Lecture 1: Dr. Robert Saucy's Vision and Biblical Theology of Mission

Jul 8, 2024

Lecture 1: Dr. Robert Saucy's Vision and Biblical Theology of Mission

Introduction

  • Dr. Robert Saucy: Remembered for commitment to scripture and its relevance to the church.
  • Langham Partnership: Focuses on strengthening the Word of God in the majority world through theological education, preacher training, and book provision.
  • Lecture Title: "The Whole Earth is Mine"—global and missional vision of the Old Testament.

Missional Hermeneutic

  • Understanding the Bible as a Whole: Shifts from doctrines and rules to a narrative about God's mission.
  • Five-Act Drama: Concept popularized by N.T. Wright and expanded into six acts by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen in "The Drama of Scripture".
  • Acts Overview:
    1. Creation: God creates the heavens and the earth, humans to rule and keep the earth.
    2. Fall: Rebellion against God leading to broken relationships.
    3. Promise to Abraham: God promises blessings to all nations through Abraham.
    4. Jesus: Fulfillment of God's promise—birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
    5. Church Mission: Outpouring of the Holy Spirit and mission to all nations.
    6. New Creation: Christ returns, new heaven and new earth.

Story and Origin of the Bible

  • Bible's Narrative: Comprehensive story of God’s mission that involves God's people and their engagement with the world.
  • Missional Origin: Biblical texts often arise from God's people engaging with various cultural and theological contexts.
  • Example: Paul's letters addressing mission-related issues.
  • Old Testament Context:
    • Theology of Creation: Contrasts with polytheistic cultures.
    • Exodus: Redemption from Egypt as a foundational act.
    • Historical Narratives: Struggle between faith in one God versus many gods.
    • Wisdom and Worship: Interactions with other traditions and reflecting on God’s relationship with nations.

Four Points on Old Testament and Mission

  1. Old Testament Vision of God

    • Monotheism: Yahweh alone is God.
    • Missional implications: How monotheism informs mission.

  2. God’s People and their Purpose

    • Doctrine of Election: What being chosen people means for mission.

  3. Ethics and Lifestyle

    • Missional Lifestyle: Living as God’s people among nations.

  4. God’s Future for Nations

    • Eschatology: Vision for all nations.

Monotheism and Mission

  • Affirmations about Yahweh:
    • Yahweh Alone is God: Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Central focus on monotheism.
    • Yahweh's Sovereignty: Owns and rules the world.
    • Biblical Texts: E.g., Deuteronomy 10:14, Psalm 24:1, Jeremiah 27.
  • Evidence in Worship and History: Examples from Psalms, historical events, and prophetic declarations.
  • Implications of Monotheism:
    • Creator, Ruler, Judge, and Savior: Unique roles of Yahweh.
    • New Testament Affirmations about Jesus: Jesus as the realization of these roles (e.g., John 1, Colossians 1, Philippians 2).

Practical Implications for Christians

  • Rooting Christology in Monotheism: Jesus as God in mission.
  • Response to Pluralism and Relativism: Importance of affirming Jesus as the sole Lord and Savior.
  • Missional Witness: Living out the truth of Christ in contemporary contexts.

Conclusion

  • Old and New Testament Continuity: Uniqueness and universality of Yahweh and Christ form the foundation of Christian mission.