What about Those Who Have Never Heard The Gospel?

Lets look at some things that ALL real Christians will agree on. Firstly: Christ's Blood is God's Blood.
This short paper is an attempt to answer the question, according to what the scriptures say. Whilst professing Christians may differ in their views on whether or not God predestines some people to go to heaven & others to go to hell, (which is a teaching that I disagree with), all Christians will surely agree that man is a sinner who deserves the righteous judgement of God, but since Jesus Christ, the Saviour, the Son of God died on the cross, having shed His own blood for the sins of ALL mankind, a sinner can have his / her sins forgiven. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses ANY PERSON from ALL sin (1John 1:7). It doesnt matter where a person has come from or what they have done, ANYONE can be forgiven. There is no sin that is so great that the blood of Jesus Christ cannot be powerful enough to atone for & cleanse from, WHY? . This is because His blood is Gods blood (see Isaiah 43:10-12, 25; 44:22; Zechariah 9:9, 11; Acts 20:28; Colossians 1:14-20; 2:8-10).

ZECHARIAH 9:9-11 (Speaking of Jesus Christ of Nazareths Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem).

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth. As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water. Zechariah 9:9-11 (Note verse 11).

Secondly: The Bible tells us of the righteousness of God & the unrighteousness of man.
God is just / fair (Genesis 18:25; Romans 2:11). All people are sinners by nature & by choice (Romans 3:10, 23; 5:12). The wages of sin is death eternal separation from God. Death has come into the world because of sin. (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-14). All of mankind rightfully belongs to God & that God is no mans debtor (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 11:35-36). Since all of mankind are sinners & since all mankind rightfully belongs to God, & that God is no mans debtor , God would have been perfectly just to send all people to hell. Mankind went onto Satans side. So therefore Satan became the `god` of this world. (2Corinthians 4:3-4). Man became a child of the devil, a child of hell & of wrath (John 8:44; Matthew 23:15; EPHESIANS 2:1-3; 1JOHN 3:8).

Thirdly : Lets Take Heed to this solemn warning in Colossians 2:8-10.

Colossians 2:8 gives a solemn warning to Christians. Beware lest any

man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8.
It is possible for Christians, to get deceived by false teachers into error (See Acts 20:29-31; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 3:1-4; JAMES 5:19-20; 1JOHN4:1). That is another reason why I have written this document. Not only have I written this document to address the question presented, but I have also written it because there are the vain religious traditions of men, as well as pagan philosophies which have infiltrated Christendom which deny that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour & way into heaven. The Bible says clearly that we are not to allow ourselves to be deceived by the antichrist philosophies, & man made traditions which add to, take from, or replace the Person, & finished work of Jesus Christ in his death & resurrection.

In addition to Isaiah 43:10-12, Isaiah 45:21-25 also makes it very clear that Only God is THE Saviour, therefore Jesus Christ is Almighty God (the Son).

Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Isaiah 45:21-25. (Note: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11).

Fourth: Think Of The Early Christians Who Paid The Ultimate Price
The Caesars of ancient Rome carried the Latin man made title of Pontifex Maximus which meant the chief bridge from man into paradise but the Christians believed that only Jesus Christ is the way to the Father in heaven (paradise). The early Christians paid the ultimate price for spreading the truth. Only Jesus Christ is the Saviour, the only way into Heaven! That fundamental Christian belief is one of the main reasons why the true Christians were murdered by the Caesars of Rome.

Jesus Himself said He is the only Way. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]. John 4:24-26. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10:1-2. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. -John 10:7-9

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Fathers name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Fathers hand. I and [my] Father are one. John 10:24-29. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:5-6.

Consider the Words of the apostle Peter

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10-12.

Consider the Words of the apostle Paul (A Former Persecutor Of Christians) Acts 22:1-5.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. -1Timothy 2:1-6.

Fifth: God our Saviours will for ALL MANKIND

It is God our Saviours will for ALL MANKIND to be saved & come to the knowledge of the truth. God has no favourites. God is not some hell stuffing ogre, but the devil is the one who wants to keep the lost blind to the only way of salvation. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live? Ezekiel 18:23 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2Peter 3:9. Religion is Satan's masterpiece (2Corinthians 4:3-5)..

Then Bible asks rhetorically: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3.
We do have to examine what we have been taught, believe, or have come to believe & make absolutely sure that it is correct according to the Bible, even as the Christians of the city of Berea tested the apostle Paul.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:10-11.

Is God fair if he sends people to hell who have never heard of Christ?

-God doesn't send people to hell, they send themselves there if they reject the light that God gives them. (See John 3:19-21). -When someone accepts the light that God gives to every man (through Creation & Conscience), God WILL give them further light. Without further light lost man would still be ignorant of who the true God is. -God is seeking out all those who are seeking for the truth & can even remove out of the way ALL man made, geographic, & demonic barriers in order to get the truth to the seeker.
Consider King Solomon, who was considered wise, even by worldly standards. He pointed out that God has given to every individual person an inquiring mind that marvels at the origin & mysteries of creation. God gives to everyone a mind that has the capacity to seek after the truth of this, as well as of any other matter.

King Solomon said

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. Ecclesiastes 1:12-13.

 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:9-11.

What light?
God has revealed Himself (as eternal, as all-powerful, as good, etc.) to all by means of the created world (Psalm 19:1-3; Romans 1:20). Everyone is born into this world with a basic spark of light from God, making them aware of the creator, creation & morality (John 1:9). If a person accepts the light that God gives at this level, then the loving God, who wants all mankind to seek after Him, will always give more light.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard. -Psalm 19:1-3. 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: Romans 1:19-20.

God never left Himself without a witness upon the earth. God wants ALL to seek Him.
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Acts 14:17. And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:.. Acts 17:26-27. In the time prior to Christ & even to this day, God has put within ALL people a basic awareness of Himself & of the requirement to do right (Romans 2:14-16). 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: 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;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 2:14-16.

Without Excuse
Everyone deep down knows that there is a God, and that they are ultimately accountable to God. Everyone has a sense of guilt when they do something wrong. Man is such a troubled being, he will even often condemn others for doing the wrong thing even though he may do those very things himself. He often points out the sins & faults of others so he can ignore his own sins & faults.

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:1-3.

Is Creation & Conscience enough, or has further light been given?

Left to Himself, however, searching mankind would be ignorant of who the true God really is & would only worship & serve the creature instead of the Creator.

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9. O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23. The True God, Yahweh says," I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8

Religion Is Satan's Masterpiece

Since the very first time that man decided to go his own way, he has always sought to justify & vindicate himself. Having rejected the true God, mankind has either wanted to take the place of God Himself (to be autonomous / master of his own destiny) or make a `god`(or many `gods`) in his own image. Even many polytheistic religions have an `unknown god` (usually the most powerful of their `gods`). Man seems to be incurably aware of a spiritual realm, his need for forgiveness & the need to solving his guilt. He tries to make peace with this `unknown god` by his own self justifying methods. Since mankind is lost, unable to find the true God on his own. He only gropes in the dark & tries to earn paradise in the afterlife by his own dead works. The false god of this world is happy about this while the true God is offended by it (See Isaiah 42:8). Satan is known as the god of this world (see 2Corinthians 4:3-4).

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2Corinthians 4:3-4.

. more light. God has given

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. -John 1:5. If God is indeed interested in mankind & would like for man to get to know Him on a more personal level, & since man understands words written & verbal, it is obvious that God would speak to mankind in a way that mankind can understand. This is why God also gives further light to truth seekers (around the world) through the revelation of Gods Word which came through the prophets of Israel (The Old Testament), the Apostles of Jesus Christ (The New Testament) & ultimately in the Person & finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the vital link between the Old & the New Covenants.

 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them Isaiah 42:5-9.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. -1Timothy 3:16.

In Old Testament times, God chose Israel to be a light to the Gentile nations, since its beginning (Genesis 12:3; 28:14-15). Israel was given prophets who foretold of the coming Messiah, the Saviour of all mankind. In those days people were justified by faith in what God promised,& in the Messiah to come.
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:1-3 ".... Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. -2Chronicles 20:20. the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (See also Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38-39). Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report." -Hebrews 11:1-2.

Israel failed to be the light she was called to be. Israel, however, in spite of the privilege of being a light to the Gentiles, often failed to be that light when they went a whoring after idols, rejecting & killing their prophets, as well as rejecting & delivering up their Messiah to be crucified. This is summarized in the sermon by Stephen the Martyr in Acts chapter 7 verses1-51.
[That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13.

Not All will receive Gods full light, & so remain condemned - John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:19-21.

Most prefer the

rather than the light.

This is seen clearly when a person rejects the Gospel after hearing it.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. -1John 5:10-12.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12. (See also Prov 16:25) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him. John 3:36

Man can wilfully ignore & reject the General Revelation of God through Creation as well as the Special Revelation of Gods Word & Jesus Christ. Since God has revealed himself through Creation as well as the Special Revelation of Gods Word & Jesus Christ, but there are those who have wilfully rejected Him, He is fair to judge them. He is only confirming THEIR CHOICE! People send themselves to hell by their own choice. They do so when a. They or the leaders of their countries suppress the truth (Romans 1:18). b. They refuse to honour God (Romans 1:21). c. They choose to worship idols of men or of beasts, instead of worshipping the Creator (Romans 1:23). d. They choose to ignore Gods standard of righteousness (Romans 1:24-32; Romans 10:1-4).

If an isolated person responded to Gods revelation in his heart and in nature, how would he ever hear about Christ?
God desires that ALL men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). God seeks for those who acknowledge their spiritual need and seek Him (Ezekiel 34:11; Luke 19:10). When people are seeking the true God two things happen: 1. God brings the message to them by prompting a Christian to go to them (Acts 1:7-8; 16:6-10).
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2CORINTHIANS 5:14-15.

2. The person hearing the message will respond in faith (Acts16:13, 14; Romans 10:13-17).

 Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. -Matthew 16:6
UNFORTUNATELY Some get as far as knowing there is a God but look for Him in all the wrong places, (worshipping false gods) or they try to earn salvation from the true God (the God of the Bible) by their `good` works, which in Gods eyes are really filthy & Dead Works (Isaiah 64:6; Hebrews 6:1; 9:14; Titus 3:5). God through the Good News of Jesus Christ allows for U-Turns, Turns sadly many in their pride & desire to be a self made person will not turn from their vanities but will reject what the Bible CONSISTENTLY says, though they have encountered it. LUKE 18:9-14

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass [yourselves] about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks [that] ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. Isaiah 50:11.

Think of this illustration:

If a person was lost underground in a dark cave and suddenly found a little lighted arrow pointed in a certain direction. Whose fault would it be if he failed to follow it? Obviously his own. Gods little arrows are His revelation in mans heart and nature.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21
We can trust the good and loving Saviour to bring the message of salvation to the one who seeks Him,

But Christian, will you also GO to them?

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Matthew 22:8-10.

Can a person have his sins forgiven and have eternal life apart from the knowledge of Christ?

1. No, a person must hear the gospel of Christ and place his or her faith in Christ (Romans 10:13, 14). 2. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6). 3. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5). 4. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. -(Acts 4:12). 5. People are saved from eternal judgment when they put their trust (believe) in Christs death on the cross for their sin & His resurrection (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 16:30,31; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 7:8, 9; etc.). However .. 6. Not all are saved! Those who reject Christs payment for sin will eternally endure Gods wrath on sin in hell (John 3:18, 36; Revelation 20:15).

No Gate Crashers Allowed!

Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORDS sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the kings children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. Zephaniah 1:7-8. Those who have not come to the Lord Jesus Christ for the clothing of His righteousness, & His garments of salvation will be cast out.

Matthew 22:11-14 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few [are] chosen. Matthew 22:11-14 Why should God let into His home, & into His Wedding feast those who have rejected the light, rejected His Son & have exalted themselves?

God is no man's debtor!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

A Gift is not yours, unless you have received it!

On The Day Of Judgement

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:13-15.

Some questions in Conclusion.

If those in the world who have not yet heard of the Good News of Jesus Christ are not lost:
Why then did Jesus command His disciples, that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:7-8). Why were the disciples told to, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghostteaching them to observe all things that Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:18-20?

Why did He tell them to tell others if that knowledge would only condemn most of them? Then it would actually be best if they didnt hear. Did Christ mislead His disciples?

Why would Cornelius, A devout [man,] and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always need to have the apostle Peter sent by God, via a vision to tell him the Gospel of Jesus Christ whereby he and all his household were then saved. (Acts 10:1-48; 11:12-18)?

Why did God direct Paul in a vision to go & preach the Gospel to the Macedonians via a vision, in which he saw a man from Macedonia, pleading with him to, Come over into Macedonia, & help us?

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Acts 16:8-10.

Acts 15 18

Was Paul misguided to go throughout Asia Minor and Europe? No! No The reason Christ sent them, the reason they went and the reason why we should go today is because Christ is the only way to be saved!

The Area of Paul's Three Missionary journeys Acts 13 21.

Also recommended, The Answers book by Keith Piper. Visit the link below. http://answers.libertybaptistchurch.org.au/