What happens to those who haven't heard of Jesus?

Question

Focusing more on the minority civilizations, i.e. tribes in africa

Answer 1

Those who live in a region of the world where the name of Jesus Christ is not known, and where the written Word is not available, are not automatically disqualified from salvation. God desperately loves these people and I believe God will judge them based upon the reveled knowledge that He gives to all mankind through nature, conscience, and spirit, apart from scripture. Furthermore, throughout scripture, God also spoke to people who earnestly sought him through dreams and visions as well. Missionaries to un-reached people groups have verified this very fact. Although Christ commissioned us to go unto all the world, and do this we must, God is not limited exclusively by human effort. The work Christ accomplished on the cross was for all mankind. Let me state, and make it unequivocally clear that if these people do enter the kingdom of God (heaven) it is NOT by good works, or through an alternative “door”. Jesus is the only “Door”. The shed blood of Christ is the only way any mans sins are forgiven. Even though they may not ever “hear the gospel”, or even the name of Jesus Christ, it is still possible for them to be “saved” based upon their obedience to reveled knowledge. One thing is clear; 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. The Lord will make a way to reveal Himself to those who humbly and earnestly seek him. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremian 29:13). Just as I would agree an infant who dies will go to be with the Lord, even though he never asked Jesus to forgive his sins, or be his savior, so to is the person with extremely limited revelation (the written Word, and the preaching of the Gospel). This is not to say they are not accountable for their sins, because they are, the Lord will have to judge their heart in His supreme wisdom. My knowledge of God’s character as reveled in the entirety of Scripture will simply not allow me to accept a hermeneutic whereby God would eternally damn someone with out even giving them an opportunity to receive salvation. (Obviously hyper-Calvinists and myself would butt heads). We as believers clearly have an obligation though to do all we can to either attempt to reach these people with the message of the gospel ourselves, or at the very least support (through prayer and financial gifts) those who are actually doing the work. The Scriptures, in a very natural way, combine the doctrines of divine election and human responsibility. We may not be able to understand how both can be true, but Scripture teaches both, so both must be true. Even though we don’t yet fully comprehend how each supports the other, we can rejoice in knowing God is in complete control and His Word is perfect (Henry Morris).

There is a certain age of accountability, most likely varying from person to person, (only God knows for sure) where if a child would die before reaching this age he would still have a status of innocence before the Lord and would go directly to Heaven to be with the Lord. I understand that this doctrine is not specifically spelled out in scripture, but just as the word abortion is not spelled out in scripture, we deem it obvious that abortion is repugnant to God by its very nature. Likewise, it is obvious, as we examine the whole of scripture, children (at least very young ones) are seen as innocent in God’s eyes “for such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). I have spoken with some who espouse a strict Calvinistic (hyper-Calvinism) theology who actually teach most babies who die go to hell, including those aborted (a woeful misinterpretation of predestination/election that is absurd and unscriptural in my opinion). If you were to ask him if his own infant would go to be with the Lord, were he to die, his response would be, “Well, if he is elect, he would go to Heaven, if he is not elect, then no”. Furthermore, certain adults, who because of a severe mental handicap, are not able to comprehend spiritual truths, would be judged based only upon that which they can understand (perhaps liken the aforementioned child). God is infinite in His ability and desire to extend grace to all mankind and would not hold such a person to the same degree of responsibility/accountability as one with his reasoning and understanding faculties fully intact.

Answer 2

God is all loving, in the instance that someone has not heard of Jesus (highly unlikely if they are at least 20??) with his Grace i'm certain he will not cast them to hell to be black and white about it. If they are a genuinely good person I'd like to believe that they would have a spiritually longing eventually as they mature that will make them seek a more spiritually fulfilling life that will eventually lead to Jesus. But to answer your question directly, I believe, God will not judge anyone to spiritual death (for lack of a better term) for something beyond their control especially if they are a young person. PS-Their are tribes in Africa, Bolivia etc...where through missionaries The Word is being spread and active. I've thought about this alot too.

Answer 3

If a person has never heard the gospel, then there is no way they can deny Jesus. They can't be held accountable for not believing in something they've never heard. They will go to Heaven.

Answer 4

well my friend. it say very clearly in the bible that All have a sinful nature and the penalty for not excepting the Lord Jesus Christ in to your life is death. not just the death everyone sees here on earth but a second one which people realy don't believe in the person will go to Hell not Heaven.

Answer 5

After this life our body and spirit seperate...the body goes to the grave and the spirit goes to the post-mortal spirit world...those who did not have an opportunity in this life to hear about the gospel will have a chance to learn about it there--- and either accept it or not. God is just and fair and merciful...He will give them an opportunity to accept Jesus.

Answer 6

God will only hold people accountable for what they have heard. BUT, I submit to you the notion that anyone who truly seeks truth, who really seeks truth, finds God through Jesus Christ. Whether they know Him by that name or not, they come to know Him.

Answer 7

The "minority civilization?" Do you condone slavery? Is there really a "White Man's Burden?"
Save your bigotry for another place.

Answer 8

All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom.

Answer 9

same that happens to those who have heard of him

Answer 10

What is going happen to you?