God’s Mission in this World

What is God’s mission in this world? While there are many ways to describe it, the concept of re-creation provides a continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the beginning God created (Genesis 1-2), and in Jesus Christ he re-creates (Ephesians 2, et.al). Broken relationships are restored in Christ. Re-creation is possible. God’s mission is a mission of re-creation. The sin problem in the garden was the result of and resulted in broken horizontal relationship. In Jesus Christ, solves the sin problem, but God also creates unity through meaningful, lasting relationships.
We can analyze the concept of creation and re-creation theologically with great benefit, but one eventually must ask what it means to experience the new creation–to live the adventurous and abundant life in Christ, to live in peace, to know firsthand restored relationships and reconciliation.
The contemporary church emphasizes love as the way to re-creation, restoration, and reconciliation. What does it mean to live in the new way of love? Since God is love, he is the one defines love. Love extended unconditionally in God’s grace does not guarantee acceptance. God loves the world but that does demand universalism and the salvation of every human being. That God chastens and disciplines those he loves as children must speak of a different aspect of love. Many Christians have adopted contemporary views of love that are popular in the secular world, but God ultimately defines love. Love excludes certain things, love disciplines and demands obedience. The extent of love is measured by sacrifice and service. To live the life of love according to God’s definition is to live courageously.
One’s personal salvation is only a first step in God’s plan to re-create, restore, and reconcile the world. Christians are committed to daily engagement with God’s mission of re-creation, restoration, and reconciliation. This engagement requires courage and compassion, for God’s mission is one of peace–resolving conflict and developing caring relationships. Salvation does not occur in isolation and is not maintained in isolation. Let us love God and one another enough to submit, sacrifice, and serve; let us love as Jesus loved. Any other definition of love, including the weak and superficial definitions popularized by contemporary culture, is inadequate to accomplish God’s mission in this world.