what happen to ones that dont hear the good news

[beleive]

The people that never hear or heared the gospel,or had chance to hear it.Thanks for any thoughts

[graceforme]

This is a question that has been pondered forever. Romans 1:1820 says this:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

Again, I went to my Life Applicaton Study Bible and found this note:

"In these verses, Paul answers a common objection: How could a loving God send anyone to hell, especially someone who has never heard about Christ? In fact, Paul says, God has revealed himself plainly in creation to ALL people. And yet people reject even this basic knowledge of God. Also, people have an inner sense of what God requires, but they choose not to live up to it. Put another way, people's moral standards are always better than their behavior. If people suppress God's truth in order to live their own way, they have no excuse. They know the truth, and they will have to endure the consequences of ignoring it."

It goes on to say that this is why we have missionaries to help people undestand that faith in Christ is the only way to be saved. But the quesiton still remains - what about those that the missionaries never reach? There are probably native tribes that missionaries don't even know about. But, in searching other commentaries, I find that the comments are very nearly the same.

The Dake Annotated Bible says this: "Verse 20 explains verse 19. All invisible things, even the eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen by the visible things of creation."

And the Wycliffe Bible Commentary says this: "In creation the everlasting or perpetual power of God is seen ....... The Creator who has shown such unlimited power is the supreme Being with whom men must reckon. By observing his work, men are confronted with the living God. As a result, they are without excuse."

I'm looking forward to reading other posts on this subject.


Many blessings to all.

[Topped 3]

The people that never hear or heared the gospel,or had chance to hear it.Thanks for any thoughts

Romans 2:6-15...v.14"For when the Gentiles,which have not the Law,do by nature the things contained in the Law,these,having not the Law,are a law unto themselves."..from what Iv'e read of commentors who reflect on this,is that someone who has never heard the Gospel or know the Law of God are guided soley by their conscience and moral consideration of right and wrong,and will be judged by God according to their performance of character,how they lived,treated people,if they were honorable and just or not...But by how strict a standard they will be held accountable by God,I do not know. :nod

[LaMontre]

The people that never hear or heared the gospel,or had chance to hear it.Thanks for any thoughts

It's an intriguing question isn't it?

There is a temptation to simply say, if they don't hear, they cannot believe (Rom 10:14), and therefore they cannot be saved.

I too find that difficult to accept, however there may be a case for it, because beyond that we really have very little to go on in the scripture. Except that the gospel will be preached (eventually) to the entire world before the end comes (Mat 24:14), the scriptures don't really address it.

Two things we do know for certain:
The Lord knows them that are his (2Tim 2:19), and no man will come to the Father except through Him (Jesus) (John 14:6).

[matt]

Hey Guys,

I believe we have to content ourselves with the knowledge that our God is a Just God and whatever judgement He makes will be the right one.

It is a question I've thought about in the past a lot though...

[ByHisGrace]

What about those who were taught about Jesus but not Biblically accurate. They receive what they hear but it's not quite the gospel. Is it their fault? I'm kind of thinking about Catholics here. They are told any other faith will send them right to hell. Is it their fault? They were born into the Catholic family which is the main reason they are Catholic to begin with. They believe in Jesus and the resurrection, is that enough?

[Jany]

The apostle Paul said, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20). <><

[ByHisGrace]

Okay they are without excuse to not believe in God. But just believing in God is not enough. It's a starting point. But what about a person who believes in God but doesn't hear the gospel about Jesus or the correct gospel. What then?

I mean let's look at the Catholic faith. There are some very faithful Catholics who do everything the priest tell them to do, believing this is God's will. They are told they will go to hell if they were to believe differently so out of fear and obedience they do what the priest says God wants them to do. They believe in Jesus and His resurrection. They celebrate Christmas and Easter believing the Biblical truth behind these Holidays, like all Christians do. Are they at fault for believing all the lies the priest tells them?

[ByHisGrace]

I know many Catholics who want to obey God. So they believe they need to follow what the priest says and they are too scared to search scripture because they are told they can't understand it or it has flaws in it. So they believe what the priest says and think they are pleasing the Lord. They are very hard to witness to because the church has put so much fear in them. Is their faith in Christ enough to save them? Is it their fault they aren't hearing the true message?

[HeIsEnough]

I believe we have to content ourselves with the knowledge that our God is a Just God and whatever judgement He makes will be the right one.


:thumb

He has decided that:


Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Those who seek after God, He will send a messenger who will tell them about Christ. It happens every day.