What about the people who never hear the gospel? That's a question that you've probably asked before. What will happen to the poeple who have literally never heard about Jesus and have never been given an opportunity to become a Christian? Do they get a pass because of their circumstances? Or are they held accountable just like everyone else who has the opportunity the written revelation of God? It seems like I have been asked the question quite a bit recently.Here's a long-winded half-answer.
To hold them accountable would seem incongruent with the nature of who God is. A God full of love, mercy and grace. How then could any God full of love, mercy and grace condemn someone who never had an opportunity to be obedient. This would be like a parent punishing a child for breaking a rule that they never gave. It just doesn't seem fair.
On the other hand, it is inconsistent with what is written in the Bible to assume that God would not hold everyone accountable. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:10 says that we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Also, Luke wrote in Acts 17:30 that God is not overlooking ignorance any longer and that all men should repent.
So what's the answer? Well first, let's guard ourselves against being quick to judge and condemn. It's quite comfortable sitting on this side of the river, behind the damn blocking the rising water. We're safe and unfortunately content. Second, I wonder if Roman 1:18-20 doesn't provide some insight on this question? Paul was essentially acknowledging the division that existed between the gentiles (who had never been given an opportunity to become God's chosen) and the Jews (who had the benefit of being God's chosen). And along with acknowledging the difference, Paul said that God still holds the gentiles accountable because they could have known and worshipped God based solely on what was in His creation. Instead, they had chosen to worship the created instead of the creator.
So does that apply for example to people who live in the deepest regions of the African jungles and have never heard about Jesus? I really don't know for certain. I know what I've read in the NT. And I know that I have been called to teach people about Jesus. So that's what I'm going to do. Am I going to be upset and complain when I get to heaven if there are people getting in who never had a chance to obey the gospel?
Jeremy: Just a couple of thoughts from my end. This is a really good question to raise. It is important to remember however, that Africa has the largest population of Christians in the world and they are actually sending missionaries here to the United States to help us with our unbelief. I would argue that those people who have never heard about what Jesus has done for them are more than likely our next door neighbor. I was also wondering how a God full of such love and compassion could sacrifice His own Son upon the cross. Would it not have been more loving for God to have sent His Son into the world to show how to lead a proper life and then go back to heaven without making the sacrifice? If there are people in heaven who have never heard about Jesus, then what was the point of Jesus dying on the cross? There was a purpose for Jesus’ death upon the cross and resurrection. And that is to give eternal life to all those that believe in Him through the forgiveness of their sins. While it is not our place to judge it is also not our place to say what God’s judgment is for those who do not know Him through His Son. Therefore people should take every opportunity to tell others about what Jesus has done for them. ESV John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ESV 1 John 2:23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Jeremy, thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the questions of scripture in this forum.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
David Benning
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I always enjoy questions and discussions that stretch my and challenge me to think beyond the barriers of my traditions and personal opinions.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that Africa was sending missionaries out now too. Just never seen proof of it. Thanks again for sharing. Look forward to continuing to learn from each other.