Chosen to fulfill the Great Commission? Biblical and theological reflections on the Back to Jerusalem Vision of Chinese churches

Abstract

This article provides a theological analysis of the Back to Jerusalem Movement (BTJM) in China. It explores the core motivating belief of the BTJM (a salvation-historical self-understanding of China as God’s appointed means for ushering in the millennium) and identifies three underlying ideas—the westward expansion of Christianity, China’s uniquely blessed status, and the importance of persecution and suffering in the last days—that are used to support this claim. It offers biblical and theological reflections on these three ideas and assesses the central BTJM belief that China has been uniquely chosen by God to fulfill the Great Commission.