Most Christians believe that there are works of ministry which include preaching to unbelievers (missionary movements), working on social, political, and moral reforms, and to convert the world. They believe this is the world’s only chance or hope for a happy eternity.
The scriptures state that there is a future time for the real ministry to the whole world, “…when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9 NKJV) When Christ reigns on earth, He “will teach us (mankind) of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem,” Isaiah 2:3. Then “they (mankind) will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea,” Isaiah 11:9.
Believers, today, are not to be involved with this present evil world (Galatians 1:4). We are to “come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 6:17. “This is the will of God, even your sanctification,” 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
So what is the Christian’s ministry? We follow Jesus by copying his life example. Did Jesus try to reform the harsh, corrupt Roman rule? No. Did he try to correct the Jewish system? No. He focused on proclaiming the gospel. Additionally, He taught His disciples how to obey God’s will in order to be transformed into His (Jesus’) character-likeness. He explained, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me,” Luke 9:23. He prayed, “not my will but thy will be done,” Luke 22:42. He taught, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself, Luke 10:27.” These were brand new concepts – “a new and living way,” Hebrews 10:20.
Since Jesus’ first advent, the bride of Christ is being prepared to reign with her Lord during Christ’s kingdom on earth. Believers will be qualified to do so when they learn obedience; when they love God with all of their being; when they love their enemies; when they can say, “Not my will, but Thy will be done,” Matthew 26:39. In the resurrection, faithful, overcoming Christians will be given the divine nature and will then have the wisdom, love, and power to establish righteousness on earth.
Now, we are in the school of Christ. When we graduate, we will be able to practice what we have learned. We will reign by His side as His bride. Therefore, there is no change in Christian ministry during these last days.
