In order to find a Biblical approach to mission involvement for the local congregation we need to define a Biblical approach. The term "Biblical" gets bandied about with a great deal of carelessness these days. For instance, a theological idea developed from the Scriptures through reason cannot be called a Biblical theology. If it depends on human reasoning to be complete, then it is a hybrid theology, part Bible and part our own intellect. These types of ideas are why we have so many denominations.

Also, ideas based in the Bible, but applied out of context, do not qualify as Biblical. If it is for a different people in a different time, we cannot apply it to ourselves just because it fits our agenda. This type of handling of Scripture creates the type of problems we find in Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, and South Africa. For our study, for something to be "Biblical," it must be a theology developed or expanded in the New Testament, a direct command from the New Testament to us or people in our circumstances, or a precedent set in the New Testament for people in our circumstances.

The Old Testament is excellent to teach us about God, his nature, his power and his justice. However, we are under grace and called to be a New Testament people.

Copyright 1999 Chris Hart