The Overall Story of Scripture and the Mission of the Church
Purpose
The discipline of biblical theology and determining the overall story of Scripture should not end in the mind. It should find its fruition in our actions. Specifically, God has instituted the local church to be the context in which He is working His redemptive plan in this world. This discussion forum is intended to explore how the story, as seen in Scripture, informs what we are supposed to do as a church and what that means for who we are.
Instructions
Explain what the overall story of Scripture consists of and how the discipline of biblical theology relates to the mission of the church. In other words, in light of this true story of the whole world, what is the church supposed to be doing? How do you biblically defend that? Finally, post a question you have after reading this and last’s week chapters from Biblical Theology.
Instructions for Replies
Include at least one scholarly question, and you are encouraged to provide additional examples or counterexamples to refine the conversation.
The Overall Story of Scripture and the Mission of the Church
Introduction
The discipline of biblical theology aims to understand and communicate the overall story of Scripture, which encompasses God’s redemptive plan for humanity from creation to consummation. This story provides a framework for understanding the purpose and mission of the church. In this essay, I will explain the overall story of Scripture and its relation to the mission of the church. I will also provide a biblical defense for the church’s role in fulfilling this mission.
The Overall Story of Scripture
The overall story of Scripture can be summarized as follows:
- Creation: God created the world and humanity in His image to have a loving and harmonious relationship with Him and with one another.
- Fall: Humanity rebelled against God, bringing sin, brokenness, and separation from Him, leading to the brokenness of relationships.
- Redemption: God initiated a plan of redemption through His chosen people, Israel, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected.
- Restoration: Through faith in Jesus Christ, humanity can be reconciled with God and experience restoration, both personally and communally. This restoration will ultimately be fulfilled when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom in its fullness.
- Proclaim the Gospel: The church is tasked with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, inviting all people to repentance and faith in Him.
- Make Disciples: The church is called to make disciples by teaching and baptizing believers, helping them grow in their relationship with God, and equipping them to do the work of ministry.
- Love and Serve: The church is called to love one another and their neighbors, caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, and advocating for justice and righteousness in society.
- Worship and Communion: The church is called to worship God collectively, experiencing communion with Him and with one another through prayer, praise, and the sacraments.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. This demonstrates the church’s responsibility to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.
- The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40): Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This emphasizes the church’s role in loving and serving others.
- The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27): Paul uses the imagery of the body to describe the church, highlighting the interconnectedness of its members and their diverse roles. This emphasizes the importance of every member contributing to the mission of the church.