The Church and Her Mission
Our Lord Jesus gave the church a
mission: preach the gospel and take care of his flock. This mission is a
continuation of Christ's ministry in the world.
Before his ascension to heaven,
the Lord Jesus said to his disciples, "All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit*, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, to the close of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
The church takes on Christ's
authority and must bring the gospel to the world. It is through preaching that
people may have the opportunity to listen and believe. And as people believe
and are baptized, the church grows. The church also needs to bring up the faith
of the members by teaching them to obey the commands of our Lord.
By fulfilling her mission, the
church is also preparing for the coming of Christ. There will be a great
wedding banquet for Christ and his bride--the church. That will be the finale
of God's salvation plan, when the believers will join with the Lord and be with
him forever.
* That is, the name of Jesus (see
John 17:11; Acts 4:1012; )
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