God’s mission is the redemption of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation for the praise of His glory. He has accomplished our redemption through Jesus Christ and His life, death, and resurrection – the Gospel. The church’s mission is to faithfully proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel to all people.
But, are all the people who hear the Gospel part of the fruit of God’s mission of redemption? No. The clear message of the Bible is that all will not be saved, not even all who see and hear a clear proclamation of the Gospel. Only those who respond in repentance and faith are part of God’s new redeemed people.
The first words out of the mouth of Jesus in Mark’s gospel are,
"The time is fulfilled, and the
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." Acts 2:38-39
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13
Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Acts 16:30-32
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Acts 3:19-20
Repentance is a turning away from our rebellion against God’s sovereign reign and rule over our lives, seeking God’s forgiveness, and forsaking a life of rebellion. Faith is casting ourselves wholly and only on Jesus Christ for our forgiveness from God, reconciliation with God, and righteousness standing before God. The fruit of genuine repentance and faith is a life transformed by the power of the Gospel that results in a life that continues to live for Jesus Christ.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, Colossians 1:21-23
CrossWay Exists
CrossWay exists as a redeemed people of God who continue to live for Jesus Christ. Our desire for others is that they come to know Jesus Christ in genuine repentance and faith. Our desire for ourselves is that we continue to live for Jesus Christ, in genuine repentance and faith, and that we live in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
Related Posts:
Conviction 1 – The Glory of God
Conviction 2 – The End of Human History
Conviction 3 – The Rejection of God
Conviction 4 – God’s Mission of Redemption
Conviction 5 – Redemption Through Jesus Christ
Conviction 6 – The Mission of God for the Church
