Biblical Theology of Global Missions

[ITS]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

[ITS]

Question # 2: Dr. Kaiser repeatedly points out that the Old Testament established a biblical theology of Missions in the last part of the tripartite promise to Abraham that in him would all the nations of the earth be blessed. By that Kaiser meant that through Abraham's descendents the promised Gospel of salvation would be brought to all the nations of the worlt through the promised "Seed", the Messiah or Lord Jesus Christ. A very good long-term illustration of this is Peter's vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals, representing Gentiles, just as Cornelius, a Gentile, was sending to ask Peter to come and tell him how to be saved.

[David Gauthier]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

The Old Testament reveals God?s plan to bless the nations through Abraham?s seed, the promised seed of the woman. God covenanted with Abraham saying, ?And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.? The purpose of the covenant is expressed in the blessing of God being extended to all people. God redeemed a nation out of Egypt using Moses as His mediator in order to make His name known. As exclusionary as this seems, it marks the time when God?s plan for man took a turn in method by using a particular people to establish a relationship with mankind with the overall intent of bringing blessing and favor to all nations. God?s plan for reaching all people is repeatedly revealed in historical vignettes and the words of His prophets throughout the Old Testament. Foreigners were included in the blessings of the temple if they would simply look to God (through the locality of the temple). King David revealed that God alone is worthy of praise, and one day that praise would be freely given to God from all nations. God is truly sovereign over every people, tongue, tribe and nation whether they acknowledge it or not. Grace was extended to the Syrian leper Naaman resulting in worship. God?s power was displayed to the nations from historical events like the overthrow of Pharaoh, the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the defeat of the Philistine god Dagon. God displayed His power and character through the deeds of David and through his public proclamations, through great wisdom recognized as coming from God in the life of Solomon, through protection of His people and power displayed when God fought for Israel and overcame insurmountable odds as exemplified in the defeat of Sennacherib?s army for His Name?s sake. Old Testament theology bears a strong witness for global mission, and the power of the Holy Spirit granted as a promised New Covenant blessing equip believers to reach the world in Christ?s name so that God may be glorified.

[David Gauthier]

Question # 2: Dr. Kaiser repeatedly points out that the Old Testament established a biblical theology of Missions in the last part of the tripartite promise to Abraham that in him would all the nations of the earth be blessed. By that Kaiser meant that through Abraham's descendents the promised Gospel of salvation would be brought to all the nations of the worlt through the promised "Seed", the Messiah or Lord Jesus Christ. A very good long-term illustration of this is Peter's vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals, representing Gentiles, just as Cornelius, a Gentile, was sending to ask Peter to come and tell him how to be saved.

The three elements of the ?tripartite formula? as introduced in Lecture 2 are, 1) I will be your God, 2) you will be My people, and 3) I (God) will dwell among you. God's dwelling among His people was carried out in relation to Israel in the Old Testament. Perhaps, you are thinking of God's promise to Abraham expressed in Genesis 12:3 where all of the families of the earth would be blessed in Abraham. It is interesting that you used a New Testament example with Peter to illustrate the Old Testament biblical theology of missions. I would prefer Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple in 1 Kings 8:41-43 where he prays for "a foreigner who is not of Thy people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Thy name's sake." That prayer is one example among many from the Old Testament that makes a good argument for an Old Testament theology of world missions.

[adamlawson]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

The Old Testament goes to great lengths to show God's emphasis on global missions. Starting in Genesis 3 we see the downslide of mankind. From the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the murder of Abel, to the flood and the Tower of Babel, humanity is steeped in sin. In chapters 10 and 11 the Word gives us the spreading of mankind after the flood, sin and all. It is on the heels of this that God speaks to Abraham and declares "I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." We can't ignore the sequence of events. When it becomes obvious that man is on a direct path away from God, God steps in to reclaim the people he loves: mankind. In the Psalms we also find the will of God in regards to global missions. Psalms 148:7,11 "Praise the LORD from the earth...Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth." The kings and princes of the earth cannot praise a God that is not willing to hear or love them. I believe it is obvious that the LORD wanted non-Israelites to come to him and worship Him.

[adamlawson]

Question # 2: Dr. Kaiser repeatedly points out that the Old Testament established a biblical theology of Missions in the last part of the tripartite promise to Abraham that in him would all the nations of the earth be blessed. By that Kaiser meant that through Abraham's descendents the promised Gospel of salvation would be brought to all the nations of the worlt through the promised "Seed", the Messiah or Lord Jesus Christ. A very good long-term illustration of this is Peter's vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals, representing Gentiles, just as Cornelius, a Gentile, was sending to ask Peter to come and tell him how to be saved.

God definitly had global missions in mind in his words to Abraham, but I do not think that was strictly a part of the tripartite formula. I think you got a little confused with Dr. Kaiser's lesson two. In this lesson he discusses the tripartite formula as well as what he called the "basic plan" which is the tripartite plan extended. The basic plan he lists as having three parts, the third being "all the nations of the earth that believed would be blessed through Abraham and his 'Seed'." It was a little confusing for me also. Furthermore, I do not think the illustration from the New Testament concerning Peter and Cornelius accurately answers the question of: To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global mission. I think the example is excellent from a New Testament perspective, but not from the Old Testament.

[jenni.madden]

The Old Testament established a Biblical theology from the beginning. When God established His covenant with Abraham, He desired to create a nation so they could bless the nations. Throughout the history of the Israelites, God has intended for them to reflect Him to the nations. The law was established so they could be a holy people and be set apart. Another example is that God sent Jonah to the Ninevehites (Gentiles) declaring that they needed to repent from their sin and turn to God. The narratives and prophets all show that it is God’s saving plan to include the Gentiles.

[bobsiska]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

The bible points to a theology of global missions by first showing that the promise-plan of God clearly extends to the Gentiles. When God says to Abraham; all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, He is including all of the Gentile nations as well. Both Peter and James in the book of Acts affirm that the Gentiles were included in the promise. In addition, Kaiser points to the object of Abraham's faith as proof of a OT theology of global missions. It is not just Abraham's faith in God, but his faith in God concerning the seed that links the OT to global missions.

[bobsiska]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

The Old Testament reveals God?s plan to bless the nations through Abraham?s seed, the promised seed of the woman. God covenanted with Abraham saying, ?And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.? The purpose of the covenant is expressed in the blessing of God being extended to all people. God redeemed a nation out of Egypt using Moses as His mediator in order to make His name known. As exclusionary as this seems, it marks the time when God?s plan for man took a turn in method by using a particular people to establish a relationship with mankind with the overall intent of bringing blessing and favor to all nations. God?s plan for reaching all people is repeatedly revealed in historical vignettes and the words of His prophets throughout the Old Testament. Foreigners were included in the blessings of the temple if they would simply look to God (through the locality of the temple). King David revealed that God alone is worthy of praise, and one day that praise would be freely given to God from all nations. God is truly sovereign over every people, tongue, tribe and nation whether they acknowledge it or not. Grace was extended to the Syrian leper Naaman resulting in worship. God?s power was displayed to the nations from historical events like the overthrow of Pharaoh, the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the defeat of the Philistine god Dagon. God displayed His power and character through the deeds of David and through his public proclamations, through great wisdom recognized as coming from God in the life of Solomon, through protection of His people and power displayed when God fought for Israel and overcame insurmountable odds as exemplified in the defeat of Sennacherib?s army for His Name?s sake. Old Testament theology bears a strong witness for global mission, and the power of the Holy Spirit granted as a promised New Covenant blessing equip believers to reach the world in Christ?s name so that God may be glorified.

Within the OT, God at sundry times and diverse ways spoke, revealing himself. Although his speaking was primarily facilitated through Israel, he did include the Gentiles in His overall plan. So the establishment of global missions can be traced to the OT. However, there is clearly an amplification and re-direction of the call of God towards the Gentiles that is instituted during the NT. Paul said that God has now commanded all to repent (Acts 17:30). Jesus calls it the "times of the Gentiles". Part of the fulfillment of the promise of the new covenant in the OT would be a calling of the Gentiles to serving the true God.

[J. Afanador]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

A number of passages in the Old Testament point to God’s plan to bless not only the nation of Israel but all the nations of the earth. From the very beginning the Lord promised to make of Abram a great nation; in and through him all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Throughout the OT we find God graciously dealing with Gentiles such as Zipporah, Balaam, Rahab, Ruth, the Ninevites, etc. Many passages are even addressed specifically to Gentiles: Isaiah 13-23; Jeremiah 45-51; Ezekiel 25-32; and Amos 1-2. Amos 9:11-12 is even used by James in the New Testament to argue for the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church (Acts 15:13-17). Thus, God’s plan for global missions is scattered throughout the books of the OT.

[J. Afanador]

Question # 2: Dr. Kaiser repeatedly points out that the Old Testament established a biblical theology of Missions in the last part of the tripartite promise to Abraham that in him would all the nations of the earth be blessed. By that Kaiser meant that through Abraham's descendents the promised Gospel of salvation would be brought to all the nations of the worlt through the promised "Seed", the Messiah or Lord Jesus Christ. A very good long-term illustration of this is Peter's vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals, representing Gentiles, just as Cornelius, a Gentile, was sending to ask Peter to come and tell him how to be saved.
The tripartite formula is (1) I will be your God, (2) You will be my people, and (3) I will dwell in the midst of you. The first is seen in Ex. 3:6 where God identifies himself in relation to the patriarchs. The second is also found in verse 7. God calls the Hebrew slaves “my people,” and in Ex. 5:1 he says, “Let my people go.” The third is seen in Ex. 33:14-15 where God promises that his presence will be with the people and in Ex. 25:8 where He promises to “dwell in their midst.” What you are referring to is not the tripartite formula per se, but God’s promise to Abraham to bless all the nations of the earth in and through him in Gen. 12:3.

[Scott]

In Dr. Kaiser’s lectures on promise-plan theology, a salient theme is that the Gentiles are included in the God’s promise-plan. God’s chosen people were to be His witnesses to the polytheistic world (Isaiah 43:12) that He who dwells in their midst is the only God. God’s tripartite promise to the Patriarchs, among other blessings, included being a blessing to “nations of the earth” (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14). How is this possible? Through the unique covenantal laws and lifestyle of Israel, that all nations, “all peoples on earth,” might see and believe the only true God is the God of Israel. And by seeing they might believe in God’s witness. I propose that the extend to which “the Old Testament establishes a biblical theology for global missions” is to the same extent as the New Testament. Like us, if the nation of Israel had “lived the life,” they would have been a witness to the world. Also consider that Abraham, David, and all the Old Testament believers (including Gentiles: Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, and Jonah’s Ninevites) came into a relationship with God the same way New Testament believers do—by faith (see Romans 4, Galatians 3:8 ).

[jwcrandall]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

I was about to say that the Old Testament makes it very clear that God's people are called to participate in God's mission which is universal in scope. It must not be too clear, however, because it is not necessarily a popular reading/understanding of the Old Testament. Dr. Kaiser helps us to see this truth, however, and once you see it, it can't be ignored. I find it interesting that no one in this forum has yet mentioned the very foundation for universal missions. Genesis 1: Our God is the creator of all. Scripture begins from a universal perspective. Eventually, the focus narrows on the specific with Abraham, but God chooses to use the specific to reach the universal. As has been indicated, we see this from the beginning with God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. One of the most incredible testimonies, in my opinion, to God's missional imperative can be seen in his motivation for the exodus from Egypt. Apart from delivering the Israelites, we read over and over again God's words concerning Pharaoh or the Egyptians, "that he/they may know that I am God." God says the same of the Israelites, but far fewer times. We see the inclusion of the gentiles even here at the exodus when some Egyptians chose to leave with them (Ex. 12:38). We see the missional intent and concern for the nations throughout the Old Testament. It's evident in the law, it's evident in the prophets, it's evident in the Psalms. What is the extent of missions in the Old Testament? It is evident throughout.

[jwcrandall]

Within the OT, God at sundry times and diverse ways spoke, revealing himself. Although his speaking was primarily facilitated through Israel, he did include the Gentiles in His overall plan. So the establishment of global missions can be traced to the OT. However, there is clearly an amplification and re-direction of the call of God towards the Gentiles that is instituted during the NT. Paul said that God has now commanded all to repent (Acts 17:30). Jesus calls it the "times of the Gentiles". Part of the fulfillment of the promise of the new covenant in the OT would be a calling of the Gentiles to serving the true God.

Bob, I appreciate your post, and for the most part I agree. However, I'm not sure that I resonate with the term "re-direction". I think that there was an amplification of the call of God towards the Gentiles, primarily because Christ acted as the true "Servant" of Israel and facilitated fulfillment of promise. However, the call for the Israelites and the Gentiles in the Old Testament is a call to know God, and hence, a call to repentance. I don't believe that God waited until the first century to call the Gentiles to repentance. God now calls us to repentance even as he then called people to repent. As someone else pointed out in this forum, Jonah and Nineveh clearly illustrate this.

[SL]

You have named quite a few passages in the Old Testament to indicate God's missionary concern for the global society, J. Afanador. I'd like to add that Isaiah also reveals the foundational missional intention God has for all peoples. Preface to a more substantial direction, Isaiah stressed God's sovereignty over all nations, which were "like a drop in a bucket" (40: 15, 17), His management of these nations for His own purposes (44:28; 45:13), and His status of sole deity(45:22) and redeemer (54:8). Then God calls Israel to be a "light" to the nations (42; 49:3) by witnessing God's justice and goodness to draw people to God. Isaiah 66:18-21 brings the concept of global mission to the fore as God calls Israel to be like an ambassador for Him to the nations.

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

A number of passages in the Old Testament point to God’s plan to bless not only the nation of Israel but all the nations of the earth. From the very beginning the Lord promised to make of Abram a great nation; in and through him all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Throughout the OT we find God graciously dealing with Gentiles such as Zipporah, Balaam, Rahab, Ruth, the Ninevites, etc. Many passages are even addressed specifically to Gentiles: Isaiah 13-23; Jeremiah 45-51; Ezekiel 25-32; and Amos 1-2. Amos 9:11-12 is even used by James in the New Testament to argue for the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church (Acts 15:13-17). Thus, God’s plan for global missions is scattered throughout the books of the OT.

[its_brad]

Posted By: Matt Fraser
Post Date: Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:46 pm
Post subject: Missions in the OT? Yes...

The Old Testament has a strong biblical theology of Mission. God tells Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth, but this is only somewhat successful as through Gen 1-11 there is multiplication, but no filling of the Earth. Indeed, Babel goes against the filling of the earth. So God scatters the people at Babel (Gen 11) and then tells Abraham that all the tribes that he has just created in ch. 11 will be blessed through Abraham. God creates the nations, and then creates a means to bless them. From there, Abraham is a blessing when he prays for Sodom and Gommorah, and Joseph is a blessing in a huge way when, through him, God provides for the Egyptians and the rest of the known world. Although these examples are not missions in the NT sense, I think they do count as blessing the nations. From Egypt, God call’s Israel out with a incredible display of wonders so that Egypt would come to know YHWH as God (Exod 7:3-5) (indeed, some did cf. Ex 9:20,;12:3 . From there, Israel was called to conquer the promised land, but there was an expectation that others would certainly come to recognize the blessing of God on Israel (Deut 28:10-11). In Judges, Israel is hopeless and so there is little sign of mission there. In the books on the monarchy, mission is, once again a strong theme. David in his coronation prayer asks that God would fulfill his promises so that [YHWH]’s name will be great forever. Then men will say, “The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!” (2 Sam 7:26) Mission is also echoed in Solomon’s prayer when he asks God to hear the foreigners prayer so that all the people’s of the earth would know YHWH and fear him (1 King 8:41-23). Psalm 67 has put Gen 12:1-3 to song and has a remarkable missions emphasis, calling for blessing on Israel for the joy of the nations. During the remainder of the monarchy, missions falters as a priority, but the prophets have certainly note lost the passion. Isa 19 is a beautiful passage about warring nations being united in the worship of the one true God. Isaiah is a great example, but the Old Testament is filled with passages about the eschatological welcoming of the Gentiles (Mal 1:11, Zech 8:23, Hag 2:7, Mic 4:2, etc.). Although for I long time I did not see the mission emphasis in the Old Testament, I now see that it was mostly my hard heart and my presuppositions about the Old Testament that had blinded me from seeing it. From even this short survey, it is so clear to me that God has a passion for the worship of the nations! Jesus command to preach to the nations should have come as no surprise.

[Gilbert L. Barrigar]

The Old Testament establishes a Biblical theology of global missions in terms of the promise-plan of God. Genesis 12:1 States, the Lord will bless Abram, make his seed among the nations, and all the people of the earth would be blessed. In addition, according to Psalms, the nations are called to praise God, “that your way may be know upon earth your saving power among all nations” (Ps 67:1-2 NRSV). Acts 15 is one New Testament example referring back to the OT: “Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written…I will rebuild the dwelling of David…so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called (Acts 15:14-17 NRSV). Another NT example referring back to the OT: “So, you see those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.’ For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed” (Gal 3:7-9 NRSV). The OT indicates a plan for global missions to a significant extent, and we should remember the promise of enmity given to Eve in the book of Genesis.

[Gilbert L. Barrigar]

The Old Testament reveals God?s plan to bless the nations through Abraham?s seed, the promised seed of the woman. God covenanted with Abraham saying, ?And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.? The purpose of the covenant is expressed in the blessing of God being extended to all people. God redeemed a nation out of Egypt using Moses as His mediator in order to make His name known. As exclusionary as this seems, it marks the time when God?s plan for man took a turn in method by using a particular people to establish a relationship with mankind with the overall intent of bringing blessing and favor to all nations. God?s plan for reaching all people is repeatedly revealed in historical vignettes and the words of His prophets throughout the Old Testament. Foreigners were included in the blessings of the temple if they would simply look to God (through the locality of the temple). King David revealed that God alone is worthy of praise, and one day that praise would be freely given to God from all nations. God is truly sovereign over every people, tongue, tribe and nation whether they acknowledge it or not. Grace was extended to the Syrian leper Naaman resulting in worship. God?s power was displayed to the nations from historical events like the overthrow of Pharaoh, the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the defeat of the Philistine god Dagon. God displayed His power and character through the deeds of David and through his public proclamations, through great wisdom recognized as coming from God in the life of Solomon, through protection of His people and power displayed when God fought for Israel and overcame insurmountable odds as exemplified in the defeat of Sennacherib?s army for His Name?s sake. Old Testament theology bears a strong witness for global mission, and the power of the Holy Spirit granted as a promised New Covenant blessing equip believers to reach the world in Christ?s name so that God may be glorified.

Yes, I agree that the OT reveals a promise plan of God through Abraham’s seed, and all the earth will be blessed. Furthermore, David had a significant roll in the promise plan as well. God’s global plan for missions has (at least two) NT scriptures that refer back to God’s promise plan. A promise to the gentiles is found in the book of Acts. “I will rebuild the dwelling of David…so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—even all the Gentiles” (Acts 15:14-17). Moreover, Galatians foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying ‘all the Gentiles shall be blessed in you’ (Gal 3:7-9). I am reminded of God’s original plan for Humanity, as he walked with Adam and Eve through the garden in the cool of the day. Therefore, God love the world so much, that he gave his only son.

[theophilus1970]

Posted By: Matt Fraser
Post Date: Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:46 pm
Post subject: Missions in the OT? Yes...

Although for I long time I did not see the mission emphasis in the Old Testament, I now see that it was mostly my hard heart and my presuppositions about the Old Testament that had blinded me from seeing it. From even this short survey, it is so clear to me that God has a passion for the worship of the nations! Jesus command to preach to the nations should have come as no surprise.

Matt: I appreciate your candid description re: the way presuppositions possibly "blinded" you from seeing God's concern for the nations in the OT. Although I am no longer a strict Dispensationalist, I was raised within that environment and I know that perspectives can color my understanding of Scripture more than I realize at times. Dr. Kaiser's discussion in this course, as well as the reading that I did in Christopher Wright's book, about the missions emphasis in the OT was extremely helpful in bringing me new insights. I hope to hear Dr. Wright give a lecture on these matters at the upcoming ETS conference in a few weeks and give further reflection to this issue.

[theophilus1970]

I think most Christians would say global missions began with the Great Commission in Matthew 28 or Acts 1:8. The general impression among evangelicals (at least those I know) is that God is totally preoccupied with Israel, unconcerned with neighboring nations. Although global missions is certainly not a dominant theme in the OT, this course has helped increase my awareness of the various ways that God extended His concern toward non-Israelites.

The early chapters of Genesis, in particular, are concerned with the global of God’s dealings with the nations. From the beginning, God tells Adam and Eve to “multiply and fill the earth.” This command is so important to God that He repeats it in the Noahic covenant. And when the nations refused to leave Mesopotamia at Babel, God forcibly separated them. It was not until Genesis 12 that God narrows His covenantal scope to one man. But even then, a critical component of Abraham’s covenant is that God will bless all of the nations of the earth through him.

But God didn’t wait until Acts 2 before demonstrating His concern for the nations. He chose two Gentile women as key ancestors for the Messiah. He sent signs and wonders so the Egyptians would know that Israel’s God was the one true God. He sent Jonah to Ninevah to warn them of impending judgment. Jesus recounts two other examples.

“I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed — only Naaman the Syrian.” (Luke 4:25-27)

That being said, we need to be careful not to overstate the case. With the exception of Ruth and Rahab, however, other examples of Gentiles actually becoming full members of God’s covenant community are sketchy. Case in point, there is no indication that the mass conversion in Ninevah resulted in the Babylonians traveling to Jerusalem to make sacrifices in the Temple or building their own. So although the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s covenant people is predicted in the OT, the fullness of this proclamation is not reached until Pentecost and not fully understood until the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 (especially see vv. 14-18).

From my limited human perspective, it’s hard to resist the temptation to speculate what might have happened if Israel had actually succeeded in their mission. What if David’s prayer had been answered and all of humanity said, “The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!” (2 Sam. 7:26)? Without unduly encroaching on the predestination and providence of God, it does seem as though Israel fell short of its divinely intended purpose. This is not to suggest that the Messiah was in any sense a Plan B. Instead, perhaps Scripture is describing what could have been possible in a world without the Fall.

[pastorbob75]

From the beginning, God was concerned for the nations. In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham so that he can be a blessing to the nations. In later times, the prophets would address sections of thier prophecies to the nations (cf. Is. 13-23; Jer 46-51; Ezek 25-32). Some of the psalms hope that the nations will be included in God's blessings (cf. Ps. 67). Also, God includes some Gentiles into the covenant community (Ruth).

Ultimately, there is hope that the Gentiles will be included in the worshipping community. In Isaiah 2:3 (= Mich. 4:2), many people will come to Jerusalem wanting to worship God. This is an eschatological hope that will happen, "when the temple is raised above the hills" (probably a reference to the resurrection of Christ).

God's concern for the nations became Israel's hope for the nations. Even though this concern or hope is not uniformly testified to in the Old Testament, it is the foundation for a bilblical theology of mission.

[tonylfoster]

In Genesis 3:15, 21 we see God’s redemptive intervention in the Man of Promise, the Messiah. His promise is to Adam who represents the entire human population. This promise is given before Abraham and the nation of Israel. From the very beginning God makes a promise to intervene and to send humankind a redeemer who will deliver us from the one who deceived Eve and Adam’s sin. Adam and Eve sin and God intervenes with a promise of redemption then demonstrates that by clothing them with the skins of an animal (Gen. 3:21). Here we see the innocent dying for the guilty. God freely provides what man is incapable of doing. We see the shedding of blood to cover the guilty. This is clearly a foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ.

When we arrive at Genesis 12:3 and the Abrahamic covenant God promises that through Abraham all the nations (ethnic groups) of the earth would be blessed. The bottom line purpose is the blessing of the nations of the earth. This motiff is consistently developed throughout the entire OT.

[tonylfoster]

Yes, I agree that this hope displays the centripital missions purpose of the nation of Israel. It is through their love and devotion for God that should attract the surrounding nations. 1 Kings 8:41 - 43 teach the nation of Israel just how they are to treat the foreigner when he comes to their country. A close look at Solomon’s dedication prayer reveals God’s heart for the nation of Israel and the temple to be a witness to the nations. God wanted the prayers of the Gentiles to come before him. By hearing their prayers and answering them His fame would spread across the nations.

[miriam]

The Old Testament records ample evidence for a theology of global missions. As a foundational premise is the fact that God is creator of all mankind and deserves their reverence and worship. Such response comes when individuals acknowledge the One true God as He is revealed to them. We see this in God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:3) and His intention for Israel to be a light to the nations (Is. 42:6; 49:6; Hosea 2:23; Psalm 96:3). God also describes through His prophets a time when masses of Gentiles will turn to Him (Dan. 7:13-14; Is. 56:7). God often uses a people or person to point another to Himself, so that many will come to know Him; hence global missions.

[miriam]

The Old Testament established a Biblical theology from the beginning. When God established His covenant with Abraham, He desired to create a nation so they could bless the nations. Throughout the history of the Israelites, God has intended for them to reflect Him to the nations. The law was established so they could be a holy people and be set apart. Another example is that God sent Jonah to the Ninevehites (Gentiles) declaring that they needed to repent from their sin and turn to God. The narratives and prophets all show that it is God’s saving plan to include the Gentiles.

We normally begin with Abraham when citing a Biblical theology of global missions. Perhaps the concept is evident even sooner with Adam and Eve. God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply; they were to populate the earth with offspring (Gen. 2:28). It seems that by allowing for their very existence, God was giving all people an opportunity to know Him. Simply stated, if no other humans were born, then we would not know God. Admittedly this is an obvious observation, but it is true nonetheless. It seems global missions had it’s beginning in the Garden.

[Schmiedc]

Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as rigteousness. However, the question is what was the object of his faith? The answer to this question is very relevant to how we think about missions today. For example if faith in God alone was enough for salvation is missions really necessary to people who believe in God?

The object of Abraham's faith was the "Man of Promise" or the "Seed of the Woman" that we read about in Genesis 3:15. This makes it clear that Abraham was saved not because he believed but because he believed in Christ. His salvation then rests on the very same basis as ours today. For this reason it is imperative that we evangelize the world through effective missions getting the truth about Christ out wherever we can!

[Schmiedc]

Those of us who are saved should recognize that we are now the "first born" of God. We should remind ourselves of the promises made by God to the Patriarchs.

These promises included an heir (Genesis 3:15), an inheritance (Genesis 15:18), and a heritage (Genesis 12:3). It is through this promised heritage (gospel) that all peoples of the earth will be blessed. This is the basis of the promised "seed of Abraham" that was fulfilled in the coming of Christ to earth.

This whole promise is so miraculous and so beneficial to us that know Christ as savior that we should be motivated to tell others about it. This should result in a big burden on us for missions.

[kgknut]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

The Old Testament begins with the book of Genesis and the creation account and it is within this account that we find the first movement of global missions. "God saw all that he had made and it was very good." Gen 1:31. Missions whether Old testament or present are rooted in God's love for all of creation. We see this in his covenant wityh Noah and then later with Abraham. In Genesis 12:3 God tells Abraham that "...all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you" this covenant is made out of God's love for all peoples of all time. We find throughout the OT a concern for the alien and the forgeiner (Mal 3:5, Ex 22:21, Ps 146:9).This covenant sets the standard for all missions from that point forward. It challenges us today to ask "how are we being a blessing to others?" Whether it is locally, nationally or internationally how are we living out this covenant?

[kgknut]

God definitly had global missions in mind in his words to Abraham, but I do not think that was strictly a part of the tripartite formula. I think you got a little confused with Dr. Kaiser's lesson two. In this lesson he discusses the tripartite formula as well as what he called the "basic plan" which is the tripartite plan extended. The basic plan he lists as having three parts, the third being "all the nations of the earth that believed would be blessed through Abraham and his 'Seed'." It was a little confusing for me also. Furthermore, I do not think the illustration from the New Testament concerning Peter and Cornelius accurately answers the question of: To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global mission. I think the example is excellent from a New Testament perspective, but not from the Old Testament.

I would have to disagree with the statement that "all the nations of the earth that believed would be blessed through Abraham and his 'Seed'. I think where things can get confusing is how we use the word blessed. It seems that it can be a very ambigous word within the 'christianese' world. I personally feel that the Abrahamic covenant calls us to be a blessing unto all people of the world believers and non-believers alike. Similarly, if we interpret the word 'Seed' to represent Jesus Christ and His message of salvation then I would also contend that this is a blessing to all peoples. Even in Christ's minstry he healed the unbelievers as well as the believers. We can see this in his interaction with the Roman centruion. He heals the centurions servant and there is no mention that this Roman soldier ever became a believer yet Christ was a blessing upon his life.

[KJHolt]

To what extent does the Old Testament establish a Biblical theology of global missions? Illustrate.

It seems that as Kaiser points out in his lectures, the promise of God was indeed missiological in its intent. When giving his promise initially to Abraham in Genesis 12, he anchors the promise with the revelation that through him (that is his seed) alll the families of the earth will be blessed. That same language is used when the promise is rehearsed in Genesis 22 after Abrahman proves his faith by being willing to offer Isaac at Moriah. The promise and its anchor of global blessing through Israel is seen repeatedly as the promise is repeated to Isaac (Genesis 26) and Jacob (Genesis 28). Even in his instructions to Moses, preparing him to stand before Pharaoh he reminds him that the deliverance would be so that the Egyptians would know him. This sense of God's missiological concern is also seen in the fact that he desired to make Israel a "kingdom of priests." Clearly, the promise itself provides a powerful argument for the missiological purpsoe of God.

[KJHolt]

We normally begin with Abraham when citing a Biblical theology of global missions. Perhaps the concept is evident even sooner with Adam and Eve. God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply; they were to populate the earth with offspring (Gen. 2:28). It seems that by allowing for their very existence, God was giving all people an opportunity to know Him. Simply stated, if no other humans were born, then we would not know God. Admittedly this is an obvious observation, but it is true nonetheless. It seems global missions had it’s beginning in the Garden.

What is particularly powerful and beautiful about the point that you offer is that importance of the Word of God in this creative act that forms the foundation for God's missiological purpose. It was His Word that created the people that would indeed be fruitful and multiply that he would somedasy redeem and ultimately gather around His throne in ternal worship. The Word created the global community, challeneged and sustained the people of God as they formed, promised hope through the prophets and ultimately made possible the pure and spotless people of God when the Word became flesh. The Word active in the missiological purpsoe of creation and in the misisological purpsoe of the New Creation!

[tnleisure]

This response makes a good point. In Christopher Wright’s book, Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament, he points out that Israel was on the center stage in front of the other nations. What God did for Israel was viewed by the other nations. So if God destroyed his people, what would the other nations say? So God’s actions towards the Israelites, including bringing them out of Egypt, would have an affect on whether or not the nations were redeemed.

[tnleisure]

When God first created the world, all of the nations were his already and he was their God. However, through Eve’s mistake, the nations were lost. So God elected a people who would be his priesthood. Through them, he would redeem the nations. Even though the Old Testament seems to be about the redemption of one nation, Israel, it is really about redeeming all mankind through that nation. So when that nation was failing to do its job, God had to send his Servant to do it instead. The Servant had to not only stand in place of Israel to redeem Israel, but he also had to act in place of Israel, doing its job of redeeming the nations. Therefore, the whole theology of the Old Testament is about God’s mission to redeem all of mankind.