Conclusion: From Him, Through Him, and To Him

Calling and mission help us understand life in relationship with God and take seriously the responsibilities we have received. God has accomplished redemption in Christ, bringing those who receive grace back to Himself. Through the Holy Spirit, He continually renews their lives and brings believers into the shared life of the church, where they love one another and serve together.

Whether we consider an individual’s everyday responsibilities, the church’s shared gospel mission, or the responsibilities entrusted to leaders, we need to return to the same question: Since we belong to Christ, how should we respond to Him today?

We need to proclaim Christ’s salvation clearly and let the truth we proclaim shape our lives. The church builds up believers through worship, teaching, pastoral care, and mutual service, and bears witness to the Lord together. Individuals participate according to their gifts, responsibilities, and circumstances, learning faithfulness in the family, at work, and in other relationships. Everyday responsibilities and the gospel commission each have specific demands and need to come together in a life of following Christ.

After discussing God’s purposes in salvation, Paul marvels at His unsearchable wisdom and says, “For of him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen” (Romans 11:36). This praise points to God’s wisdom and the relationship of all things to Him. It also guides us, as we consider calling and mission, to acknowledge that we receive life and grace from Him, rely on Him as we carry responsibilities, and give Him the glory.

“From Him” reminds us that life is God’s gift, salvation comes through His grace, and the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples has been entrusted to it by Christ. We can make plans and develop abilities, but our desires and plans need to be examined and guided by God’s word.

“Through Him” leads us to keep seeking the Lord as we act with care. Christ promises to be with His disciples, and the Holy Spirit helps believers bear witness to Him. We seek Him in prayer, receive teaching through Scripture, and learn to carry responsibilities through counsel and practical cooperation within the community. Relying on God leads us to fulfil our responsibilities wholeheartedly while entrusting to Him the outcomes we cannot control.

“To Him” leads us to examine where our service ultimately directs people. Results are reasons for gratitude, resources need faithful management, and those holding positions need to take their responsibilities seriously. All of this should help people know Christ, obey the truth, learn to love others, and build up the community. We thank God and respect every participant’s contribution, without taking personal credit for shared achievements, and remain willing to have our plans and actions examined.

An individual can therefore ask, “What truth do I need to obey today, what responsibilities do I need to carry, and what do I need to face together with others?” The church also needs to ask, “Are we still connected to Christ, faithful to the gospel we proclaim, and building people up in love as we bear witness to the Lord?” These questions help us put mission into practice in daily life today.

Specific work has its stages, yet God’s salvation in Christ directs our hope towards eternity. We take today’s responsibilities seriously, learn to receive care when our abilities are limited, and look forward to bodily resurrection and to being with Him forever in God’s promised new creation. Knowing Him, following Him, and giving Him the glory remain at the heart of calling and mission.

All things are from Him, through Him, and to Him.

Glory be to God!