The final lesson emphasizes the conclusion of God’s mission and the fulfillment of the divine plan of redemption. Students are encouraged to study the visionary depictions of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation. These descriptions portray a world where God’s mission is accomplished—death, sin, and suffering have vanished, and believers are reunited with God.

The lesson calls for active participation in spreading the Gospel to accelerate the coming of the Kingdom of God. Students are encouraged to show a passionate devotion to Christ, sow hope in the hearts of others, and accompany new believers on their spiritual journey.

It is emphasized that an open, welcoming, and supportive community structure should be created to effectively welcome and disciple new believers. Through prayer, evangelism, and promoting a vibrant community, believers actively contribute to advancing God’s mission and preparing for the coming Kingdom of God.

Connection of Lesson 13 to Everyday Life and Faith

The connection of Lesson 13 to our everyday life and faith lies in the practical application of the biblical principles conveyed in the study of the “End of God’s Mission.” Here are some aspects of this connection:

1. Perspective on the Eternal:

   • The lesson emphasizes the vision of the new heaven and the new earth. This eternal perspective influences our present life by encouraging us to look beyond earthly concerns and make decisions in the light of eternal reality.

2. Passionate Devotion to Christ:

   • The emphasis on devotion to Christ in the lesson reminds us that our daily life should be shaped by a passionate relationship with Jesus. Our decisions, actions, and relationships should be infused with love and faithfulness to Christ.

3. Missionary Living:

   • As the lesson highlights God’s mission, it encourages us to live missionally in our daily lives. This involves actively sharing Christ’s love, recognizing opportunities for evangelism, and embodying the Gospel through our behavior.

4. Hope and Comfort in Challenges:

   • The vision of the new earth offers hope and comfort, especially in challenging times. Our faith in God’s promises can empower us to navigate challenges with confidence and peace.

5. Community and Discipleship:

   • The lesson underscores the importance of a supportive community and accompanying new believers. This reminds us of the significance of living in a Christian community that fosters discipleship and supports each other in our faith journey.

6. Active Participation in God’s Mission:

   • The lesson encourages us to actively participate in God’s mission. This means consciously seeking opportunities for evangelism, recognizing the needs of others, and using our skills and resources for God’s kingdom.

Overall, the lesson aims to strengthen the faith of believers with concrete principles and perspectives that can be directly integrated into daily life. It reminds us that our daily life and faith are inseparably connected and that the hope for the ultimate completion of God’s mission should shape our present.

Conversation Questions

1.What is the “eternal gospel”? Why is it “eternal”? And why must what it teaches be the foundation of our mission?

• • The “eternal gospel” is described in Revelation 14:6 as the message of an angel proclaiming “an eternal gospel to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.” The term “eternal” indicates that this message is timeless, universal, and fundamentally significant for humanity in all ages. It is relevant to all people throughout time.

  • The “eternal gospel” is the foundation of our mission for several reasons:

    • Salvation and Redemption: It teaches the central message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, sins are forgiven, and fellowship with God is restored.

    • Hope and Comfort: The message of the eternal gospel provides hope and comfort amid life’s challenges. It proclaims the promise of eternal life and a place where tears, suffering, and death will no longer exist.

    • Life Transformation: The eternal gospel has the power to transform lives. It calls for repentance, guides to a life in accordance with God’s commandments, and promotes the development of a Christian character.

    • Universal Reach: The gospel is intended for all people, regardless of their ethnic background, social status, or cultural heritage. It is a message of love and redemption accessible to everyone.

  • The foundation of our mission as Christians lies in the eternal gospel. Our task is to share this life-transforming message, call people to repentance and faith in Christ, and support them in their discipleship journey. The timeless nature of the gospel gives our mission lasting and universal significance.

2.Why do we place so much emphasis on the Three Angels’ Messages? How do you respond to the argument that we need to focus on Jesus and not on something seemingly “negative” like these messages, which include very strong warnings?

• • Seventh-day Adventists attach importance to the Three Angels’ Messages derived from Revelation 14:6–12. These messages are considered a central element of end-time mission and proclamation. Here are reasons why the Three Angels’ Messages are significant:

  • Biblical Foundation: The Three Angels’ Messages are directly found in the Bible, in the book of Revelation. Adventists emphasize biblical authority and see this message as clear guidance for their missionary activity.

  • End-Time Significance: The Three Angels’ Messages are interpreted as a crucial prophetic message for the end times. They warn against false worship, declare the victory of Jesus, and call for faithfulness to God’s commandments.

  • Central Teachings of the Gospel: Despite the warnings, the Three Angels’ Messages also include central teachings of the gospel, such as the call to worship the Creator and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Complete Gospel: The Three Angels’ Messages are not purely negative; they also contain the redeeming and saving power of Jesus. They remind that amid the warnings, there is an opportunity for repentance and salvation.

  • In response to the argument that Adventists focus too much on the Three Angels’ Messages and should concentrate more on Jesus, the following points could be raised:

  • Integrated Focus: Adventists do not view the Three Angels’ Messages as a distraction from Jesus but as an integrated part of the Christian message. The messages warn of dangers, remind of the gospel, and call for devotion to Christ.

  • Comprehensive Gospel Picture: The Three Angels’ Messages provide a comprehensive picture of the gospel, including the end times, the need for repentance, and faithfulness to God. A balanced focus on various biblical teachings can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the gospel.

  • Loving Warning: The warnings in the Three Angels’ Messages are seen as expressions of divine love aiming to protect people from spiritual dangers. They are part of God’s comprehensive plan to call people to repentance.

  • Overall, Adventists consider the Three Angels’ Messages as a balanced and biblically grounded message that includes both warning and redeeming elements, aiming to lead people to a life of faithfulness to Christ.

3.How has this quarter helped you not only better understand the importance of mission but also how your church and you can better participate in it—what you are called to do?

• • Deepening Understanding of Mission:

    • Quarter programs focusing on understanding the mission can help believers delve deeper into the biblical foundation of mission. This can deepen the understanding of the necessity of evangelism and engagement in God’s mission.

  • Community Reflection and Planning:

    • Participating in a quarterly program allows community members to collectively reflect on their mission identity. This can lead to concrete considerations and plans on how the church can strengthen its mission in the local community and beyond.

  • Developing Practical Applications:

    • An effective quarterly program might outline concrete steps and actions for the church and its members. This could involve the development of evangelistic activities, community services, or other initiatives aimed at putting the mission into practice.

  • Involving New Members:

    • Quarterly programs can also help involve new members in the church’s mission vision. Through instructional units, group discussions, and shared prayer times, new believers can understand how to actively participate in the mission.

  • Strengthening Prayer Community:

    • Prayer is an essential component of mission participation. Quarterly programs can strengthen the prayer community and encourage the church to pray for the spread of the Gospel and the spiritual growth of its members.

  • Overall, well-structured quarterly programs can contribute to deepening the understanding of mission, promoting church involvement, and developing concrete steps to implement the mission vision. It is crucial that such programs not only convey theoretical concepts but also provide practical impulses for the church and its members.