What does the Bible say about UPGs?

The word "nations" in the Bible

  • Bible written originally in Hebrew(OT) and Greek (NT)
  • Hebrew and Greek word for "nations" is not geographical
  • "nations" is a people with a common language and culture Bible examples - the Philistines, the Samaritans... American example - "The Cherokee Nation"

The Old Testament

  • Promise for God's salvation to reach all nations
    "All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord." Psalm 86:9

The New Testament

  • Jesus will not return till all nations are reached "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14
  • Heaven will not be complete till all people groups are represented there
  • The book of Revelation wording is comprehensive of all people groups
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9-10