to us, and for us who belong to his Church of every new generation, this Word will and must remain the Word of our mission and life, until he comes. These contacts highlight critical points, perhaps the most important being an exploration in what does it mean for God to elect and choose someone. Many conflicting views exist on this particular point when applied to the character and working of God. If God chooses one person, does that mean that he rejects another? How can God elect when the Scriptures suggest that there is no partiality with God? What about God being arbitrary–does God make decisions randomly, or if he does it with purpose, does he inform us as to what criteria or standard he was using when he made the decision? These and related questions are liable and probable to arise in this week’s lesson of election. Do not be dismayed at any of these questions; we ought to engage each one with an open mind and an open Bible, seeking the best we can to wrestle with the implications of each question. We ought not, however, pretend to speak about God’s inner motives with absolute certainty, especially on items or issues where he does not disclose his mind to us on things. A good principle by which we should operate is contained in a revealing text in Deuteronomy:

2 Page 79 Devotion

3 Page 80 Contact