Overview
This lecture explores the theme of mission in the epistles, using Revelation 7:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 to examine the outcome and message of Christian mission, connecting it to the gospel's core content and the church's calling.
Mission in the Epistles: Context and Characteristics
- The epistles are written to specific Christian communities, unlike the broader audiences of the Gospels and Acts.
- Themes include living faithfully amid persecution and being a distinct "contrast community" from the world.
- Direct commands for evangelism are rare; mission is more often implicit or modeled through apostolic life and instruction.
- Paul’s writings often use an indicative-imperative framework: who believers are (indicative) and how they should live (imperative).
Revelation 7:9-10 — The Telos of Mission
- Mission culminates in an innumerable, diverse multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping before God’s throne.
- Diversity is essential: God’s people are ethnically, geographically, and linguistically varied.
- The saved are portrayed as holy (in white robes), redeemed, and fully accepted before God.
- The scene highlights worship, celebration of salvation, and declaration of Christ’s lordship.
- Salvation is God’s work alone—He saves from sin, judgment, and death to adoption, justification, and eternal life.
- Those present are those ransomed by Christ’s blood (cf. Rev 5:9-10, Acts 20:28).
The Gospel as the Bridge: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
- Paul reminds Christians of the gospel as the foundation in which they stand and by which they are being saved.
- The gospel is singular and of first importance; it must be preserved and faithfully transmitted.
- Evangelism adapts to context, but the gospel message itself does not change.
- Key elements: Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses.
- Salvation requires receiving and holding fast to this gospel.
- The gospel addresses the identity (who: Christ), action (what: died and rose), and purpose (why: for our sins).
- Salvation is described in three aspects: justification (past), sanctification (present), glorification (future).
- The gospel is Christological, theological, biblical, apostolic, historical, personal, universal (in scope, not in universalism), and eschatological.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Gospel — The good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for the salvation of sinners.
- Mission — The calling to spread the gospel and make disciples among all nations.
- Telos — The ultimate end or goal; here, the fulfillment of God’s plan in Revelation 7.
- Indicative-Imperative — The biblical pattern of stating who believers are (indicative) and how they should live (imperative).
- Penal Substitutionary Atonement — Jesus’ death as a substitute, bearing the penalty for human sin.
- Justification/Sanctification/Glorification — Past, present, and future aspects of salvation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lecture notes for more detail on each key theme and supporting texts.
- Reflect on how the gospel remains central in both personal faith and ministry.
- Prepare for systematic theology discussions on salvation and atonement next year.