Mission in the new testament
The mission of the New Testament is a central theme that runs throughout the entire book. The mission of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, is to proclaim the kingdom of God and to save humanity from sin and its consequences. Here are some key aspects of the mission of the New Testament:
- Proclamation of the Kingdom of God: Jesus' mission is to proclaim the kingdom of God, which is a realm where God's will is done and where people can experience God's love and redemption. (Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 4:17)
- Salvation from Sin: Jesus came to save humanity from sin and its consequences, including death and separation from God. He did this through his death on the cross and his resurrection. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)
- Preaching the Good News: Jesus and his followers preached the good news of salvation to all nations, including Jews and Gentiles. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
- Healing and Deliverance: Jesus and his followers performed miracles of healing and deliverance, demonstrating God's power and love. (Matthew 9:35, Acts 3:6-7)
- Establishing the Church: Jesus established the church, which is a community of believers who are called to continue his mission. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47)
- Commission to the Disciples: Jesus commissioned his disciples to continue his mission, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18)
- The Great Commission: Jesus gave his disciples a final commission before his ascension, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Some key passages that highlight the mission of the New Testament include:
- Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus' commission to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.
- Mark 1:14-15: Jesus' declaration of his mission to proclaim the kingdom of God.
- Luke 4:18-19: Jesus' reading of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, which highlights his mission to proclaim good news to the poor and to set the captives free.
- Acts 1:8: Jesus' commission to his disciples to receive power from the Holy Spirit and to be witnesses to Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
- Romans 15:20-21: Paul's declaration of his mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and to bring the offering of the Gentiles to the Jews.
Overall, the mission of the New Testament is to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and to establish the church as a community of believers who are called to continue his mission.