Ephesians 3:21
What is the mission of the church of Christ? The dictionary defines mission in one sense as “the business with which a group is charged.” So what does the New Testament describe as the business with which Christians are charged in the world. We already know that the mission of Jesus Christ was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus came as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He was God’s lamb (John 1:29). He came as one slain from the foundation of the world (I Peter 1:19, 20). And he came as a willing sacrifice (John 10:17, 18; Hebrews 10:5-9). There was no other way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Jesus accomplished his mission and now is seated at the right hand of the father (I Peter 3:22). The mission of the church is an extension of what Jesus came to do.
But before Jesus ascended back to heaven, after having shown himself to many credible witnesses, he gave a charge to the apostles whom he had chosen. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said go into the entire world and proclaim the gospel, the good news, concerning his mission to save sinful man. He gives a very similar charge in Mark 16:15, 16. We commonly refer to this as the great commission. It is great in comparison to the limited commission of Matthew 10:1-7 where they were told to go only to the house of Israel.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the apostles would be guided into all truth as they preached and wrote of a resurrected savior (John 16:13). Yet the charge to proclaim the gospel was not limited to the apostles alone. They were to teach others the things committed to their care (II Timothy 2:1, 2).
Each generation therefore has the responsibility, duty, and command to teach the gospel of Christ in order that they may have the opportunity to either accept or reject it.
The gospel of Christ has been correctly said by some to contain facts to be believed, commands to be obeyed, and promises to be received. When one humbles himself to hear the story of the cross and experience the love of God, he will seek to do whatever the Lord commands to please him. One shows love by keeping the Lord’s commandments (John 14:15).
Christians will gladly do the work of the master as they live here on earth. Christ will be their example in all things (Galatians 2:20; I Peter 2:20-25). They will always seek God’s approval for whatever they do by appealing to the scriptures (Colossians 3:17; II Timothy 3:15-17). Through the avenues of evangelism of the world, edification of the saints, and benevolent deeds to all men, the Christian is able to fulfill his mission in the church, which is Christ’s body (Mathew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:1-15; Galatians 6:1-10).
This is a glorious mission and one in which all people should want to participate. In a few words, the mission of the Church could be summed up as “to bring glory and honor to God through Jesus Christ and his written will for us (Ephesians 3:21). Won’t you join us in the work of spreading the gospel to the world in our lifetime?
