Perhaps we're not meant to read "every tongue and tribe and nation" in such a strict literal way any more than were are to read Paul's statement about every creature under heaven has heard the gospel as being strictly literal. It would sure sound strange to say, "Jesus has redeemed people from many, but not all, nations; including many, but not all, creatures." Just doesn't have the same poetic force.

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C. Gorsuch
Glencullen Baptist
Portland, Oregon