The Divine Missions
An Introduction
by Adonis Vidu
Imprint: Cascade Books
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.
Adonis Vidu is Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He is the author of The Same God Who Works All Things (2021).
“The Divine Missions rescues the theology of divine missions from being functionalized into a kind of deistic corporate speak. Adonis Vidu provides a concise and lucid argument for how the divine missions are the very presence of God united with a created thing, as a foretaste of God’s unmediated presence in the beatific vision. This timely volume deserves wide and serious engagement.”
—Joanna Leidenhag, University of Leeds
“Insightful and profound, The Divine Missions is a phenomenal introduction to God’s action. Vidu provides us with a rare gift—a charitable and meaningful engagement with Trinitarian theology that canvases traditional and contemporary conversation with a distinctive focus on God’s action for us and our own contemplation of divine things. This is an important and illuminating read and will serve as an instructive manual for speaking well of God.”
—Kyle Strobel, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“The Divine Missions is written with an experienced teacher’s clarity, use of illustrations, and an eye to the relevance of theological doctrines. Vidu shows how the life of God the Trinity as well as his missions in the world are the key to understanding his grace—and hence, the supernatural life into which the church is drawn. Throughout this book, Vidu’s deft systematic skills serve as model for students, pastors, and theologians alike.”
—Scott Harrower, author of God of All Comfort: A Trinitarian Response to the Horrors of This World
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