What about those who haven’t heard?

JohnRabbit · Nov 21, 2017

iwbswiaihl said:
You said at the end of your post; during the day of judgment, those who have never heard will have an opportunity to hear. the books that were opened are the books of the bible.

The verse you stated as I said before and posted the context says the dead and Hades were cast into the lake of fire and anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. I was assuming you were talking about dead people have a second chance as there are no others mentioned.
Rev 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Besides that it has been shown before from Roman 1 that there is no one that has not been shown their responsibility to seek after God, Rom 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

And now you are saying that the books of the bible are the books that will be open when it is no where in the text of chapter 20 nor anywhere else in scripture, where did you come with that idea? The books that are opened are listed in the text. It would appear also that everyone is judged according to their deeds perform while living and will receive just judgment according their responses, God is the judge

yeah, and they have never heard the gospel or the Name that saves?

which is all contained in the books of the bible!

the old scribe · Nov 21, 2017

Phoebe Ann said:
I'm sorry. I should have explained that people can be told the truth, yet hate it or not understand it or not care. I've been very kind to my mother, but she never believed in Jesus as anyone other than a teacher. I've explained the gospel to her several times. She doesn't argue; she just doesn't believe. My brothers believe that intelligent people don't believe "fairy tales." Two of them have PhDs. So it was kind of a rhetorical question.

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Who believes and Who Doesn’t

There is nothing more burdensome than unbelieving friends and family members.
How do we respond? Do we cast pearls before swine or do we proclaim the testimony of those who were the eye witnesses of the resurrection. The Holy Spirit must be the decider.

It seems the beat approach to the intellectual unbeliever is building the case for eye witness testimony of the resurrection. The case is so very strong that if the eye witness testimony was of any natural event it would be considered an indisputable fact. Just because the resurrection is supernatural the eye witness testimony is discounted.

Unbelievers –
There are many “reasons” for those who do not believe.
Categories of why people don’t believe could be created.
The source of unbelief might be attributed to education, wealth, poverty, culture, traditions, loss of parent(s), abuse, illness, or injury. This is just a short list of possibilities. The number of possibilities must be as large as there are situations of the human condition. However, all the possible categories have one thing in common – which is unbelief.

Believers –
Believers also have one thing in common, only one category, and only one reason for believing. Believers must believe because they are the elect. Believers cannot quit believing regardless of the situation.

Are there believers who cease to believe? The answer is an obvious, “Yes” because Christians ceasing to believe is common. Those not elected can quit believing or refuse to believe. The elect believe regardless. Even when not in fellowship the elect are in the struggle between their own situation and the call the Lord makes upon them.

While this may sound like reformed theology, it is a recognition that for the elect there is the experience of the irresistible call of God.
(1) Is it because the elect are given by God a spiritual nature which is attentive to God?
or
(2) Is it because the elect chose to have a spiritual nature attentive to God?

This has been argued since the days of Augustine the bishop of Hippo. The theology of believers may be different but the experience is the same. Answering God’s call is irresistible. We are consumed with God. We must believe and obey!

Therefore, evangelism ought to be initiated after prayer and with a bold confidence expressing not any tint of apology. We proclaim a treasure worth more than all the kingdoms of this world. Who believes or doesn't believe is not my job because who believes is the work of God.

iwbswiaihl2 · Nov 21, 2017

JohnRabbit said:
yeah, and they have never heard the gospel or the Name that saves?

which is all contained in the books of the bible!

You showed no scripture for this interpretation, just opinions, we are to walk by faith and the word is the lamp unto our feet and light to our path, not opinions, show the scriptures. Another thing, how do they prove they never heard when God said that no one is without excuse, see Romans 1:18-32. So did God lie? Of course, that is impossible. Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.Or do we believe those that say there are some who have never heard and they will get another chance after death?

Have you ever talked to someone that has never heard of God? And if you have, would that not have checked them off the list of those who have never heard?

JohnRabbit · Nov 26, 2017

iwbswiaihl said:
You showed no scripture for this interpretation, just opinions, we are to walk by faith and the word is the lamp unto our feet and light to our path, not opinions, show the scriptures. Another thing, how do they prove they never heard when God said that no one is without excuse, see Romans 1:18-32. So did God lie? Of course, that is impossible. Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.Or do we believe those that say there are some who have never heard and they will get another chance after death?

Have you ever talked to someone that has never heard of God? And if you have, would that not have checked them off the list of those who have never heard?

yes, there were billions. who lived before us, even before the modern age who lived their entire life without hearing!

i should have prefaced my statements with a speculation tag, because you're right in that i have no scriptural backing in my claim.

the old scribe · Nov 27, 2017

iwbswiaihl said:
You showed no scripture for this interpretation, just opinions, we are to walk by faith and the word is the lamp unto our feet and light to our path, not opinions, show the scriptures. Another thing, how do they prove they never heard when God said that no one is without excuse, see Romans 1:18-32. So did God lie? Of course, that is impossible. Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.Or do we believe those that say there are some who have never heard and they will get another chance after death?

Have you ever talked to someone that has never heard of God? And if you have, would that not have checked them off the list of those who have never heard?

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Good interpretation of the Bible is always an issue.
No one should be offended to discover what they believed the meaning of a passage to be is actually wrong. Every committed Bible student should have this ongoing experience.
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The issue herein addressed is concerning the idea that one of the conditions before the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus is the Gospel must be preached to everyone.

This understanding is from Matthew 24:14 and are the recorded words of the Lord Jesus.
NASB
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
KJV
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

When taken literally this verse clearly supports the issue of our concern, but is the plain and straight forward statement meant to be literally?

As to what does “then the end will come” refer requires an interpretation which is not being considered here. The concern is how “the whole world” or “all the world” or “the entire world” is used.
Is the meaning literal or figurative?
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Examining how similar Greek words are used could be insightful.
In Acts 2:5 it is recorded that there were Jews in every nation under heaven.
NASB
“Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.”

Does this mean that Jews lived in every governed geological place on the earth?
The English word “nation” is the Greek “ethnos” which is defined as gentile, pagan, (foreign) nation, a people. It would seem this definition might include tribes which in the Greek has the same definition as “ethnos.”

If taken literally would this include even places in the Americas, Scandinavia, and the Far East?

An alternative interpretation would understand “every nation under heaven” as hyperbole.*

Note:
* Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally, as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. Hyperbole is used to emphasis something as being “to a greater extent” than would be expected.
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Returning to how the “whole world” is used in the Bible, recorded in Romans 1:8 when the Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans in about A.D. 55-58 he indicates the faith of the Roman Christians has spread “throughout the world.”
NASB
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Again, if taken literally this would mean this fact about the Christians in Rome would be known in the many foreign languages in the Americas, Scandinavia, Arctic, and the Far East?

Again, should “throughout the world” have a literally meaning or a figurative one (hyperbole)?
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If an Bible interpreter is using a literally meaning for the phrases “the whole world” or “all the world” or “the entire world” one would expect that the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus would be when the Bible records “the whole world” or “all the world” or “the entire world” had heard the gospel. When does the Bible record this as being completed?
The answer is recorded in Colossians 1:5-6.
NASB
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;

If taken literally the Apostle Paul records that the gospel has come to “all the world” before he wrote the Epistle to the Colossians in about A.D 62-63. Reading Matthew 24:14 again “the end should come” once the gospel has come to all the world which was completed in A.D. 62-63.

Given these insights one must conclude, if taken literally, the meaning of “the end should come” has to refer to something that happened following A.D. 62-63.
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Everything pointed out about Colossians 1:5-6 may be repeated for Colossians 1:23. The difference being instead of recording “the gospel has come to all the world” the Apostle Paul records “the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven.”
NASB
23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

The conclusion must also be the same.

Given these insights one must conclude, if taken literally, the meaning of “the end should come” has to refer to something that happened following A.D. 62-63.

It might behoove the serious Bible student to consider that both “the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world” and “the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven” are hyperbole and not meant literally.
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CHANGING THE ARGUMENT
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Another issue is the interpretation of Romans 1:18-32 thru 2:3 as teaching natural or general revelation which may mean people can know God and his righteousness through nature, and are therefore, accountable to divine judgment.
Every commentary read expresses this meaning.

However, this meaning strays from the intent of the epistle which is the relationship between the gentile Christians and the Jewish Christians in Rome. The Apostle Paul is exhorting the Christians in Rome to reconcile their differences. Accordingly, the referenced section of Romans might ought to be interpreted as a maneuver to trap the Jewish Christian into agreeing with him before he attacks them for their behavior.

Every point the Apostle Paul makes is only relevant under the revelation made in the Old Testament. The Apostle Paul seems to be doing much the same thing as the Prophet Nathan did when he told David the story of the rich man who stole the poor man’s lamb (2 Samuel 12). This interpretation of Romans 1:18-32 thru 2:3 is a separate Bible study, but the plea is that the readers might grant the possibility of this interpretation since it will be suggested that everyone does not know the God of the Bible or the God of creation.
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In Romans 10:14
NASB
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

There is not any question that the context requires this to refer to the Lord Jesus and the gospel rather that some sort of knowledge about God as is claimed for Romans 1:18-32 thru 2:3. The single point is that there are those who “have not heard.”
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The Apostle Paul repeats this same information in Romans 15:21
by referencing Isaiah 15:21
NASB
21 but as it is written,
“They who had no news of Him shall see,
And they who have not heard shall understand.”
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In Romans 15:20 the Apostle Paul indicates there are places where Christ has not already been named.
NASB
20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;
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The Great Commission in the words of the Lord Jesus
Mark 16:15
NASB
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

The point attempted here is that Romans 1:18-32 thru 2:3 when interpreted as sufficient natural knowledge so as not to be given any reconsideration seems an inappropriate interpretation. This passage may not be revealing a sufficient natural revelation from observing creation, but rather there was sufficient divine revelation for Israel. Romans 1:18-32 thru 2:3 makes a case for there being sufficient knowledge but it is a cloaked attack on the unbelieving of Israel who had this sufficient revelation.

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Mark Corbett · Nov 27, 2017

the old scribe said:
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The issue herein addressed is concerning the idea that one of the conditions before the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus is the Gospel must be preached to everyone.
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This is indeed an important issue. Thanks for highlighting it!

the old scribe said:
This understanding is from Matthew 24:14 and are the recorded words of the Lord Jesus.
NASB “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
. . . .
When taken literally this verse clearly supports the issue of our concern, but is the plain and straight forward statement meant to be literally?

If I understand you correctly, you go on to argue that "the whole world" in Matthew 24:14 should not be taken literally. You correctly point out that similar phrases are sometimes used in the Bible in a figurative way. Specifically, you correctly point out that the Bible sometimes uses hyperbole, and that is correct. You did a good job providing Biblical examples.

However, in the case of Matthew 24:14 I believe that Jesus did intend to teach that the gospel would literally go to the whole world before the end.

Here are two major reasons I believe this:

1. A literal interpretation harmonizes well with a theme which runs throughout the Bible, literally from Genesis to Revelation. This theme is that God wants to fill up the whole earth with people who are like Him in terms of our character and our love, and that He will achieve this goal at last in the New Earth. I wrote about this theme in the OP of another thread here:

The Deep Roots of the Great Commission

2. We have a huge advantage when it comes to this particular prophecy. We live at a time when we can see that the gospel actually has spread all over the world, although not yet to every people group and language. Currently there are Christians living in every political nation in the world (which is not the same as every "nation" in the way "nation" is used in the Great Commission). The Holy Spirit has given and continues to give the same passion to multitudes of Christians throughout history which he gave to Paul:

NIV Romans 15:20a It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known,

The two points above could each receive extensive elaboration.

My conclusion is that although "the whole world" linguistically could be hyperbole in Matthew 24:14, it is not. In this case I'm convinced Jesus meant it literally.

Now, even if you don't agree with my interpretation of Matthew 24:14, I expect that we do agree that it is right and good and pleasing to God for us to make great efforts and sacrifices to share God's truth with people all over the world, including a special emphasis to reach those who remain isolated from the gospel?

the old scribe · Nov 27, 2017

Your presentation is better than mine if for no other reason than it is what I wish to believe, but it is also, as you point out, a better fit to the theme of the plan of redemption. My interest was to combat literalism when the language requires figurative. Also, too much was being made concerning the spiritual condition of those who have died without hearing of the Lord Jesus and the plan of redemption. It seems very contradictory to trust your own eternity to a God of whom you will question His righteous behavior toward those who died not knowing.

If it is not clearly revealed in the recorded revelation (Bible) those who truly trust should not need to speculate. Divine revelation can only be expected to reveal what is necessary for the plan of redemption to be effective. If we understood everything or could see clearly all that the All Mighty God is and does, then, where is faith? It seems the evidence from what has been and has not been revealed indicates a perceivable intent on the part of He who reveals. Could this be a test of our faith and trust in the relationship?

Very glad you are on the forum!

Tayla · Dec 1, 2017

Mark Corbett said:
What happens to those who haven’t heard the Good News about Jesus?

Everyone will one day hear the gospel; this is a requirement in order for God to be just and loving in sending someone to the lake of fire for eternity. You can't decide to accept God or to reject God unless you have encountered him as he really is.

I believe this happens at the death of each person. Jesus reveals himself to them in all his glory (as occurred during the transfiguration) and he gives them time to ask their questions until they are satisfied they know all they want to know. Then they decide whether to accept or reject eternal redemption.

iwbswiaihl2 · Dec 1, 2017

And if that were true, how many do you think would accept Jesus rather than face the consequences? One problem with that, Rom 1:18-32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Does all mean all seems to be the main question?

the old scribe · Dec 2, 2017

jesus316 said:
Everyone will one day hear the gospel; this is a requirement in order for God to be just and loving in sending someone to the lake of fire for eternity. You can't decide to accept God or to reject God unless you have encountered him as he really is.

I believe this happens at the death of each person. Jesus reveals himself to them in all his glory (as occurred during the transfiguration) and he gives them time to ask their questions until they are satisfied they know all they want to know. Then they decide whether to accept or reject eternal redemption.

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Every Christian could be appeased by what you believe, and it answers everyone’s questions about those who have died and didn’t hear.

It is your definition of what is required for there to be a just and loving God which would require Hebrews 9:27 to be amended to read:
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, Jesus reveals himself to them in all his glory (as occurred during the transfiguration) and he gives them time to ask their questions until they are satisfied they know all they want to know. Then they decide whether to accept or reject eternal redemption, but after this the judgment:

What you believe might be what happens, but it is mere speculation. Speculation can never be divine revelation. A just and loving God is defined by divine revelation and not by anyone's moral opinion considered superior to the divine revelation. Just because humans can conceive of an idea thought to be a higher morality than what is revealed in the Bible does not necessarily mean that humans are correct. It is wise to have less confidence in how we reason and more confidence in the God to whom we have entrusted our eternity. We do not need to know what happens to those who haven’t heard. Trust God that his ways are superior to our ways.

Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB
“The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Psalm 145:17 NASB
The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds.

The Times · Dec 2, 2017

Mark Corbett said:
The Bible teaches that a person is saved when they hear the gospel and respond with repentance and true belief in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13). It also teaches that belief in Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Those who have been saved long to see others also saved. This often results in wrestling with a difficult question:

What happens to those who haven’t heard the Good News about Jesus?

Sometimes people try to use this question as a type of rhetorical weapon to demonstrate that Jesus can’t possibly be the only way of salvation. Oprah, echoing the thoughts of many before her, once asked the question in this way, as you can see in this 2 minute video clip (sorry, the picture is somewhat fuzzy, but the sound is clear):

So, what about those who haven’t heard? This is one of those questions which the Bible does not answer in an explicit, direct way. But that doesn’t mean the Bible does not address this question. Let’s consider what may be the most important passage on this issue. I encourage you to slow down and thoughtfully read this, even if you are already familiar with it:

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
11 As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame."
12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

It’s as if God says, “You should be worried about those people who haven’t heard. Here’s My solution: YOU go tell them. If you can’t go, then give and pray so that someone else can go.”

Admittedly, that’s not the type of answer people are looking for. But it is the type of answer God gives in His Word, which means it is the best type of answer and the most important type of answer. It’s a practical answer, so let’s stop and think a little about some practical applications of the truth that is declared in the verses above.

Practical Application #1: People Who are Asking about those Who Haven’t Heard are People who Have Heard

If a non-Christian is asking about people who have never heard as an objection to the truth of the Bible (and I’ve heard it asked that way), it may help to gently remind them that they are not in that category. If God makes any special provisions for those who haven’t heard, these provisions would NOT apply to the person who is asking about them, since they obviously have heard the gospel. If they reject the gospel now, the Bible offers NO guarantee that they will have another chance tomorrow (Hebrews 3:15, Proverbs 27:1, Isaiah 55:6). Not only are they not in the category of people who have not had a chance to hear the gospel, most people who are asking about those who haven’t had a chance to hear have never met anyone in this category. Very likely all their friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors have had and do have many chances to hear the Good News. It’s urgent that they accept God’s gracious offer of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ Jesus (Acts 2:40).

Practical Application #2: We Should Have a Passion to Spread the Gospel Where Christ is not yet Known

Paul certainly practiced what he preached. He himself had a burning passion to continually go to new areas where Christ is not yet known. A little later in Romans he writes:

NIV Romans 15:20a It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known,

We’re not all called to go to unreached people groups, but we should each do what we can to support such work. This includes:

* Learning about the unreached.
* Training up Christians to go to the unreached.
* Financially supporting those who go.
* Praying for those who go (this is really important)
* Being open to go

Practical Application #3: Working to Overcome Language Barriers in Difficult Areas

Today, the main barrier to people hearing the gospel is not geographic distance. The main barrier to hearing the gospel languages where the Bible is not available and where few, in any, who speak that language are sharing the gospel. By God’s grace there are now at least some Christians in every political nation in the world. But when the Jesus spoke of “all nations” in the Great Commission He was referring to all ethnic people groups, not merely all political nations. Some political nations have many different ethnic people groups living in them and these ethnic people groups often speak different languages. For example, we lived in Indonesia for fourteen years. Just on the island we lived on (Sulawesi) there are estimated to be over 100 different languages spoken. These are truly different languages, not merely different dialects (there are often multiple dialects of each of the languages!). Many of those over 100 local languages include many speakers who have not heard the gospel, and have very little or no opportunity to hear it in their language.

We’ve come a long way in completing the Great Commission, but there is still a long ways to go. The cost of completing our task is high. Most of the unreached live in areas where there is intense opposition to the gospel. There is a great need for more people willing to go long term because it takes years to learn a new language and culture and win people and disciple them.

I feel that these “practical applications” related to the Great Commission and its urgency are the most important thing we should get out of the Bible’s teaching about those who have not heard. But because so many people struggle with the theological implications of this teaching, I will go on to share a few more thoughts.

Dangerous Speculation

Some people speculate that perhaps people who live in remote areas and who die without a chance to hear the gospel will be given a chance to accept Jesus after they die. While the Bible does not explicitly rule this possibility out, we need to consider how this speculative solutions fits, or doesn’t fit, with the logic of Romans 10:9-15. When Paul asks, “how can they believe in Him whom they have not heard”, his solution is NOT that those people will get a chance after they die. In fact, the logic of needing to go and preach would be undermined if there were chances to believe after death.

An Analogy

Here’s my own version of an analogy I’ve heard elsewhere (but I don’t remember where or from whom):

Imagine there is a man in an apartment building. He lives on the 5th floor. His building catches on fire. By the time he wakes up the four floors below him are on fire and the floor above him is on fire and the fire is burning outside his apartment in the hallway. He’s trapped. Thankfully, a fire truck with a long ladder shows up. A fireman appears outside his window and calls him to come and escape.

The trapped man says, “I think there might be a hidden fireproof escape under the rug somewhere. I’ll look for that.”

The fireman yells, “How do you know it’s there? Did the builder of the apartments tell you it was there?”

The trapped man replies, “No, but it makes sense to me that there would be a fire escape under a trap door under the carpet.”

Should the man look for the fire escape just because it makes sense in his mind that there should be one? Shouldn’t he instead focus on the one way out (the fireman with the ladder)? Does it make sense for people to speculate on a chance for salvation after death? The Bible says nothing about that. The “builder” hasn’t told us such a thing exists. Shouldn’t we just focus on the means of salvation which God has made available? Namely, going and telling people now, in this life, the Good News.

How this Might All Harmonize with God’s Justice, Goodness, and Foreknowledge

Still, people are understandably concerned about those who died without hearing. But it is wrong to assume that the only way God can be fair and good to those people is if He gives them a chance to believe and be saved after death.

God has not revealed in detail how He is fair to those who die without hearing, but we should have no doubt that God is entirely just in all He does. “Will not the judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25).

We should remember that it is not unjust for God to judge people for their sins and destroy their bodies and souls in hell (Matthew 10:28). That is what ALL people deserve based on our sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23). But there might be more to it. For example, it is possible that God has used his foreknowledge to arrange the world in such a way that everyone who would benefit by hearing the gospel does indeed hear the gospel. The Bible does teach that God determines when and where people will live (Acts 17:26). He may place those who would not have believed even if they heard the gospel in times and locations where the gospel has not been available. It is a possibility. God might not explicitly tell us this because we might be tempted to wrongly interpret it as meaning our Great Commission is less urgent. I share this possibility not because I know this is how it works, but to counter the type of thinking I hear from some universalists and others that God essentially MUST give unsaved people a chance to repent after death or else God is not really just, good, and loving.

Conclusion

It is not wrong for us to be concerned about those who have not heard. In fact, it is right and Biblical to care about them. It is a sign of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts to move us to complete the Great Commission which Christ gave us. Nor do I think it is wrong to think about the theological and philosophical implications of this issue. But God’s main response is an urgently practical one. Our concern about this issue should first and foremost inspire us to make every effort and great sacrifices to go and share the gospel with the unreached. Jesus will be with us as we go (Matthew 28:20).

This was initially a post on my blog.

All have heard in this last hour. Even children who have come to the age of accountability according to God. We must not ignore the children who sang Hosanna, how did they know.

Have faith in the works of the Spirit.

Roseonathorn · Dec 2, 2017

It is interesting that Nigerian scammers reach the whole world so effectively. They should become great missionaries and send out the gospel just as fervently instead. One time there was one that sent loads of loveletters that couples could read to each other, but they were fine poems, I have no idea who wrote them. It was also supposed to be a scam but I never got the point except that the person asked for money.

Kristen Davis · Dec 9, 2017

If you have not heard about the good news then you cannot be saved. The reason why is much like what you read in Ephesians that salvation is not something you can take credit for because it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Also regard the fact that the good news is gods salvation to you who is the basis or propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Those who have not heard the Good News are judged harshly on Judgement Day and are sent to hell for all eternity.

This was initially a post on my blog.[/QUOTE]

Mark Corbett · Dec 12, 2017

Roseonathorn said:
It is interesting that Nigerian scammers reach the whole world so effectively. They should become great missionaries and send out the gospel just as fervently instead. One time there was one that sent loads of loveletters that couples could read to each other, but they were fine poems, I have no idea who wrote them. It was also supposed to be a scam but I never got the point except that the person asked for money.

Nigerian scammers aside, there is no doubt that God uses technology to spread the Good News about Jesus. This is nothing new. The printing press may be the most important invention in the last several thousand years because it allowed a massive increase in the availability of the Bible. The radio has been used for broadcast the gospel all over the world. And, yes, now even the internet is a useful tool.

But . . .

There is still a HUGE need for missionaries to go and live long term among unreached peoples. Here are a few reasons:
1. Language is a big barrier. There are over 6,000 languages in the world today, and many do not have a significant gospel witness. Language learning takes time and is best done by living among the people who speak the language.
2. A big part of disciple making is being a good example to new disciples. This requires being involved in their day to day lives so that they can see how the gospel is lived out.
3. Many of the unreached are also desperately poor. Just sending money blindly is not effective as unprincipled people misuse. Sending money which is used to help the poor as overseen by mature Christians who live among the poor and who understand their local issues is the best way to do this.

yeshuaslavejeff · Dec 12, 2017

Kristen Davis said:
If you have not heard about the good news then you cannot be saved.

Yahweh knows all about this, man's ways,
and His Word is Faithful and True for everyone -
there is NO INJUSTICE, NO UNRIGHTEOUSNESS in Yahweh,
nor in His Plan and Purpose.

rakovsky · Jul 27, 2019

ClementofA said:
Catholic scholar Illaria Ramelli says:
Indeed, the theme of Christ’s salvific descent to hell is found in some early Christian writings that were initially considered to be revealed and divinely inspired, but were later rejected from the NT canon, such as the Shepherd of Hermas (simil. 9,16,6) and the Gospel of Peter, in a scene (10,41) that seems to belong to its most ancient layer, perhaps even dating back to the middle of the first century:86"

" “The soldiers then saw three human beings coming out of the tomb: two of them held and lifted the other one, and a cross followed them. The head of these two reached to heaven, but the one whom they supported with their hands was higher than heaven. And they heard a voice from heaven ask: ‘Have you preached to those who were sleeping?’ And from the cross they heard the reply: ‘Yes, I have!’” (10,39–42)."

"In this scene, the docetic elements that are typical of the most recent layers of this Gospel are missing.

ClementofA,
You wrote that in the scene of the Resurrection in the Gospel of Peter, the docetic elements of the most recent layers of the text are missing. However, this is a bit of a non-sequiter or moot point, since it appears that in the section of the Gospel of Peter that has come down to us (the Akhmim Fragment), there is not actually any Docetic elements. This is curious, because Bishop Serapion of Antioch wrote that the Gospel of Peter was written by Docetists.

There is a theory that the words of Thomas in John 20 about not believing until feeling Christ's hands (followed by Thomas' feeling the hands and believing) was directed against a tradition/set of stories from that time that Thomas had taught something like Docetism or proto-gnosticism. One could create a similar hypothesis that 2 Peter is directed against Docetism (it says that Christianity was not just some myth, among other things) and also against a Docetic tradition/storyline about Peter.

I wrote about the issue of whether the Gospel of Peter was Docetic here:
THE GOSPEL OF PETER (70-160). Question: Is it Docetic?

What about those who haven’t heard?

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