For the past few weeks I have cited the late G. Christian Weiss’s book entitled “The Heart of Missionary Theology” which examines seven doctrines found in the apostle Paul’s first epistle to Timothy. The first five doctrines in this passage are as follows: universal prayer, the unity of God, the universal love and concern of God, the unique mediatorship of Jesus Christ, and the universality of Christ’s atonement. The sixth doctrine is the universal proclamation of the gospel.
In examining the phrase – “to be testified in due time” – found in 1 Timothy 2:6 (KJV), Dr. Weiss writes: “Four important questions concerning this statement must be raised and answered: What is the meaning and implication of the word ‘testify’? What is to be testified to? To whom is the testimony to be given? When is ‘due time’ for the testimony?” As Luke recorded in his gospel (24:47-48) and in the Book of Acts (1:8), the risen Lord Jesus reminded His disciples that they were witnesses of His death, burial and resurrection and gave them a mission: to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations.
Dr. Weiss continues: “There was a proper time in the plan of God for Christ to come into this world and give Himself a ransom for mankind’s sin. And there is a proper time in the plan of God for the proclamation of salvation in His name to all the nations of the world. That due time is now.”
Thanks to modern technology, the church of Jesus Christ has more ways of communicating the gospel than ever before. We can send emails or phone people in countries that we will never visit. While our heads spin at the rapid changes taking place in the world, man’s basic needs remain the same as they were when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden: to have a relationship with others and to have peace with God.
Scripture for the weekend:“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.”1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
By His grace,
Steve