Topical Bible: The Heathen: Aid Missions To

◄ The Heathen: Aid Missions To ►

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The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who do not acknowledge the God of the Bible, often encompassing non-believers or those practicing other religions. From a biblical perspective, the mission to aid the heathen is deeply rooted in the Great Commission and the call to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Biblical Mandate for Missions

The directive to reach out to the heathen is explicitly stated in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, before His ascension, commanded His disciples 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." This passage underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the responsibility of believers to engage in missionary work.

Similarly, in Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His followers, "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." This verse highlights the geographical and cultural expansiveness of the mission, emphasizing the inclusion of the heathen in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament also provides a foundation for reaching out to the heathen. God's covenant with Abraham included a promise that "all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). This promise foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles and the heathen in the blessings of God's covenant, pointing to a future where all nations would come to know the God of Israel.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, as seen in Psalm 67:2 : "that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." The psalmist's prayer reflects a desire for God's salvation to reach beyond Israel to the heathen, affirming the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

Apostolic Example

The apostolic era provides numerous examples of missions to the heathen. The Apostle Paul, often referred to as the Apostle to the Gentiles, dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. In Romans 15:20 , Paul states, "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." Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, illustrate the early church's commitment to reaching the heathen.

Practical Implications for the Church

The call to aid missions to the heathen has practical implications for the contemporary church. It involves not only evangelism but also acts of compassion and service that demonstrate the love of Christ. The church is called to support missionaries, engage in cross-cultural ministry, and provide resources for the translation and distribution of Scripture.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." This ambassadorial role underscores the responsibility of believers to represent Christ to the heathen, urging them to be reconciled to God.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to aid missions to the heathen is clear and compelling. It is a call to action for the church to engage in the Great Commission, reaching out with the message of salvation to all corners of the earth. Through prayer, support, and active participation, believers are invited to partake in God's mission to bring the light of the Gospel to those who have yet to hear.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brothers which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

3 John 1:6,7
Which have borne witness of your charity before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The True Spirit of Missions.
... In like manner, the more indisposed any heathen nation may be to receive ... That a nation
has not called for our aid, but is ... Such is the true spirit of missions. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... in this way, indirectly, though efficiently, aid the progress ... the inquiry will arise,
whether heathen nations as ... laymen should engage in the work of missions. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age.
... the earlier and later history of missions, teaches how ... the Christian, called on him
for aid, if he ... impressions might often, in leading the heathen to recognise ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/general remarks on the history.htm

Foreword
... also brought back the whole work of missions on Apostolic ... me and I will give thee
the heathen for thine ... Due acknowledgment is hereby made of aid received from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/foreword.htm

The Church and the Heathen
... their followers; and Gottschalk's death was followed by a heathen reaction in ... in
honour of Ottocar of Bohemia, who lent his aid for a ... Sidenote: Missions in Asia ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiv the church and.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
Thoughts on Missions. ... States are doing what they can to save the heathen from their ...
no extraneous influence, and is dependent for its power on no earthly aid. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

The Foreign Missions and their Influence.
... undertake the task of preaching the Gospel to the heathen. ... isle, the "First Love
of Moravian Missions." Again the ... in the West Indies without any aid from any ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the foreign missions.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen
... the Apostles during the intervals between their missions to the ... sought out and brought
from Tarsus to aid in his ... good tidings of the Gospel to the heathen world ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter ii the foundation of.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... Our miseries invoke your aid. ... to say, "I desire to preach the gospel among the heathen."
I hope ... Says one, "I will pray earnestly in support of missions; I will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

Gospel Missions
... for many days and years past"the subject of gospel missions. ... but now there is a printing
press to aid us ... and show you myriads upon myriads of heathen souls in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/gospel missions.htm