第02章 论使命
§1
第02章 论使命
§2
Chap. 2—The Commission
§3
上帝的旨意乃是要祂百姓成为一班成圣、纯净、圣洁的子民，将光传给四周的人。按照上帝的本意，他们若在生活上表彰真理，就必在地上成为可称赞的。基督的恩典足能促成这事的实现。但上帝的子民要记得：他们惟有相信而且实行福音的原理，祂才能使他们在地上成为可称赞的。他们惟有运用上帝所赐的才能为祂服务，才得享受那应许给蒙召屹立之教会的丰盛与权能。凡号称是相信基督为其救主的人，若只达到世俗尺度之低下的标准，那么教会就必得不到上帝所期望的丰收；她的记录上就写着“显出你的亏欠”（但5:27）。{8T 14.1}[1]
§4
It is God’s purpose that His people shall be a sanctified, purified, holy people, communicating light to all around them. It is His purpose that, by exemplifying the truth in their lives, they shall be a praise in the earth. The grace of Christ is sufficient to bring this about. But let God’s people remember that only as they believe and work out the principles of the gospel can He make them a praise in the earth. Only as they use their God-given capabilities in His service will they enjoy the fullness and power of the promise whereon the church has been called to stand. If those who profess to believe in Christ as their Saviour reach only the low standard of worldly measurement, the church fails to bear the rich harvest that God expects. “Found wanting” is written upon her record.?{8T 14.1}[1]
§5
基督在即将升天之际所给祂门徒的使命，乃是祂国度的传道大宪章。救主把它颁发给祂的门徒，就是立他们作祂的大使，并将国书交与他们。倘若后来有谁诘难他们，权威的根源何在？这班出去教训人医治人的没文化的渔夫，就可回答说：“那位被犹太人钉死，却从死里复活过来的差派了我们，要我们担任传道人的职分，祂宣称‘天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了’”（太28:18）。{8T 14.2}[2]
§6
The commission that Christ gave to His disciples just before His ascension is the great missionary charter of His kingdom. In giving it to the disciples, the Saviour made them His ambassadors and gave them their credentials. If, afterward, they should be challenged and asked by what authority they, unlearned fishermen, went forth as teachers and healers, they could reply: “He whom the Jews crucified, but who rose from the dead, appointed us to the ministry of His word, declaring, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.’”?{8T 14.2}[2]
§7
基督将这种使命交托祂的门徒，要他们作祂主要的执事，作奠立祂教会基础的建筑师。祂将这传福音的责任，不但托付他们，也托付所有后来世世代代接续他们作祂执事的人。{8T 14.3}[3]
§8
Christ gave this commission to His disciples as His chief ministers, the architects who were to lay the foundation of His church. He laid upon them, and upon all who should succeed them as His ministers, the charge of handing His gospel down from generation to generation, from age to age.?{8T 14.3}[3]
§9
门徒们并非等候人去到他们那里。他们乃是深入民间，寻找罪人，正如牧人寻找迷失的羊一般。基督在他们的面前展开了整个世界作为他们工作的园地。他们要“往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听”（可16:15）。他们所要传扬的乃是救世主，祂无私服务的生活，祂的受辱至死，以及祂那无比不变的爱。祂的名要成为他们的口号，作为他们团结的联系。藉赖祂的名，他们要攻克罪的一切要塞。信奉祂的名，也成为他们作基督徒的记号了。{8T 14.4}[4]
§10
The disciples were not to wait for the people to come to them. They were to go to the people, hunting for sinners as a shepherd hunts for lost sheep. Christ opened the world before them as their field of labor. They were to go “into all the?world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”?Mark 16:15. It was of the Saviour that they were to preach, of His life of unselfish service, His death of shame, His unparalleled, unchanging love. His name was to be their watchword, their band of union. In His name they were to subdue the strongholds of sin. Faith in His name was to mark them as Christians.?{8T 14.4}[4]
§11
基督更指示门徒们说：“但圣灵降临在你们身上，你们就必得着能力；并要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地和撒玛利亚，直到地极，作我的见证。”“你们要在城里（即耶路撒冷）等候，直到你们领受从上头来的能力”（徒1:8；路24:49）。{8T 15.1}[5]
§12
Giving the disciples further directions, Christ said: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” “But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”?Acts 1:8;?Luke 24:49.?{8T 15.1}[5]
§13
门徒们听从他们夫子的话，就都聚集在耶路撒冷等候上帝的应许实现。他们在这里用了十天的工夫，深深省察己心；捐弃一切不和的意见，而在基督徒的友谊中紧密团结起来了。{8T 15.2}[6]
§14
In obedience to the word of their Master the disciples assembled in Jerusalem to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Here they spent ten days, days of deep heart searching. They put away all differences and drew close together in Christian fellowship.?{8T 15.2}[6]
§15
十天届满，主就以圣灵奇妙的沛降，实践了祂的应许。那时，“忽然，从天上有响声下来，好像一阵大风吹过，充满了他们所坐的屋子；又有舌头如火焰显现出来，分开落在他们各人头上。他们就都被圣灵充满，按着圣灵所赐的口才说起别国的话来。”“那一天，门徒约添了三千人”（徒2:2-4，41）。{8T 15.3}[7]
§16
At the end of ten days the Lord fulfilled His promise by a wonderful outpouring of His Spirit. “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”?Acts 2:2-4, 41.?{8T 15.3}[7]
§17
“门徒出去，到处宣传福音。主和他们同工，用神迹随着，证实所传的道”（可16:20）。不论门徒所遭遇的反对是如何厉害，这天国的福音还是在短时期内传遍了地上凡有人居住之处。{8T 15.4}[8]
§18
“And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.”?Mark 16:20. Notwithstanding the fierce opposition that the disciples met, in a short time the gospel of the kingdom had been sounded to all the inhabited parts of the earth.?{8T 15.4}[8]
§19
这托付门徒的使命，也交托了我们，今日也如往昔一样，要在那些活在世上没有指望没有上帝的人面前，高举被钉而又复活的救主。主呼召人来作牧师，教师和布道士。祂的仆人应挨家挨户传讲救恩的信息。要将这藉着基督而得蒙赦罪的佳音，传给各国各族各方各民。{8T 15.5}[9]
§20
The commission given to the disciples is given also to us.?Today, as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those who are without God and without hope in the world. The Lord calls for pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation. To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried.?{8T 15.5}[9]
§21
这一信息的传布，并不是采用平淡而全无生气的说法，乃是要运用明白，确定，与激动人心的言辞。千百的人们在等待着这种警告，好从死里逃生。世人需要从基督徒的身上看出基督教之能力的实据。不仅少数地方需要传恩典信息的使者，全世界都有这同样的需要。从每个国家都可听到这样的呼声说：“请过来……帮助我们。”人们不论贫富贵贱，莫不在呼求真光；无论男女，莫不渴慕那在耶稣里的真理。当他们听到有人用上面来的能力传讲福音时，就必知道大筵席已经为他们摆设好了，并且要答应那“请来吧，样样都齐备了”的呼召（路14:17）。{8T 16.1}[10]
§22
Not with tame, lifeless utterance is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world, messengers of mercy are needed. From every country is heard the cry: “Come over, ...and help us.” Rich and poor, high and low, are calling for light. Men and women are hungering for the truth as it is in Jesus. When they hear the gospel preached with power from on high, they will know that the banquet is spread for them, and they will respond to the call: “Come; for all things are now ready.”?Luke 14:17.?{8T 16.1}[10]
§23
“你们往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听”（可16:15）。这句话乃是向每一跟从基督之人说的。凡是受命度基督生活的人，也都受命要为拯救自己的同胞而努力。他们当表现与基督一般的感觉，就是渴望拯救那失丧的人。当然并非人人都能担任同样的职分，但人人均各有其地位和工作。凡承蒙上帝赐福的人，都当报以实际的服务；每一种恩赐也当为促进祂的国度而用。{8T 16.2}[11]
§24
The words “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) are spoken to each one of Christ’s followers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. The same longing of soul that He felt for the saving of the lost is to be manifest in them. Not all can fill the same place, but for all there is a place and a work. All upon whom God’s blessings have been bestowed are to respond by actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom.?{8T 16.2}[11]
§25
【一个不变的应许】
§26
基督为那委托与门徒推行的工作，已经作了充分的准备，并且将成就工作的责任放在祂自己的身上。只要他们顺从祂的话，并与祂合作，他们就决不致于失败。祂吩咐他们：往各国去。即使去到世界最边远之处，我也必在那里。当凭着信心和自信去工作，因为我决不撇弃你们。{8T 16.3}[12]
§27
【An Unchanging Promise】
§28
Christ made full provision for the prosecution of the work entrusted to the disciples, and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and?worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you.?{8T 16.3}[12]
§29
基督常同在的应许，也赐给我们了。时移岁易，但祂在分离时所作的应许，却依然毫无改变。祂今日与我们同在，确如祂从前与门徒同在一般，而且祂还要常与我们同在，“直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。{8T 17.1}[13]
§30
To us also the promise of Christ’s abiding presence is given. The lapse of time has wrought no change in His parting promise. He is with us today as truly as He was with the disciples, and He will be with us “even unto the end.”?{8T 17.1}[13]
§31
救主对我们说：“要去将福音传给万国，使他们也可成为上帝的儿女。我必在这种工作上与你们同在，教导，引领，安慰你们，加添你们的力量，使你们各人在克己牺牲的工作上获得成功。我必感动人的心，使他们自觉有罪，又使他们弃暗投明，离罪成义。他们要在我的光中得见光明。你们必遭遇撒但势力的反对，但总要信赖我。我绝不丢弃你们。”{8T 17.2}[14]
§32
“Go forth preaching the gospel to all nations,” the Saviour says to us, “that they may become children of God. I am with you in this work, teaching, guiding, comforting, strengthening you, giving you success in your work of self-denial and sacrifice. I will move upon hearts, convincing them of sin, and turning them from darkness to light, from disobedience to righteousness. In My light they shall see light. You will meet the opposition of satanic agencies, but put your trust in Me. I will never fail you.”?{8T 17.2}[14]
§33
你想基督难道不重视那全然为祂而生活的人吗？你想祂难道不去慰问那正如爱徒约翰一般，为祂的缘故而处在艰苦环境中的人吗？祂寻见祂的忠仆，与他们保持来往，时常鼓励他们，加添他们的能力。上帝也要差遣祂那大有能力的天使来服事祂的工人，就是那向尚未明白道理之人传讲真理者。{8T 17.3}[15]
§34
Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John, are for His sake in hard and trying places? He finds His faithful ones, and holds communion with them, encouraging and strengthening them. And angels of God, that excel in strength, are sent forth by God to minister to His human workers who are speaking the truth to those who know it not.?{8T 17.3}[15]
§35
上帝指派福音的传道人引导离开窄路的人回归向基督。他要聪明而认真地工作。在每年结束的时候，他能回顾和看到因他的辛劳而得救的人。有些人他要存惧怕的心搭救他们，“有些人你们要从火中抢出来……连那被情欲沾染的衣服也当厌恶”（犹23），要“坚守所教真实的道理”（多1:9）。保罗对提摩太的嘱咐也适合今日的传道人：“我在上帝面前，并且……基督耶稣面前……嘱咐你，务要传道，无论得时不得时，总要专心，并用百般的忍耐，各样的教训，责备人，警戒人，劝勉人”（提后4:1,2）。{8T 17.4}[16]
§36
To the minister of the gospel God has given the work of guiding to Christ those who have wandered from the narrow way. He is to be wise and earnest in his efforts. At the end of each year he should be able to look back and see souls saved as the result of his labors. Some he is to save with fear, “pulling?them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” “holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught.”?Jude 23;?Titus 1:9. Paul’s charge to Timothy comes to the ministers of today: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; ...Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”?2 Timothy 4:1, 2.?{8T 17.4}[16]
§37
上帝不仅把寻找拯救罪人的责任放在传道人身上，祂也把这项工作交给所有的人。我们的心中要充满基督的爱，使我们感恩的话语温暖别人的心。这是所有的人都能从事的服务。主会接纳献给祂的服务，使它生效，并将使人与上帝和好的恩典赐给真诚的工人。{8T 18.1}[17]
§38
But it is not only upon those who preach the word that God has placed the responsibility of seeking to save sinners. He has given this work to all. Our hearts are to be so filled with the love of Christ that our words of thanksgiving shall warm other hearts. This is service that all can perform, and the Lord accepts it as offered to Himself. He makes it efficacious, imparting to the earnest worker the grace that reconciles man to God.?{8T 18.1}[17]
§39
愿上帝帮助祂的子民认识到有一项重要的工作需要完成。愿祂帮助他们记住要在家中，在教会里和在世人中间做基督的工作。他们不会孤军奋战。天使是帮助他们的。基督也是帮助他们的。但愿他们忠心不倦地工作。只要他们不灰心，到了时候就有收成。{8T 18.2}[18]
§40
May the Lord help His people to realize that there is earnest work to be done. May He help them to remember that in the home, in the church, and in the world they are to work the works of Christ. They are not left to labor alone. The angels are their helpers. And Christ is their helper. Then let them labor faithfully and untiringly. In due season they will reap if they faint not.?{8T 18.2}[18]
§41
行走天路的基督徒不要中途停顿休息，而要坚定地向前迈进，说：“黑暗已深，白昼将近”（罗13:12）。他的座右铭是：“这不是说我已经得着了，已经完全了，我乃是竭力追求……我不是以为自己已经得着了，我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，向着标竿直跑，要得上帝在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏”（腓3:12-14）。{8T 18.3}[19]
§42
The Christian pilgrim does not yield to his desire to rest. He moves steadily forward, saying: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” This is his motto: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after.... I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”?Philippians 3:12-14.?{8T 18.3}[19]