The mission of God
is a central theme throughout the Bible, and this is particularly evident in
the General Epistles and the book of Revelation. These texts, also known as the
catholic or non-Pauline epistles, and the final book of the New Testament respectively,
provide a rich source of insight into the missiological foundation of the
Bible.
The General Epistles, consisting of James,
1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude, were written to early
Christian communities facing various challenges and difficulties. These letters
provide guidance and encouragement for the believers as they sought to live out
their faith in a hostile and oppressive world.
One of the key themes in the General
Epistles is the call to holiness. The writers of these letters encourage their
readers to live lives that are set apart for God, marked by righteousness and
obedience to his commands. This call to holiness is rooted in the belief that
God has called his people to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood, and a people
belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9).
Another important theme in the General
Epistles is the call to unity. The writers urge their readers to maintain unity
within the community of believers, despite the many divisions and conflicts
that threatened to tear them apart. This call to unity is rooted in the belief
that God has called his people to be one body, united in Christ (1 Corinthians
12:12-27).
The book of Revelation, written by the
Apostle John, is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic text that describes the end
times and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. The book contains a series of
visions that reveal the majesty and power of God, as well as the consequences
of rejecting him.
One of the key themes in Revelation is the
call to repentance. The book contains several calls to repentance for those who
have turned away from God and are following false idols and false teachings.
This call to repentance is rooted in the belief that God is a loving and just
God who desires all people to turn to him and be saved.
Another important theme in Revelation is
the promise of the return of Jesus Christ. The book contains several
descriptions of the second coming of Jesus, when he will return in glory to
judge the living and the dead and establish his kingdom on earth. This promise
of the return of Jesus is rooted in the belief that God will ultimately triumph
over evil and establish his reign of righteousness and peace.
In conclusion, the mission of God is a
central theme throughout the Bible, and this is particularly evident in the
General Epistles and the book of Revelation. These texts provide a rich source
of insight into the missiological foundation of the Bible, emphasizing the call
to holiness, unity, repentance, and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. They
remind us that God's mission is to call people to himself, and to live a life
that is set apart for him, in righteousness and obedience, united in love and
in the anticipation of Jesus' return.
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