And 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
The temptation is there for every generation to look at a snapshot during their lifetime and fit the “signs of the times” and fulfillment of prophecy to what they see (confirmation bias). To do so requires ignorance of scriptures and their context. Let me give you an example. After nearly every major earthquake, drought, or plague in history, those who lived through or observed it have speculated that it was a sign of the end. After all, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that there will be earthquakes, famines, etc. in certain places.
In my humble opinion though, there is one single scripture that stands head and shoulders above the rest in regards to importance. It needs no explanation, yet it is often ignored despite its preeminence.
I believe that every generation should compare the signs that they see to the above verse from Matthew 24. The disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming – sign as in singular. He listed false messiahs, famines, wars, earthquakes, etc., as the beginning of birth pains. Then there were persecutions, deaths, false prophets, and so on. Then we come to verse 14.
Until every people group on earth has heard the message of salvation found through Jesus Christ, we shouldn’t expect His return. The End will come only after this point is reached. So my suggestion is to research the Christian organizations that are working and monitoring the spread of the Gospel to all people groups. I personally recommend The Joshua Project and Finishing the Task.
Here is something else to consider: Did Jesus mean that this testimony to all nations (people groups) happens at the same point in time? For example, if the Gospel was spread to every corner of XYZ country in the 5th century, but this nation has since turned completely to Islam, does God consider it reached since it once was? Or does this complete spread of the Gospel need to reach critical mass at one point in time? Something to think about.
Until that day when the Gospel has been preached to all nations, please pray for the unreached and those trying to reach them. Treat this sign with the attention it deserves.
