Topical Bible: Missionary Work by Ministers: Warranted by Predictions Concerning the Heathen

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Missionary work, as undertaken by ministers, finds its warrant and impetus in the prophetic declarations concerning the heathen found throughout the Holy Scriptures. The Bible, in its divine wisdom, provides a framework for understanding the role of ministers in spreading the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus Christ.

Biblical Predictions and Promises

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretell the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 49:6 declares, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This passage highlights the divine intention for salvation to reach beyond the confines of Israel, extending to all peoples. Similarly, Psalm 22:27 proclaims, "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him." These predictions underscore the universal scope of God's salvific purpose.

The New Testament further affirms this mission. In Matthew 24:14 , Jesus states, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." This prophetic statement not only predicts the global spread of the Gospel but also establishes it as a necessary precursor to the culmination of history. The apostolic mandate in Acts 1:8 reinforces this, as Jesus instructs His disciples, "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 Role of Ministers in Fulfillment

Ministers, as stewards of the Gospel, are called to actively participate in the fulfillment of these prophecies. The apostle Paul exemplifies this missionary zeal, as seen in Romans 15:20-21 , where he writes, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: 'Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.'" Paul's ministry serves as a model for contemporary ministers, emphasizing the importance of reaching those who have yet to hear the message of Christ.

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , provides the foundational directive for missionary work: "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." This command is not limited to the apostles but extends to all ministers who are entrusted with the Gospel message.

Theological Implications

The predictions concerning the heathen and the corresponding call to missionary work reflect the inclusive nature of the Gospel. God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4) necessitates the active engagement of ministers in cross-cultural evangelism. The prophetic vision of a diverse multitude worshiping before the throne, as depicted in Revelation 7:9 , "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb," serves as both a promise and a challenge to ministers to labor diligently in the harvest fields.

Conclusion

The biblical predictions concerning the heathen provide a compelling warrant for missionary work by ministers. These prophecies, coupled with the explicit commands of Christ, form the theological and practical basis for the Church's missionary endeavors. Ministers, as heralds of the Gospel, are called to participate in God's redemptive mission, bringing the light of Christ to the nations and fulfilling the divine promise of salvation for all peoples.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 42:10-12
Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 66:19
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook