One does not have to be very astute to figure out that modern “Christianity” is geared to the “here and now” rather than the “hereafter.” As modern “Christian theologians,” since the nineteenth century, have either expressed doubt or have out right denied the reality of the resurrection and an afterlife, there has been a marked change in many professed Christians’ concept of the mission of Christ and His church in the world.

As faith in the world to come has declined, “Christians” have had to try to make sense of the real mission of Christ and the church. So, there has been a reinterpretation of the mission of Christ on earth and a shift of the church’s role in the community. Hence, local churches have shifted the focus of their “ministries” from saving souls and preparing them for the world to come to that of trying to solve all the problems of this world and making it a better place for mankind.

This shift in emphasis has become known as the “Social Gospel.” Even among those who still profess faith in the resurrection some have been affected by it without knowing the roots of it. It is appealing because it offers instant gratification rather than having to wait until the next life for our reward.

1) Jesus’ mission. Jesus came to “seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10). He came to address the problem of sin - the thing that causes man to be lost. He came to wage a “war on sin” rather a “war on poverty.” He lived a life of poverty and warned “ye have the poor with you always.” (Matt. 8:20; Mark 14:7). He refused to be diverted from his spiritual mission to that of settling civil disputes (Luke 12:13-15). It was far more important to him that those involved beware of covetousness (a sin that would affect their souls) than who may have been right or wrong in the civil matter. Jesus came to help men go to heaven not to try bring heaven to them on earth. The good news of the gospel of Christ is He came to save sinners, not to right the social, civil, political and economic ills of the world.

2) The church’s mission. The mission of the church somewhat mirrors the mission of its Founder and Head. It is the “pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15).

The early church engaged in limited financial aid to the poor. It was limited to the poor among the saints (Acts 2:42; 4:34; 6:1-3; Acts 11:30; Rom. 15:25-28; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8 & 9). Even among the saints it was limited to those with no other means of support (1 Tim. 5:8-16). The church was not a general welfare agency.

The primary work of the church is that of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (service) unto the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16 ASV). It provides the means and facilities for local Christians to assemble “in one place” for spiritual worship. (1 Cor. 11:20; 14:23; Acts 20:7). It provides the support, means, and facilities for preaching/teaching the gospel to saint and sinner (Phil. 4:15-16; 2 Cor. 11:8).

3) God’s provisions for other needs. He leaves it to individuals, rather than the church, to provide for “houses to eat and drink in” - i.e., social meals (1 Cor. 11:22). He has given great social institutions (Home and State) through which man’s temporal needs can be addressed.
edbragwell@gmail.com