I am developing a theology of Missions that I can communicate to my church. My goal is to begin this endeavor by helping them to see God’s vision for eternity, and how what takes place in our time must contribute to that end, or its vanity. So, this first study is intended to present the end-game, so to speak; that we may begin with the end in mind.
What John Saw
Revelation 21:1-2 NASB
(1) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (2) And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
The appearance of the heavenly city from God! The description of the city as “a bride adorned” is a picture of youth, purity and anticipation. As the bride awaits her protector, provider and lover, so the city from God awaits her King!
What John Heard
Revelation 21:3-7 NASB
(3) And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
This is an interesting dilemma. The phrase translated by nearly all English translations as, “they shall be His people” contains the word laioi. Perhaps this phrase is best interpreted “they shall be His peoples.” It is the better literal translation, and it seems to fit with the overall OT/NT theme of gathering some of each of the many ethno-linguistic-familial groups. Thus, the picture of the many tribes of believers is preserved, not done away with. It is to God’s glory that the diversity of believers should be preserved while our unity through faith in the Lamb is also on full display.
(4) and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (5) And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” (6) Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. (7) “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Tears, and their root causes, will be no more. God Himself will do away with all of that. There will only be joy for His peoples, as they experience the presence of God. The pain of death, mourning and pain is replaced with the joy of God. We will drink of His Spirit and dwell in His presence forevermore. Our joy in Him will never cease nor decrease, for He is the eternal, infinite God.
How this contributes to a theology of missions
The diversity of God’s peoples is preserved and joy in the presence of is the eternal state of all those who have trusted in Jesus and persevered through faith, by the grace of God. Surely, the glorious plan of God is demonstrated here, explicitly and implicitly. God planned, initiated and accomplishes the salvation of some from all the peoples for our joy and for His glory! That’s the end result of missions. God is glorified and we are satisfied completely in Him!