1. Theme Overview
This theme explores God’s intention for all nations and peoples to come under His redemptive plan. Mission in the Bible is the calling of God’s people to witness, bless, and proclaim His glory beyond Israel to the entire world. The theme highlights both divine sovereignty over nations and human responsibility in God’s global plan.
Key Concept:
- Nations: Peoples and political entities through which God’s purposes unfold.
- Mission: The calling of God’s people to share His covenant, blessings, and salvation universally.
Core Theological Insight:
God’s plan is global. Israel, the Church, and believers are agents of mission, meant to reveal God’s justice, mercy, and salvation to all nations.
2. Key Biblical Books
Cross-referenced books that contribute majorly or significantly to this theme:
| Book | Role in Theme |
|---|---|
| Genesis | ⚪ Abrahamic covenant promises blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:3; 22:18) |
| Exodus | ⚪ God’s deliverance demonstrates His glory to surrounding nations (Exod. 9:16) |
| Numbers | ⚪ Israel’s wandering shapes interactions with other nations |
| Deuteronomy | ✅ Calls Israel to obey God so that all nations see His justice and blessing |
| Joshua | ⚪ Conquest of Canaan shows God’s sovereignty over nations |
| Judges | ⚪ Cycle of Israel’s obedience/disobedience affects surrounding peoples |
| 1 & 2 Kings | ⚪ Prophets and kings influence national affairs and foreign nations |
| Isaiah | ✅ Universal mission and inclusion of nations in salvation (Isa. 49:6) |
| Jonah | ✅ God’s concern extends to Nineveh and beyond Israel |
| Matthew | ✅ The Great Commission commands disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20) |
| Acts | ✅ Spread of the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles, missionary journeys |
| Romans | ✅ God’s plan includes Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling Abrahamic promise (Rom. 1:5; 11:25–36) |
| Revelation | ✅ All nations worship God in the new creation (Rev. 7:9–10; 21:24) |
3. Key Stories and Passages
- Abrahamic Covenant – Genesis 12:1–3; 22:18
God’s promise extends blessing beyond Israel to all nations. - Exodus and God’s Glory to Nations – Exodus 9:16
Pharaoh and Egypt display God’s power, showing His sovereignty to the nations. - Jonah and Nineveh – Jonah 3–4
God’s mercy reaches Gentile nations, challenging Israel-centric expectations. - The Great Commission – Matthew 28:18–20
Disciples are tasked with making disciples of all nations. - Missionary Expansion in Acts – Acts 13–28
Paul and others spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire. - Eschatological Inclusion – Revelation 7:9–10; 21:24
Multinational worship reflects God’s ultimate plan for all peoples.
4. Key Theological Points
- God’s redemptive plan encompasses all nations, not just Israel.
- Mission is both divine initiative and human responsibility.
- Faithfulness and obedience bring God’s blessing to the nations.
- The ultimate vision is worship and reconciliation of all peoples in God’s kingdom.
5. Suggested Study Approach
- By Book: Trace mission from Genesis → Prophets → Gospels → Acts → Epistles → Revelation.
- By Story: Examine God’s intervention, promise, and expansion to nations.
- By Theology: Explore divine sovereignty, mercy, and the believer’s role in global mission.