Table of Contents
God's Mission
Today we will take a broad look at the central theme of the Bible, the plan of redemption. It is simple enough for a child to understand, yet broad enough and deep enough that we will never fully comprehend it. Our task in this study is to simplify this central theme of the Bible into one presentation. Obviously one study is woefully inadequate and incomplete. But understanding this theme helps us to put everything else in life into a more correct perspective. It helps us to understand what is really important.
When I plan for a long journey, I choose my destination first. Once I know where I am going, the next step is to look at the details. Which roads should I follow? Where shall I sleep this night?
Our first task is to look at the map to get a better understanding of God's destination. What are His goals? Where is He headed?
Then, we will try to understand God's methods. What is He trying to accomplish? What is His strategy? Finally, we will see our place in God's plan. The better we understand God's mission strategy, the better we will understand our role in His work.
In trying to describe God's work in summary statements, let us remember that language is insufficient to fully describe God or His work. These statements are an exercise to stir our thoughts and to help us to try to understand God's work more deeply, but they are not intended to be complete or final. How would you word these statements?
Planning
God's mission was not an afterthought. Before sin ever existed, before the world was created, God had a plan to deal with it. It is a plan so well thought out, so well designed, so complete, that, when carried out, it guarantees a permanent end to sin and restoration of the universe to perfection. God did not keep this plan a secret, but revealed it to people progressively.
Vision Statement
The vision statement describes God's final goal. What will the universe look like when God's mission is complete? What must ultimately exist?
“I have fully restored My image in fallen humanity, I have utterly abolished sin forever, I have perfectly restored the universe to holiness and harmony, and I will dwell with My people forever.”
Mission Statement
The mission describes in a nutshell what God is doing now to fulfill His vision. It defines movement toward the final goal.
“To reveal God's character of love, to expose and defeat Satan's plans, and to restore fallen humanity through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.”
Strategic Objectives
Objectives provides a more detailed look at what God needs to accomplish for His mission to succeed. These are results that God will achieve.
- Vindication of God's character
- Seeking and Saving
- Reconciliation
- Sanctification