What about those who have never heard? - Worthy Christian Forums

Here are some thoughts I have had regarding the issue of people who have never heard the gospel

1. Isn’t it egotistical of the church to maintain that their way is the only way?

If the church had come up with this system on its own and was trying to say that the system they came up with was the only system, it would be egotistical and exclusive. But the idea of Jesus being the only way to God did not originate with the church. It originated with Jesus Himself. This is what Jesus said:

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6 CSB)

Jesus maintained that the only way a person could establish a relationship with God was through Him. That is because Jesus was uniquely qualified to fix the situation that we (humanity) broke. Jesus was 100 percent God and 100 percent human. Because God is just, Jesus was able to make every sin that was ever committed right. The punishment for every murder that was ever committed, every child that was ever abused, every lie that was ever told, every piece of gossip that was ever shared, etc, was placed on Him. This is not an idea that began with the church. It came from the lips of Jesus 2000 years ago.

2. If Jesus is the only way, aren’t people being treated unfairly who have never heard about Him?

This is a fair question and one that can be very personal for some of us who have known folks that have not heard. The Bible is very clear about the way people receive eternal life from God:

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved." (Act 4:12 CSB)

Jesus is the only way to God. The Bible does not specifically address how God will deal with people who through no fault of their own never hear the about Jesus. Since it is very clear in scripture that Jesus is the only way, we know that God will not provide a “different” way for people who don’t hear. So what are we left with? The Bible does tell us some things that we can take comfort in, even though it does not give us the specific answers we are looking for. As I looked into this for myself, these gave comfort to me:

a. It is God’s desire that no one miss out on the gift that Jesus offers. In other words, God did not set up a “secret system” with the hope that only a few lucky ones would catch on:

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9 CSB)

b. God is truly just. He will always do the absolutely right thing. After all is said and done, no one will look at the way God handled things and say “I was treated unfairly”.

The Rock-- His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true. (Deuteronomy 32:4 CSB)

c. God is love. Everything He does will be motivated by love

The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:8 CSB)

d. God is merciful and compassionate

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love. (Psalm 103:8 CSB)

e. God has promised that those who want to find Him will do so

So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9 CSB).

f. God has a bigger view than we do. He has placed everyone in the time and place they live that gives them the best chance to find Him and know Him

From one man He has made every nation of men to live all over the earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live, so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. (Act 17:26-27 CSB)

So while God does not give us all the details, He tells us enough about Himself so that we can trust Him with those details. That is not to say everyone will ultimately be saved. But, we can trust God that He will treat people justly.

I agree Brother! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Another verse that points to this subject is found in Romans 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, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 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, 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.

To me, this is talking about everyone. All anyone had to do is look around them, and within themselves, and realize that there is a God. For those who never heard of God, the Holy Spirit or Jesus, let alone the Jewish nation, He made himself known to them.

You are right in what you have posted. God can not be put in a box made by mans understanding.

Amen, that is one of my favorite verses with regards to "those who have not heard." God took care of that already. Everyone will be judged by the amount of light they received. If all they recieved is what God made manifest then it is sufficient. God is a just God.

One of my favorite verses! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Amen!

Thank you EricH

This is a really good post!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

This passage of Scripture, for me, answers the question clearly. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Hmm I may have to keep this bookmarked. Its a handy reference to use for those who come into chat wanting to know "what about those who have not heard of Him."

My personal belief is that the answer lies here....


Isaiah 42
Promise of the LORD’s Help

14 “ I have held My peace a long time,
I have been still and restrained Myself.
Now I will cry like a woman in labor,
I will pant and gasp at once.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills,
And dry up all their vegetation;
I will make the rivers coastlands,
And I will dry up the pools.
16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them.
17 They shall be turned back,
They shall be greatly ashamed,
Who trust in carved images,
Who say to the molded images,

‘ You are our gods.’

The Bible is clear that Christ will not return until all have heard the gospel