The following quote is from J.H. Bavinck’s book “An Introduction to the Science of Missions.” Before reading the quote, it would be beneficial for you to know the word “elenctic” in it’s basic definition is: the conviction of sin through guilt from the Holy Spirit working on the heart of an individual which leads to repentance. It is a crucial, and foundational, element of the salvation process
It is characteristic of the science of missions that in it the “world” appears in a different aspect than in the other departments of theology. In all the other departments, the “world” is the area out of which temptations arise; it is the sphere of confusion, seduction, the sphere of heterodox ideas and conceptions. In the science of missions the “world” appears as the domain where God discloses his wonderful power, where Christ celebrates his triumph. And it is in this series of triumphs of the living Christ that elengchein, the conviction of sin, so essential to elenctics is to be found. And it is for this reason that we prefer to list elenctics with the department of missions. The missionary motive which controls it will then not be obscured.
Written by: James
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