Best Answer
Old Testament Mission Strategy
In the Old Testament, God's mission was primarily focused on the nation of Israel. God chose Israel as a special people to be a light to the nations and to declare His glory (Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 49:6). Israel's mission was to obey God's law, to worship Him, and to live as a holy people in the midst of a pagan world.
Israel's mission was carried out through various means. One way was through the establishment of the tabernacle and the temple, which served as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The tabernacle and temple provided a place for the Israelites to encounter God and to receive His instructions.
Another way that Israel carried out its mission was through the prophets. The prophets were God's spokesmen who proclaimed His message to the people of Israel. The prophets called the people to repentance and obedience, and they warned of the consequences of sin.
Israel's mission also included the conquest of the land of Canaan. God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, and He commanded the Israelites to conquer the land and to drive out the inhabitants. The conquest of Canaan was a military campaign, but it was also a mission to establish God's rule over the land.
New Testament Mission Strategy
In the New Testament, God's mission expanded to include all nations. Jesus Christ came to earth as the Savior of the world, and He commanded His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
The New Testament mission strategy is based on the principles of the cross and the resurrection. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and He rose from the dead to give us new life. Through the cross and the resurrection, God has made it possible for people from all nations to be reconciled to Him and to experience His salvation.
The New Testament mission strategy is also based on the principle of the indwelling Spirit. When we believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life, to witness to our faith, and to make disciples of others.
The New Testament mission is carried out through various means. One way is through the proclamation of the gospel. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, and it is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). The gospel is proclaimed through preaching, teaching, and evangelism.
Another way that the New Testament mission is carried out is through the establishment of churches. Churches are communities of believers who gather together to worship God, to study His Word, and to serve their communities. Churches are also centers for evangelism and outreach.
The New Testament mission also includes the care of the poor and the oppressed. Jesus Christ identified Himself with the poor and the oppressed, and He commanded His followers to love and care for them (Matthew 25:31-46). The New Testament mission is not just about saving souls, but also about meeting the physical and social needs of people.
Summary
The strategies for mission in the Old Testament and New Testament differ in several ways. In the Old Testament, God's mission was primarily focused on the nation of Israel, while in the New Testament, God's mission expanded to include all nations. In the Old Testament, the mission was carried out through the establishment of the tabernacle and the temple, the prophets, and the conquest of the land of Canaan. In the New Testament, the mission is carried out through the proclamation of the gospel, the establishment of churches, and the care of the poor and the oppressed.
Best Answer
The strategies for mission differ between the Old Testament and New Testament in several key ways:
1. Old Testament: In the Old Testament, mission is often focused on the Israelite people and their relationship with God. The primary focus is on fulfilling the covenant made between God and the Jewish people, and spreading the message of God's laws and commandments to other nations. Mission in the Old Testament is often carried out through military conquest, prophetic warnings, and the establishment of a chosen people to serve as a light to the nations.
2. New Testament: In the New Testament, mission takes on a broader and more inclusive scope. The focus shifts from the Israelite people to all nations, and the message is one of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ. Mission in the New Testament is characterized by Jesus' command to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), and is carried out through preaching, teaching, and acts of compassion and service. The emphasis is on sharing the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection as a means of reconciling all people to God.
Overall, the strategies for mission in the Old Testament are more focused on the exclusive relationship between God and the Israelite people, while in the New Testament, mission is characterized by a universal message of salvation and reconciliation for all people.
3. Old Testament missions often involved establishing boundaries and separations between the Israelites and other nations, serving as a sign of their unique relationship with God. In contrast, New Testament missions focus on breaking down barriers and bringing people together in unity through the message of Jesus.
4. The Old Testament missions were often carried out through prophets, priests, and kings who acted as intermediaries between God and the people. In the New Testament, all believers are called to actively participate in mission work, spreading the message of Jesus to all people.
5. In the Old Testament, mission was seen as a means of establishing God's kingdom on earth through the Jewish nation. In the New Testament, mission is about building God's kingdom by inviting all people to experience new life in Christ.
These differences in focus and approach highlight the evolution of mission from the Old Testament to the New Testament, reflecting the changing nature of God's relationship with humanity and His desire to reconcile all people to Himself.
