Mission

Not to “get” as many people into heaven as “possible” but to call out of the world those who are elect before the foundation of the world; to live out a salvation that is already accomplished and planned (oikonomia).

Scott Murray: One of the false dichotomies that floats around the church is that those who are concerned about the purity of doctrine cannot be interested in the mission of the church. On the face of it, this is an ad hominem argument against those who think that pure teaching is a divine command; resting as it does on a false either/or. The Bible never sets purity of teaching against the mission imperative as competing opposites (Mt 28:19-20). Instead, the Bible clearly teaches that the truth saves and that falsehood is not saving. For example, Paul attributes saving power to the doctrine, which must be closely watched: "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1Ti 4:16). Persistent watchfulness is required of the stewards of the divine Word for the sake of salvation.