How Is Reformed Theology a Catalyst for Missions?

How Is Reformed Theology a Catalyst for Missions?

Well, I do think when you look at the history of the Christian church, a very strong theology has always impelled any lasting missionary movement. A strong theology that is grounded in a biblical theism and is grounded in a comprehensive biblical theology. And you know, if you start tying things together, guess what? You're going to be reformed one way or the other, to one degree or another, as self-consciously as you may be or without being so self-conscious, you're going to be moving in that direction.

And the reason is that reformed theology at its best, at its center, is just trying to deal with as much of Scripture as possible in a way that is consistent, beginning with the sovereignty of God and His determined purpose to redeem people through the blood of the lamb from every tongue and tribe and people and nation. In other words, reformed theology gives you a platform for missions that isn't just add water and stir. It is a part of God's sovereign purpose to bring glory to His name by drawing sinners to faith in His Son from every different ethnic group that God has been pleased to allow to exist.

And so that's a huge task. And I think when you look at the birth of the missionary movement over against the ominous challenge–– think of William Carey again, think of the 19th century, the late 18th century, even well throughout the 20th century— going cost so much. It had to be driven by a confidence that the going was a part of God's purpose.

And then missionary work, like local pastoral work in many ways, can have long seasons in which it appears there's no visible fruit. And so if you're not holding to a reformed theology, you have to assume something's gone wrong because you don't have the visible fruit. But reformed theology allows you to stay in a mission field when you don't see visible fruit because the Lord will honor the preaching of His Word. And you know, that's the real story of missions — the visible evidence that sometimes comes long after missionaries are dead.

It takes a very strong theology. It takes a very God-centered theology. It has to be a theology that is premised upon the existence of God whose total sovereignty means He will accomplish what He sets out to accomplish. He will save and He will hold those whom he saves, and He will save people by the means He has ordained. And that means in terms of how sinners come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ— it comes by the preaching of the word and hearing of that word.

And you know, if you don't hold to reformed theology, you have to wonder at times if that works. If you hold to reformed theology, you know it always works according to God's will, His predetermined purpose, and to the ultimate glory of His name.