What about those who die without even hearing the Gospel?

-Jon Irenicus

Perhaps one of the most debatable topics related to salvation is the question regarding the eternal destiny of those who die without even hearing anything about Christ. African natives for example: Is there any chance for them to be saved? Perhaps God is merciful enough to consider their conditions, isn't he? In a logical point of view, it would certainly make God horribly unjust if he punish those "innocent" people to eternal damnation. It makes sense, does it? Human philosophy and reasoning says so.

But Paul warns us of hinging too much on human philosophies rather than on God's Word. Paul wrote:

• "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,.." Col 2:8 (NIV)

...You know what? If those "innocent" people can be saved apart from Christ, then there would be no need for us to spread the Gospel in all nations! Why would Christ command us to evangelize all men if then God can still save them apart from the Gospel? Do you get the point?

Think about this: What if a certain African man (who happens to be a "good person" according to their own cultural and moral standard) died without hearing the Gospel throughout his life; would God save him? The humanist will say: "Yes, most probably. God is merciful to save such an innocent person." What if before his death he heard the Gospel but rejected to believe, then he suddenly died; would God save him or not? (he is still a good person after all). The inescapable answer would be, "Of course NOT because he rejected the Gospel."

See how the Gospel, which is meant to save sinners, has actually brought misfortune to the African man in the given scenario above. Awkward isn't it?

In reality of the Scripture, the Gospel is God's means to call sinners to repentance and faith in his Son. All believers are commanded by our Lord to preach the Gospel to all nations. But why do we have to? Given that the Lord has commanded it, the main reason is because all men are GUILTY of sin and that no one deserves salvation. Speaking about the universal sinfulness of men, Paul wrote:

• "What does all this mean? Does it mean that we Jews are better off than the Gentiles? No, it doesn't! Jews, as well as Gentiles, are ruled by sin, just as I have said. The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. . . . We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that THE WHOLE WORLD IS GUILTY. God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin." Rom. 3:9-12, 19-20 (CEV)

Nobody is righteous in the sight of God. No one passes God's standard of perfection (Jam. 2:19; Matt. 5:48; Rom. 3:23). All men without exception, therefore, deserve death and hell, whether Jews or even unevangelized Gentiles, disregarding of how good persons they may appear. Well in fact, nobody is really good because nobody does good! (Read: Rom. 3:12; Jer 13:23; Isa. 64:6). Even those who live in remote places unreached by the Word of God are without excuse because,

• The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men WHO SUPPRESS THE TRUTH by their wickedness, since WHAT MAY BE KNOWN ABOUT GOD IS PLAIN TO THEM, because God has made it plain to them. 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. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Rom. 1:18-25 (NIV)

Therefore even people who have never heard a preacher or has never read the Bible will still be held accountable for being sinners. Why? Because all people have chosen to reject God and worship themselves. God's judgment is against all people, and it is so because they have suppressed the truth about God that God has shown to all mankind.

The truth about God has been clearly perceived by all men through creation and science so that nobody has no excuse to not worship the Creator God of the Bible. Moreover, the Law condemns everyone guilty of sin and Gentiles are not exempted for they are also subject to the Law written in their hearts (Rom. 2:15).

QUESTION: Is God be unjust if ever he throw us all in hell?

• Answer: No, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23)

QUESTION: Is God merciful?

• Answer: Yes he is. "For God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." (Jn. 3:16)

This is the reason why Christ commanded us to spread the Good News to all men. Thousands of people are dying every day without having a personal relationship with Christ, or without having any idea of how great God's grace is. As we were before, they are totally hopeless and spiritually dead apart from Christ. JESUS Christ is the only Way to Heaven, so we must introduce to them our Lord and Savior, and by believing in his name, they will be saved.

Go, and preach the Gospel to all nations!
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