Introduction
The missional basis of the Bible is a foundational concept that underscores the overarching purpose of Scripture. To understand this perspective, we must first define a missional hermeneutic—a lens through which we interpret the Bible, focusing on its missional aspects. A missional hermeneutic views the Bible as a grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It highlights the importance of God’s call to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and demonstrates how it reverberates throughout the Old and New Testaments. This paper will explore the missional hermeneutic, explain the significance of Genesis 12:1-3 about the entirety of Scripture, and support these insights with passages from the Old and New Testaments.
Defining a Missional Hermeneutic
A missional hermeneutic is an interpretive framework that places the mission of God at the center of biblical interpretation. It recognizes that God’s ultimate purpose, as revealed in the Bible, is to reconcile humanity to Himself and to restore His creation (John Stott: The living god is a missionary god, n.d). This perspective sees the Bible as a coherent narrative that traces God’s redemptive mission from Genesis to Revelation.
Genesis 12:1-3 and the Missional Hermeneutic
Genesis 12:1-3 is a pivotal passage in the Bible that encapsulates the missional heart of God. In these verses, God calls Abraham, then known as Abram, with a divine promise: “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you(The living god is a missionary god, 2023). And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and all the families of the earth shall be blessed”.
This call to Abraham sets the stage for the missional trajectory of the entire Bible. It reveals several key elements of a missional hermeneutic:
God’s Initiative
God takes the initiative to call Abraham, emphasizing that mission begins with God. His redemptive plan is not a human invention but a divine initiative.
Blessing for All Nations
God’s promise to Abraham includes a universal dimension—the blessing of “all the families of the earth.” This highlights God’s intention to reach all people.
Support from the Old Testament
Isaiah 25:1 reinforces the missional hermeneutic by emphasizing God’s faithfulness and His wonderful deeds: “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). This passage underscores the enduring nature of God’s mission. His faithfulness to His covenant promises, established with figures like Abraham, demonstrates that His mission spans generations and is “faithful and sure.”
Support from the New Testament
In the New Testament, we find the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). And surely I am with you to the very end of the age.” This passage not only echoes the universal scope of God’s mission, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 but also emphasizes the ongoing nature of this mission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a missional hermeneutic provides a powerful lens through which we can interpret the Bible, revealing its overarching purpose of God’s redemptive mission. Genesis 12:1-3 is a cornerstone of this perspective, highlighting God’s initiative, His desire to bless all nations, and the call to bless others. Old Testament passages like Isaiah 25:1 affirm God’s faithfulness, while New Testament passages such as Matthew 28:19-20 reinforce the ongoing nature of the mission. The missional basis of the Bible invites believers to engage with God’s redemptive purpose, recognizing that they are part of a narrative that spans the ages, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God’s mission.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. Web.
John Stott: The living god is a missionary god. (n.d.). Urbana. Web.
The living god is a missionary god. (2023). Desiring God. Web.