Heaven's Rejects?

Question

In the New Testement Jesus says that no man comes to the father but through me. What about people who have no knowledge of Jesus. Take for example an Indian living in the Amazon. In such isolation it would be unlikey he would have ever heard of Jesus. When he dies does he burn in Hell? Does he suffer eternal torment for the crime of ignorance? What do you guys think?

Answer 1

I think what he meant was that heaven is like a casino and he (Jesus) is the doorman to the high rollers room.
When your body dies you are judged on your actions during this lifetime. If you led a righteous life you wont have any worries in heaven.

Answer 2

This is difficult to answer from the Bible because the Bible was written for those who have heard of Jesus, but we do have a clue:

Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Roman 2:14

We are all made in God's image and that speaks to us through our consciences so that, all over the world, there is a fairly even concept of right and wrong. So, if someone who has never heard of Jesus obeys God's voice through their conscience they will receive credit for it.

This is not a complete answer but remember that God is the God of justice and when we eventually know the full answer we will see that it is just, fair and right.

Answer 3

Perhaps we assume too much to say that a person comes to Jesus through their knowledge of Jesus. Could it be that Jesus means that all who are reconciled to the Father are reconciled because of what Jesus did, regardless of their knowledge of it or not? C.S. Lewis writes something along these lines in his last Chronicle's of Narnia book, where a young pagan boy is admitted into the Kingdom of Aslan, though he did not intentionally follow Aslan.

Answer 4

Hey listen here! God is merciful If the person has never NOT ONCE heard about Jesus then we don't konw because it's up to God to judge. He will decide. But usally he makes sure that each and everyone has tryed to be reached. But no one will know because it's not our place to. Let God be God. No one could to a better job.

Answer 5

The Lord knows a person soul. The Indian has one and he will be judge by that just as you and I will be. At the same time someone who has had more opportunities then that Indian would have more to be held accountable for. Our energiy would be better served to worry about ourself.

Answer 6

the word of God can not change. Without the knowledge of Jesus no admitance to heaven. The church is trying to reach those who have not heard about him.

Answer 7

Difficult question. Here in Africa, we watch live Christian broadcasts from Christian television from USA. I suppose the word is now all over.

But I think God will still use His justice in genuine cases. Even than it still takes the blood of Jesus.

Answer 8

Jesus is talking to us, the gentile.. The first half of the bible is mostly jewish laws.. The second half is concerning Jesus and the gentiles.. You need to read some more hon, You don`t know what you are talking about..

Answer 9

If you have never heard of God or Jesus you would not burn in hell. That's the innocence of it, you do not burn for what you do not know. It's what you do know.

Answer 10

I do not believe that the Lord, would allow people that were unknowing to be taken to Hell, I believe he has a forgiving way; and would reach these persons on their level and allow them a choice.