Missions Decreed in God’s Counsel
Bruinsma argues that missions is central to God's eternal purpose and counsel for His church, grounded in the New Testament revelation that Jews and Gentiles are united as one body in Christ. The article demonstrates how the preaching of the gospel to all nations accomplishes God's covenant purpose, with missions belonging to the very essence of the church in the new dispensation. This theological treatment connects missional practice directly to Reformed doctrine and biblical prophecy.
Previous article in this series: April 15, 2012, p. 331. This is the mystery of the church: people of many nations (the Gentiles) are made fellow heirs, and of the same body with the church of the Old Testament (Eph. 3:6). Christ has abolished the Old Testament ceremonies of the law in order to make in Himself of two (Jews and Gentiles) one new man (Eph. 2:15). The church is no longer limited to one nation. It has become universal. This mystery was hid in God from the beginning of the world....
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org