On July 5, 1846, before leaving America for the second time to minister to the people of Burma, Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) penned an adress to be read aloud. Because of a throat ailment preventing Judson from speaking, his address would be read aloud by another minister, Rev. Dr. Sharp. The occasion was a monthly prayer gathering for missions, comprised of church members from Boston area churches.
In his address, Judson’s theology of missions shines forth:
For what purpose did he leave the bosom of the Father, the throne of eternal glory, to come down to sojourn, and suffer, and die in this fallen, rebellious world? For what purpose does he now sit on the mediatorial throne, and exert the power with which he is invested? To restore the ruins of paradise – to redeem his chosen people from death and hell – to extend and establish his kingdom throughout the habitable globe. This is evident from his whole course on earth, from his promises to the church, and especially from his parting command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Source: Francis Wayland, A Memoir of the Life and Labors of the Rev. Adoniram Judson, Volume 2, 519.
God is bringing about the full restoration of the garden. This includes the redemption of his chosen people through the work of his Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace. The means by which this redemption and final restoration will take place is the preaching of the gospel to every creature. May we all be encouraged by the words of great missionary Adoniram Judson and his, and our, infinitely greater God, who deserves and will receive praise, honor, and glory forever. Amen.
