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Able Quote by John Stott

“I have never been able to conjure up (as some great Evangelical missionaries have) the appalling vision of the millions who are not only perishing but will inevitably perish. On the other hand... I am not and cannot be a universalist. Between these extremes I cherish and hope the majority of the…” quote by John Stott
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“I have never been able to conjure up (as some great Evangelical missionaries have) the appalling vision of the millions who are not only perishing but will inevitably perish. On the other hand... I am not and cannot be a universalist. Between these extremes I cherish and hope the majority of the human race will be be saved. And I have a solid biblical basis for this belief.”

John Stott

About This Quote

Source Sermon: Hope for Humanity, 1995

A nuanced stance: not universalist, yet hopeful for most humanity’s salvation based on biblical belief.

In simple terms: Hope for most people, not all.

Key Takeaway

Balance faith with realistic hope.

Themes

faith hope humanity

Mood

thoughtful hopeful

Type

theological ethical

When to use this quote

  • missionary work
  • interfaith dialogue
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

theology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile hope with doubt?
  • What actions support your belief in humanity’s rescue?
A Different Perspective

Risk of over‑optimism about salvation.

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