The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church

A Canonical Journey to Explore the Mission of the Eternal God

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). This declarative phrase introduces fundamental questions circling the minds of skeptics and believers of Christianity alike. What was God’s mission when he chose to create? And why, through the Savior’s death on the cross and the witness of his church, does he continue to redeem the very creation that rebels against him?

To answer these imperative questions, author Justin Schell takes readers on a canonical journey exploring the mission of the eternal God―Father, Son, and Spirit. Drawing insights from creation, the exodus of God’s people, the suffering servant, the Great Commission, and consummation, this book examines the purpose and beauty of God’s great story. It is out of an abundance of love that God brings us into union with him, calling his church to bear witness to all that has been done in Christ, until the day that he returns.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Series Preface
4. Introduction: The Mission of God
5. Chapter 1: The God of Mission
6. Chapter 2: Mission in the Garden
7. Chapter 3: Father of All Nations
8. Chapter 4: Yahweh Saves
9. Chapter 5: Land and Exile
10. Chapter 6: The Great Commission
11. Chapter 7: The Church on Mission
12. Chapter 8: Mission and Consummation
13. Closing Credits

Dane Ortlund

After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible/Theology at Wheaton College, Dane married his beloved, Stacey. Together, they relocated to Connecticut where they embarked on a teaching journey at a Christian high school.

Fueled by a strong sense of calling to ministry and a passion for biblical truth, Dane enrolled at Covenant Theological Seminary which left an indelible mark of grace on his life.

Fresh from basking in the doctrines of life-giving grace, Dane returned to Wheaton to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament. This academic pursuit paved the way for a fruitful decade in the publishing industry where he dedicated his time and expertise at Crossway in Wheaton, primarily working on the ESV Bible and its associated resources. Gradually, he ascended to the role of Chief Publishing Officer, overseeing the production of books and other materials. Serving such a significant ministry was an immense privilege, and in addition to his publishing duties, he had the delightful adventure of teaching, preaching, and guiding Wheaton students, as well as exploring the world through travel!

However, the divine hand of the Lord steered him towards a new chapter in his life — full-time ministry in the local church. Through a series of unexpected events orchestrated by divine providence, he found himself being called to the pastorate by none other than Naperville Presbyterian Church, the very church that had been his family's spiritual home for the past 13 years.

Dane says that his “life calling is to dive deep into the unspeakable heart of Jesus for sinners and sufferers, and to invite others to enjoy that boundless ocean with him.”