While the cross signified the end of Israel’s mission, Christ’s resurrection inaugurated the Christian church and its mission to proclaim salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. When Jesus came, they were looking for a Messiah to free their nation, but not a Messiah to set them free from sin. Sadly, however, Israel became involved in idolatry, nationalism and pride, and failed to fulfill their mission. TW: God desired, through Israel, to create the largest church on earth–a church where representatives of all nations would come to worship, learn of the true God, and return to their own people with the message of salvation. Israel’s mission was simply an extension of that given to Abraham: To be a blessing to all nations, showing God’s love for the world” (p. To Abraham, God gave the rich promises through which this household of God gradually became a nation. These households, in which the father functioned as the priest, could be considered the church in miniature. NW: In the book, Seventh-day Adventists Believe: An Exposition of the Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we read that “From the earliest times, God-fearing families in the lineage of Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, and Abraham were the guardians of His truth. Here their altars were reared, and their offerings presented” ( Patriarchs and Prophets, p. In the very insightful book, Patriarchs and Prophets, the inspired author tells us that “All the world had opportunity to receive instruction from Adam, and those who feared the Lord had also Christ and angels for their teachers.” She goes on to say it was “At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise,” that is, the Garden of Eden, where “the glory of God was revealed, and hither came the first worshipers. Adam had been taught by God Himself, and during the nine centuries that he lived on Earth, he imparted his knowledge to his descendants. TW: After the fall, God still provided a way for His people to come together and worship Him in the way He outlined. Nancy Wilson (NW): From the very beginning, God created human beings to be together, saying “It is not good for man to be alone.” He did not leave Adam alone, but created Eve to be his companion, and together they fellowshipped with God in the Garden, worshipping Him as their Creator. Today, Nancy and I will be sharing what the Bible teaches about the Church-what it is, how it began, and what its purpose is today. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Ap| Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C.
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