Development of Theological Concept of Mission in Scripture

Authors

  • Evgeny FURSOV

Keywords:

Development of Theological Concept of Mission in Scripture, traditional understanding of mission, Old Testament points to the redemptive character of mission, Church's missional relation to the world

Abstract

The traditional understanding of mission is based on the Great Commission in Matt. 28:19-20. As a result mission is often considered as feature of the New Testament period which to some degree restrains its understanding. This article explores development of the concept of mission in Scripture with the purpose of defining in which way both Old and New Testaments represent the wholeness of the concept of mission. In the first part of the article the author considers God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, and also the Sinaic covenant, emphasizing the missional nature of the covenants. From a theological perspective the Old Testament points to the redemptive character of mission. In the second part the author explores God's missional relation to the world and also raises the question of the Church's missional relation to the world. Thus the Church's mission is not only about following the Great Commission’s “to go”, but also about “being”. Within this framework the mission of the Church can obtain different forms, meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people.

Author Biography

Evgeny FURSOV

Yevgen Fursov was born and raised in Mariupol. In 2001 he received a Bachelor of Missiology at Donetsk Christian University. Then he applied and was accepted at the Сhristian Study Center in Mittersill (Austria). After finishing this school he received Bechelor's degree in Theology. Currently writing a dissertation on the master's program at the International Baptist Theological Seminary (Prague). Sometimes he is preaching and teaching in the church. Yevgen lives in Czech Republic, married, has 3 years old daughter.

References

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How to Cite

FURSOV, Evgeny. 2011. “Development of Theological Concept of Mission in Scripture”. Theological Reflections: Eastern European Journal of Theology, no. 12 (May):72-83. http://reflections.eeit-edu.info/article/view/89730.