The Divine Missions

Book excerpt: Christian theology affirms that the persons of the Son and the Holy Spirit are sent into the world to gather a scattered and rebellious humanity back to God. But how are we to understand these divine missions, given that the Son and the Spirit have already been present in the world from its foundation? Moreover, in what sense are they on a mission if they never leave the unity of the Trinity? In this volume, Vidu introduces us to the profound riches of this ancient and foundational doctrine. With ample illustration, he explains the technical concepts, the operative principles, and he clarifies the historical and contemporary debates. In the process, a constructive theology emerges where the category of divine missions frames topics such as the incarnation and life of Christ, his atoning death and ascension, the Pentecostal outpouring of the Spirit, the invisible indwelling of the Spirit, and finally the eschatological beatific vision.