So, you are making an exception for ignorance then?
Making an opportunity for a decision in the afterlife. What became of your doctrine?
Nope, not at all. You are twisting my words to fit your narrative.
The VERY word of God makes the exception, not I. Acts 17:30 Speaks of forgiveness in times of ignorance... if so for sin... how much more so if the opportunity to know Christ was not presented but one that would have been fully devoted had they been given that opportunity?
My doctrine, remains in tact... whether you choose to agree or not.
However i have answered your questions... why don't you ask YOURSELF this question. You don't even need to answer me a thing.
Do you believe God to be a God of empty and hollow words?
Because, to deny hell, the VERY thing that Jesus warned about a multitude of times. To declare that all are forgiven and none are denied..... is to claim that:
1) Jesus lied when He said He will tell those that come to Him on that day. Depart from me. Matthew 7:21-23
2) That God filled up the entire New Testament with empty and useless words and warnings when a simple "You're Welcome" would have achieved the exact same thing IF there is not hell and none will ever be separate from Him.
However, we see in Genesis that God is NOT a God of empty words.... He speaks and things come into being.
Genesis 1:3 - God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:6 - God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”
Genesis 1:9 - God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so
and so on...
IF Jesus spoke a warning...... THERE IS a reason for it.
What is the real criteria for salvation then?
Faith in Christ alone. HOWEVER not all have the opportunity to know Him such as those in the old testament, but still, they RESPOND to God as He has written His law on their hearts and He knows who belongs to Him, both those that have heard His voice.... and those that only long to hear His voice, but never do in this life, but will. God will judge rightly in their case.
Those that CAN know Him, but choose this world and the justifications of their sins over Him... will not be afforded such over lookings.
Again, you wish to believe there is no such thing.... that is your choice. I myself would rather believe the words of Jesus and His warnings, considering I call myself a Christian.
To ignore the warnings of someone I call myself a follower of.... but I myself believe those warnings are of something nonexistent... makes very little logical sense..
IF someone started warning about a giant purple octopus in the sky snatching people up and eating them.... Id consider that person to be a mad man...... not call myself by their name and follow them.