The concept of all Christians acting as missionaries in holy boldness is deeply rooted in the New Testament and reflects the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical foundation for this calling, the characteristics of holy boldness, and the practical implications for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The mandate for Christians to be missionaries is primarily derived from the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This command is not limited to the apostles but extends to all followers of Christ, emphasizing the universal call to evangelism and discipleship.

In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further empowers His followers, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit equips believers with the necessary boldness and strength to fulfill their missionary calling.

Characteristics of Holy Boldness

Holy boldness is characterized by a fearless proclamation of the Gospel, rooted in faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this trait in his ministry. In Ephesians 6:19-20 , he requests prayer "that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

This boldness is not arrogance or recklessness but a confident assurance in the truth of the Gospel and the power of God. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." Holy boldness is thus marked by love and self-discipline, ensuring that the message is delivered with compassion and respect.

Practical Implications

The call for all Christians to be missionaries in holy boldness has several practical implications. Firstly, it requires a personal commitment to spiritual growth and understanding of the Scriptures. As 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have, but respond with gentleness and respect."

Secondly, it involves active participation in the local and global mission fields. This can take various forms, from personal evangelism in one's community to supporting or participating in international missions. The early church in Acts serves as a model, where believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42), and "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47).

Finally, being a missionary in holy boldness means trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. As seen in Philippians 4:13 , "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," believers are encouraged to rely on Christ's strength rather than their own abilities.

In summary, the call for all Christians to be missionaries in holy boldness is a biblical mandate that requires faith, courage, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel with love and respect. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to fulfill this mission, impacting the world for Christ.Psalm 119:46
I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hardening of Nations.
... manner in which men calling themselves Christians act in ... been planted in such dry
ground, we should probably have ... or smaller measure, comes upon all who live ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxv the hardening of nations.htm

Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The ...
... in the parties existing among English Christians at the ... the gospel, which seeks
"that they all may be ... to recognize that whatever jurisdiction should have been ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter iv antecedents of permanent.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... which they that believe on Him should receive." Figurative ... are many quiet, gentle,
consistent Christians, who make ... a deep influence for good on all around them. ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

God Seeks Intercessors
... Millions of feeble, sickly Christians; thousands of wearied workers ... by God's
intercessors, or we should cry to ... strength"receiving day by day all they needed ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm

Matt. 8:11 Many
... and is able to save to the uttermost all who come to ... There are no people so truly
happy as true Christians. ... women want to be truly happy, they should strive to ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiii matt 8 11 many.htm

An Advance in the Exhortation.
... lest he also, like others before him, should fall down ... Christ's death, and the spirit
of all grace that ... fervid appeal prevailed with the Christians within the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ix an advance in.htm

Boniface, Apostle of the Germans.
... of sin.'" Then, to the shame of nominal Christians, he brings ... in the dark place until
the day should break, and ... Know ye, and be assured that we all are subject ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/boniface apostle of the germans.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... heathen multitude agree with one voice to call them Christians. ... prudence, and his
pious ardour were all calculated to ... by the Spirit that there should be great ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

Paul's Missionary Labors.
... of the sanctuary, lest they should defile it ... comparative mildness, visited by the
Christians, and in ... the Lord Jesus Christ, with all boldness, none forbidding ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 33 pauls missionary labors.htm

The Religious Revolution
... the Papal States and of the Holy See might ... given to the doctrines on which all
Christians were agreed ... and refuting the Augsburg Confession should be entrusted ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

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