Counsel #3 — The Christian Church

Picture: Counsel #3 — The Christian ChurchCSe 82.1

The crucifixion of Christ signified the end of ancient Israel’s role as God’s specially chosen representatives. Christ’s resurrection established the Christian church. Its mission is to proclaim the gospel of salvation through the blood of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s sin. 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 to the ends of the world, cutting through all racial and social barriers (Deuteronomy 28:9).CSe 82.2

Jesus’ last words to His friends before ascending to heaven commissioned them for the holy calling of witness and outreach as His newly established community of faith.^{[82]https://adventistreview.org/article/2201-26/}CSe 82.3

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to do all things that I have commanded you….” Matthew 28:19, 20 NKJVCSe 82.4

“From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9CSe 82.5

Reflect: What are the advantages of members of a church community working together for others’ salvation as opposed to individuals randomly working alone?CSe 82.6