Finishing the Task of World Evangelism

This is more nearly the case than ever before in history. It can now be said for the first time that Christianity is known worldwide. But it is relevant here to ask the question:

Is the task of worldwide evangelism possible to complete in this generation,

thus to clear the way for Christ’s return? No previous generation has achieved it, so should ours be the exception? I believe the answer is an unqualified yes. On the first recorded occasion when Jesus made mention of His church, He made a positive commitment: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).

God does not tantalize His children by requiring of them something that is impossible to achieve.

John Wesley said in this connection, “I do not ask if the task is compassable—I ask only, Is it commanded?” Because Jesus commanded it, it is possible. Some generation, either now or in the future, will launch the final assault on the strongholds of Satan and will achieve final victory. Why should it not be ours?

If we listen to the voice of history, the task of completing world evangelization (not world conversion) does not seem so impossible.

J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Maturity Set of 3 Sanders Books (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2017).