4. What is the mission of the church?

The cross signified the end of Israel’s mission, while Christ’s resurrection instated the Christian church and its mission—the proclamation of the gospel of salvation through the blood of Christ. In the place of Israel, God established a new nation—a church—that would carry forward His mission for the world.JTL23 6.1

This mission includes proclaiming a message of preparation for Christ’s return—directed both to the church itself (1 Corinthians 1:7, 8) and to the rest of humanity (Revelation 14:6-12; 18:4). Thus, the edification of believers is part of the mission of the church (Ephesians 4:11-15), helping them stand against heresies and enabling them to teach “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26) through the Word.JTL23 6.2

According to the Gospels, those whom Jesus called were trained and sent out on a mission to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). As Christ was sent into the world by the Father (John 20:21), so is every member of the church called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world, cutting through all racial and social barriers (Deuteronomy 28:9).JTL23 6.3

In addition to the proclamation of doctrines, or teachings, of Jesus, the church was to also follow Jesus’ example in alleviating physical suffering, especially among those who have least. In the judgment parable of Matthew 25:31-46, the sheep and the goats are divided according to their concern and action on behalf of the needy and suffering. Repeatedly, the apostles emphasized the importance of practical Christianity (James 1:27; James 2:1-7; 1 John 3:15-17).JTL23 6.4