Into All The World

One of the frequent objections to a fulfilled view of eschatology is the claim the world mission has yet to be completed. Before continuing here, read the introductory article on this subject which deals this subject.

Now, that you understand the problem created by our English translation, you have a basis for seeing this requirement a new way.  But, is there other evidence to support this view? Yes!

Let's do a quick comparison of Christ's statements regarding the disciples' mission:

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come." (Matthew 24:14 NASB)

"But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you shall not finish going through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man comes." (Matthew 10:23)

Now, honestly, have you ever put those two passages together before? Is Jesus confused? The mission to the Jews was limited and yet Christ said they wouldn't make it to all the cities of Israel before He came, but then He says the gospel will be preached in the whole world before the end/His coming.

It is patently obvious, the world mission under consideration doesn't not include the proclamation of the gospel to every locality on  earth as necessary for the consummation of the kingdom! The gospel could be taken to the whole world (oikoumene) without it even being taken to all the cities of Israel.

Yet, today we have folks not only claiming it must be taken to the entire globe, but to every individual! Most folks never stop to think about how ridiculous that claim is. How in the world would every living individual ever hear the gospel at one time? Every second there are new lives arriving on earth who have never heard the gospel. Are we to assign evangelists to every delivery room in the world so a new born can hear the message the moment of birth? How will we have evangelists at the bedside of birthing mothers in the many parts of the world where babies are not delivered in hospitals? Do you see how silly the claim is? It just can't happen (not even with all the money folks send to TBN for satellite transmissions of their version of the message for profit).

All of this nonsense could be avoided if we would just let the Bible speak for itself and take the time to study - STUDY, not read!

There is a place for simply reading the scripture to rehearse it, but  the biblical admonition is to study! We are to be diligent about our handling of God's word. Occasional casual reading should not be allowed to keep us from regular diligent study.

Let's consider one more aspect of the world mission and then we'll close.

Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles, had a mission like none of the others. It is telling that the very person who was responsible for beginning the persecution of Christians and fulfilling Christ's prophecy that the Jews would kill his apostles and prophets, became the very instrument to carry the gospel message to the nations. There is more than a little irony in that picture!

Paul was shown everything he was to suffer for the gospel of Christ when he was called. His mission was clearly in view at all times. He knew the completion of the world mission was connected to his preaching the gospel in Rome and he would not be thwarted. Following his defense in Jerusalem, we read, "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, "Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also." (Acts 23:11) When others expressed their concern about his safety, he simply moved on toward the goal. He was solitary in purpose and the personal expense involved was never a consideration.

When he wrote to the Romans (shortly before he was taken there for his trial), he gave them encouraging news, "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." (Romans 16:20)

Remember, he had seen Jesus and was personally told about what would happen. Now he communicates the message to those who are about to experience the long awaited victory. Romans was written about 57 A.D. and already the signs of Christ's coming were becoming evident. A few short years later, the shaking began in earnest and in 70 A.D. victory came!

May we see how God was faithful in keeping his word to take the gospel to the world and may that realization open our eyes to see how the kingdom came when that work was completed.

© Copyright 2003 ~ Jim Wade