01.000. Introduction

“HOW SHALL THEY HEAR?”

WHAT IS GOD’S WAY OF REACHING THE MILLIONS WHO GO NOWHERE? The question before us refers to certain tidings brought to this world from heaven. The Sender, God Himself. Its engrossing theme, a Man once crucified here, but raised from the dead and glorified there - God’s well-beloved Son. Romans 1:3-4. The Report itself, announced by the apostles “with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven”, 1 Peter 1:12. The Divine intention - God “would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; 1 Timothy 2:4; Acts 17:30.

Toward the close of a long letter unfolding the glories of this heavenly message, its marvellous possibilities, its gracious far-reaching results, a question is raised by the Spirit of God through the pen of the apostle.

If forgiveness and peace and salvation are proclaimed in it, if “joy unspeakable” and “an inheritance incorruptible” and “life everlasting” are obtained through it, if “all men everywhere” are concerned in it,