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Questions about: Apologetics and Theology

Rick: (08/26/07) Question about unreached people groups (those that have not heard of Jesus and Him their Savior). Jesus said ‘no one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6) But what about people (post Christ’s death on cross) that have never heard of Jesus? To say they go to hell seems difficult given that this implies that God would create a being and never give them the opportunity to have eternal relationship with him. To say they are allowed into heaven (either through ‘doing the best with what they knew’, ‘coming to some understanding/belief in God on own’) complete discredits Jesus. So how does one respond when people ask about what happens to all the people (after Jesus came 2,000 years ago) that died having never heard the Gospel (and ones living today)? Much thanks for the help.

Jack: Thanks, Rick, for your tender heart and your understanding of one of the most difficult tensions we all face when we see the truth of the Gospel and yet observe what appears to be the majority of people on their way to a "Christless eternity." This is particularly poignant when we read in 1 Timothy 2:4 that God's desire is that "all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."

When we read Romans 1-4, we recognize that people do not go to Hell just because they have rejected Jesus (especially if they have never heard of Him). Paul tells us that we are under "God's wrath" because we are sinners. He shows us that people who have received God's revelation (the Jews) have rejected His truth and don't live according to His laws. He also shows that "Gentiles" who don't have this revelation do have a conscience, but they don't live up to their conscience.

Thus, it is God in His mercy and grace who extends the hope of salvation. Peter, in his address to the Gentile, Cornelius, who lived up to the light he had available to him, notes that "God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10). However, Paul's declaration is that "none are righteous, no not one." This may be hyperbole, but it is certainly true of the vast majority of humankind. However, the experience of Peter is that when people respond to the light that they have been given, even if it be of their own restless conscience, God will give them more light, as He did with Cornelius.

He also calls His people to be communicators of His grace.

The problem you present is not an easy one to deal with but we have to be true to the message we have received. And above all, God is merciful. We can leave the theological conundrums to Him. We are responsible for what He has revealed to us.

Jack

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