What happens to the people who've never heard the gospel?

Alisha1174852 · Apr 28, 2020

I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

GospelS · Apr 28, 2020

Every unbeliever lives in a certain fear of sin and death. Their soul and even every cell in their body is God's creation that speaks to them of their depravity and need for God. So that should pursue them to seek the truth of God's grace and mercy. God would not let anyone go empty if anyone genuinely sought Him.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) · Apr 28, 2020

God shines more light and gives more revelation the more we seek Him. And quite frankly, He's already done plenty according to the works of creation and the life of Jesus, culminating with his death, burial, and resurrection. The testimony of God is plain and simple. And we really don't know what unreached people groups know and don't know. But God does. And they will be dealt with according to the knowledge they do have; not what they don't.

A lot of people would be surprised at the amount of knowledge heathens have about God. And because God doesn't give them more is an act of mercy not unjustness. Because like I said, if they knew more they'd be accountable for that as well

Luke 12:47 - "“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished."

Rescued One · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
....
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

Due to our imperfect understanding, why do we question our perfect God?

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

God is omniscient. We ask questions because we aren't.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) · Apr 28, 2020

David and other saints asked questions to God all the time. It's a good mark.

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings."

God doesn't hide things because He doesn't want us to find them. He wants us to pursue Him. He's more than ready to give us wisdom.

dzheremi · Apr 28, 2020

Everyone, without exception, is entrusted to the mercy of God. Those who have heard the Word specifically preached to them are obviously in an advantageous position in that they are blessed by having heard it (keeping in mind that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God), but it's not like those who were born in the Middle East 2,000 years ago who happened to hear Christ Himself or any of His apostles preach are the only ones who will be saved. That is clearly not the case, as the apostles were also sent out into the world to establish the Church in every place, which they and their successors did with great speed. By the close of the first century of our Lord, the faith had been preached to basically all the Roman Empire and several places outside of it as well (e.g., Mesopotamia, Persia, and India). Specific peoples within it took longer to receive it (in some cases, like among the Latvians and Lithuanians in the Baltics, a lot longer), but it's not a coincidence that by the latter half of the 4th century it had managed to become the religion of the Empire, without having ever conquered anywhere militarily (unlike some other religions; true, Constantine famously saw the cross in the sky and was told that by this sign he would be victorious in battle, but it's not like that therefore became a pillar of the religion or something -- when we say the cross is our victory, we mean it is the victory of Christ over death...case in the point, the Armenians -- people of the first modern state to declare Christianity its official religion, in c. 301 AD -- actually lost the battle of Avarayr against the Persians, but through it won their right to practice Christianity within their territory in Sassanid Persia).

So we could say of people who have not received the word that it is good and necessary to reach them, but that we cannot say categorically what will happen to them. That is up to God, and we all must trust in His mercy.

Halbhh · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

We learn in 1rst Peter that far more will get a chance in an unexpected way than most modern Christians have typically learned --

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared..."
1 Peter 3 ESV

It would seem that this group, this instance of those without the gospel, those from before the Flood, is simply an example of people who haven't heard the gospel, and that would imply that all that didn't hear the gospel in this life will have some chance or this very chance described, in that place, a chance to turn and repent. (that a person that never heard the gospel, and thus never rejected it, would get a chance to hear it)

God is able to do things we can't even easily imagine.

Albion · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

The Bible doesn't give much leeway to such non-believers aside from a few, rather vague, verses that people have taken to be references not to the salvation of people who didn't have any opportunity to know of Christ but to the idea of everyone being saved. Otherwise, the references to needing faith are many.

Obviously, if it were true that non-believers who followed their own religions and consciences will be saved by doing that, they would be included.

Very few Protestants think that salvation for non-believers is possible. But your friends are Catholics, and it is the case that two recent Popes and most Catholics are supportive of God including non-believers in his plan of Salvation, so long as they were "good" members of whatever their faith was and they couldn't have known Christ.

A survey of the attitudes of American Christians of different denominations showed that only 9% of Catholics thought this kind of non-believer would be precluded from salvation. That was a much lower percentage than was reported for the members of any other denomination.

Kris Jordan · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

Hi Alicia,

Here is an article to help answer that:

"Unreached" Populations

It is God’s desire that nobody should perish but that all would come to the knowledge of the truth, repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). Therefore, God has graciously provided each person He created with everything they would need in order to know Him and ultimately come to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ: He has provided two basic forms of revelation to every human being (“creation” and “conscience”) that are together sufficient to testify of His existence; He has provided each one with a measure of faith to make it possible for them to believe; He personally draws each one to Jesus because salvation would not be attainable for them otherwise, and He has sent the Holy Spirit into the world to affirm and confirm all He has revealed to them.

Here is how each of these five elements works to accomplish the purposes for which God gave them:

Revelation Through Creation: The Scriptures declare that God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and His divine nature are clearly visible to all, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:18-21). The very existence of the universe in all its majesty and splendor, coupled with the unique intricacies of all living and created things, is absolute evidence of the existence of Almighty God.

Revelation Through Conscience: The Bible states that God has given each person an internal law of right and wrong that has been written on their heart, their conscience serving to either affirm them of good conduct or accuse them of sin (Romans 2:12-16). The very presence of a conscience testifies within them of the existence of a holy and perfect God, as well as their own personal sinfulness in comparison.

A Measure of Faith: The Bible states that salvation is by grace through faith, both of which are gifts from God Himself (Ephesians 2:8-9), with Jesus being the author as well as perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Without the faith to believe God, nobody would have the ability to receive salvation. In fact, it is impossible to please God without faith, because whoever comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (John 8:24b; Hebrews 11:6). Furthermore, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, it is God Himself who provides the very faith necessary to believe Him, as He reveals Himself to the lost.

God Draws People to Jesus: The Bible states that God personally draws each person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ because, if left to their own devices or desires, nobody would ever seek God or come to saving faith in Jesus of their own accord (John 6:44). Therefore, God Himself personally “woos” everyone to Christ so that they have the ability and opportunity to be saved.

The Sending of the Holy Spirit: After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension back to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit into the world to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8). Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit is to affirm God’s existence and righteousness, confirm man’s sinfulness and depravity apart from Him, and convince the world of the judgment to come.

With each of these five elements provided by God Himself, it is clear that all people everywhere have been fully equipped with the potential to discern God’s existence as well as their own sinfulness in His presence, as well as the ability to seek after Him to know Him, should they yield their hearts to the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the only thing keeping anyone from actually pursuing God to know Him is their own rebellion and unbelief (John 3:16-21). Paul describes this as knowing about God through what He has made, and yet refusing to glorify Him as God; but rather suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and becoming futile in their own thoughts, to the point where their foolish hearts are darkened and they change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man or beast. Therefore, God gives them over fully to their sinful state, and the result is eternal death and separation from God (Romans 1:18-2:11). To the contrary, however, if a person genuinely responds to God with their whole heart as He reveals Himself and draws them to repentance, He will absolutely provide an opportunity for them to hear the gospel message and be saved.

With all that said, it is important to always keep in mind the fact that God is all-knowing, perfect, holy, just and righteous, and that all things are open and laid bare before Him at all times. This means that He always acts with absolute knowledge, complete justice and total righteousness in all things, including the administration of His judgment upon sin and mankind. Therefore, if a person who lived and died in the most isolated place on earth ends up in hell, separated from God for all eternity, it is because they were judged rightly and justly by a loving, holy and all-knowing God, on the basis of their unbelief, unrepentant sin and unregenerate heart.

Rescued One · Apr 28, 2020

I believe we won't get an opportunity to accept Christ after death. Jesus made proclamation to the lost from a previous time, that He had accomplished what He came to do. These were the ones who disobeyed Noah.

Luke 16
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

2PhiloVoid · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

Hi Alisha! That's a great question, and in the past, I've answered this with my own philosophically inclined answer, one that while a little different from the typical evangelical response is, nevertheless, one that I think is in accordance with what we find in the Bible overall. So, here is a 'reprint' of my answer to this from a short while back, only slightly edited ...

**********************************************************

Since it is very difficult to see the details in the Big Picture of God's economy of salvation (soteriology), I'd propose that the Church take a more ambiguous approach to the lost, but an approach which nevertheless requires that Christians feel a deep-seated need to reach "the lost." And in this approach, I suggest that we simply define those who will never hear of Christ as a distinct group from those will hear the Gospel on a sufficient level. Then, we more or less classify those who will never hear of Christ, or have never heard the Gospel in a sufficient manner, as "Unidentifiables."

We should classify those who will never hear sufficiently as "Unidentifiables" because from a human point of view, we as the Church do not know, and cannot know, precisely how God will judge each "Unidentifiable" at the Final Judgment. They each stand as a "?" before the Church since we do not have enough detail in the Bible to give us a definitive and comprehensive way to know how "Unidentifiables" will ultimately be judged by God; it could go either way. Despite their ongoing spiritual anonymity before the Church, they are each an individual for whom we can pray in the hope that God in His mercy will accept them according to the light He has provided to each of them during their individual lives.

As for those persons who have heard, I think this group is made up of two categories: The "Acceptors" and the "Objectors." In the case of the accepting, we have confidence as to where they square in gaining eternal life in Christ. But, as for the objecting, we in the Church know they will not likely gain God's favor in Christ at the Final Judgment.

Thus, with this approach, we take the weight off of having to understand the full economy of God's grace as it relates to the availability of the (clear) Gospel message; we won't have to wring our hands as we try to answer the time worn question of "What happens to those who've never heard?" We do indeed leave it in the hands of God. Yet, this approach retains the urgency of the Church's need to continue its God directed effort to reach out in love and truth on behalf of Christ to those on all sides of the international and spiritual spectrum. It also is more honest and may be more appealing as a truthful explanation about "Unidentifiables."

That's my approach. It's simpler, and it's more philosophically practical -- although I'm open to theological criticisms and other considerations.

**********************************************************

Blessings,
2PhiloVoid

charsan · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

I like how CS Lewis put it in his book The Last Battle:

“Then I fell at his feet and thought, Surely this is the hour of death, for the Lion (who is worthy of all honour) will know that I have served Tash all my days and not him. Nevertheless, it is better to see the Lion and die than to be Tisroc of the world and live and not to have seen him. But the Glorious One bent down his golden head and touched my forehead with his tongue and said, Son, thou art welcome. But I said, Alas Lord, I am no son of thine but the servant of Tash. He answered, Child, all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me. Then by reasons of my great desire for wisdom and understanding, I overcame my fear and questioned the Glorious One and said, Lord, is it then true, as the Ape said, that thou and Tash are one? The Lion growled so that the earth shook (but his wrath was not against me) and said, It is false. Not because he and I are one, but because we are opposites, I take to me the services which thou hast done to him. For I and he are of such different kinds that no service which is vile can be done to me, and none which is not vile can be done to him. Therefore if any man swear by Tash and keep his oath for the oath’s sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he know it not, and it is I who reward him. And if any man do a cruelty in my name, then, though he says the name Aslan, it is Tash whom he serves and by Tash his deed is accepted. Dost thou understand, Child? I said, Lord, though knowest how much I understand. But I said also (for the truth constrained me), Yet I have been seeking Tash all my days. Beloved, said the Glorious One, unless thy desire had been for me thou wouldst not have sought so long and so truly. For all find what they truly seek.”

crossnote · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?

I don't believe so. There were individuals (and I believe many more) who stood as examples of faith before they had Scriptures or someone preaching to them the Gospel as we know it like Enoch, Abel, Noah, Methuselah etc. Ones like these weren't the only ones saved as many like them in faith were obedient to the light in them.
John 1:9 (KJV) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
I believe that passage holds true in every age to every man.

Halbhh · Apr 28, 2020

2PhiloVoid said:
Hi Alisha! That's a great question, and in the past, I've answered this with my own philosophically inclined answer, one that while a little different from the typical evangelical response is, nevertheless, one that I think is in accordance with what we find in the Bible overall. So, here is a 'reprint' of my answer to this from a short while back, only slightly edited ...

**********************************************************

Since it is very difficult to see the details in the Big Picture of God's economy of salvation (soteriology), I'd propose that the Church take a more ambiguous approach to the lost, but an approach which nevertheless requires that Christians feel a deep-seated need to reach "the lost." And in this approach, I suggest that we simply define those who will never hear of Christ as a distinct group from those will hear the Gospel on a sufficient level. Then, we more or less classify those who will never hear of Christ, or have never heard the Gospel in a sufficient manner, as "Unidentifiables."

We should classify those who will never hear sufficiently as "Unidentifiables" because from a human point of view, we as the Church do not know, and cannot know, precisely how God will judge each "Unidentifiable" at the Final Judgment. They each stand as a "?" before the Church since we do not have enough detail in the Bible to give us a definitive and comprehensive way to know how "Unidentifiables" will ultimately be judged by God; it could go either way. Despite their ongoing spiritual anonymity before the Church, they are each an individual for whom we can pray in the hope that God in His mercy will accept them according to the light He has provided to each of them during their individual lives.

As for those persons who have heard, I think this group is made up of two categories: The "Acceptors" and the "Objectors." In the case of the accepting, we have confidence as to where they square in gaining eternal life in Christ. But, as for the objecting, we in the Church know they will not likely gain God's favor in Christ at the Final Judgment.

Thus, with this approach, we take the weight off of having to understand the full economy of God's grace as it relates to the availability of the (clear) Gospel message; we won't have to wring our hands as we try to answer the time worn question of "What happens to those who've never heard?" We do indeed leave it in the hands of God. Yet, this approach retains the urgency of the Church's need to continue its God directed effort to reach out in love and truth on behalf of Christ to those on all sides of the international and spiritual spectrum. It also is more honest and may be more appealing as a truthful explanation about "Unidentifiables."

That's my approach. It's simpler, and it's more philosophically practical -- although I'm open to theological criticisms and other considerations.

**********************************************************

Blessings,
2PhiloVoid

Well, many have never heard the message in 1rst Peter chapter 3 about this very question of those not having heard the gospel. But, ideally, we should all learn more of what is said there; the epistle is inspired.

Halbhh · Apr 28, 2020

crossnote said:
I don't believe so. There were individuals (and I believe many more) who stood as examples of faith before they had Scriptures or someone preaching to them the Gospel as we know it like Enoch, Abel, Noah, Methuselah etc. Ones like these weren't the only ones saved as many like them in faith were obedient to the light in them.
John 1:9 (KJV) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
I believe that passage holds true in every age to every man.

Yes, that's correct, and it's also supported in the New Testament also in Romans chapter 2, verses 6-16 (which are best read in full).

GodsGrace101 · Apr 28, 2020

Alisha1174852 said:
I am talking with a Catholic on discussing what happens to the natives who never heard of Christ. Nowadays there are few people who don't have access to learning about Christ, whether it's through the internet or by a missionary or friend, but the Native Americans, Mayans, and all those people who were previously in this country didn't know about our God. Now I believe it is in human nature to acknowledge the Creator, no matter what they have learned in their society after all the earth shouts of His glory and testifies of His lovingkindness. (Is. 6:3, Ps. 119:64). But my question is, was it possible for them to be saved by just living off of their acknowledgment of a creator and their consciousness to do good instead of evil? Because John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Wouldn't this be a contradiction if those natives were saved without ever learning about Jesus, the Son of God?
And if the natives weren't saved, because of their rebellion in their hearts, because not one man is innocent or ever has been except Jesus, wouldn't it be unjust to give some people the opportunity of hearing the Truth and others not?
In Romans, it discusses how the people are judged by their own law in their hearts.. but that will condemn everyone who hasn't surrendered their sins to Jesus.

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

Romans 2: 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What is the correct, biblical way to answer this question? I've been asked this question multiple times, I believed that the natives were judged by the law written in their own hearts and conscience but that seems to be in contradiction with John 14:6, it seems flippant to say there are exceptions in salvation unless I have scriptural evidence.
Thank you,

God bless you all,

You're right Alisha.
The answer is in Romans 1:19-20.

God has ALWAYS revealed Himself to man.
And man has always had the opportunity to reply with a Yes or a No.

Also, remember that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world...even those that live without knowledge of the gospel.
1 John 2:2

Alisha1174852 · Apr 28, 2020

gospels said:
Every unbeliever lives in a certain fear of sin and death and wrath. Their soul and even every cell in their body is God's creation that speaks to them of their depravity. So that should pursue them to seek the truth of God's grace and mercy. God would not let anyone go empty if anyone genuinely sought Him.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).

Thank you for your reply! I believe God is 100% just and merciful as well, thank you,

Alisha1174852 · Apr 28, 2020

Phoebe Ann said:
Due to our imperfect understanding, why do we question our perfect God?

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

God is omniscient. We ask questions because we aren't.

I do not mean to question God's character, but have increased understanding of His perfect love and mercy. These are wonderful verses to humble anyone who believes God isn't being just, but 1 pet 3:15 says to have an answer for every man and 2 Tim 2:15 says "to study to show thyself approved unto God.", I believe that even if I don't understand the Bible, my God is perfect, almighty, and merciful, but that never means that it is wrong to research what His Word says about these topics.

Albion · Apr 28, 2020

crossnote said:
I don't believe so. There were individuals (and I believe many more) who stood as examples of faith before they had Scriptures or someone preaching to them the Gospel as we know it like Enoch, Abel, Noah, Methuselah etc. Ones like these weren't the only ones saved as many like them in faith were obedient to the light in them.

But these people weren't just obedient to some inner light or other. Christian theology (and, arguably, the Bible specifically) provide for their salvation. There is no comparison to members of other religions in our own times or to atheists who happen to be charitable and fairminded, etc.

Alisha1174852 · Apr 28, 2020

Halbhh said:
We learn in 1rst Peter that far more will get a chance in an unexpected way than most modern Christians have typically learned --

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared..."
1 Peter 3 ESV

It would seem that this group, this instance of those without the gospel, those from before the Flood, is simply an example of people who haven't heard the gospel, and that would imply that all that didn't hear the gospel in this life will have some chance or this very chance described, in that place, a chance to turn and repent. (that a person that never heard the gospel, and thus never rejected it, would get a chance to hear it)

God is able to do things we can't even easily imagine.

That is a fascinating passage to me, but I can't find it supported anywhere else in the Bible that people get a second chance after death to accept Christ. Or was it an exception for the people in the days of Noah? Because I know when Jesus died, he went to Hell because he conquered the grave and got the keys of Hades so maybe he ministered to all those people that weren't jews or never knew God?
I'm not sure He still ministers to the spirits in prison because now He is resurrected..

What happens to the people who've never heard the gospel?

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