In Christianity what happens to those who never hear about Jesus?

Question

say for some strange reason you were born on a Island far away, and never heard about the bible etc....would you go to hell?

Answer 1

Those who haven't heard of Jesus before they die will have the opportunity to learn about him in the resurrection that will take place in the future. (See John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:4, 5, 13; Rev. 21:3, 4)

According to the Bible at Matthew 24:14, however, the good news of God's Kingdom will be preached earthwide before the foretold end of this system of things which is ruled by Satan. So everyone will have had the opportunity to learn about Jesus. They may not do so, but they will have had the opportunity. That's why Jehovah's Witnesses go door-to-door in every country and nation preaching about the Kingdom of God as the answer to all of mankind's problems, just as Jesus directed his followers to do. When God feels that everyone has had ample opporunity to search him out and to hear about his Kingdom which will be ruled by his son, Jesus, he will then take action. Those who have chosen not to listen will have to suffer the consequences.

Answer 2

I've posted this before, but it's cute enough to do again (and it's at least tangentally related to this question):


Years ago, a Christian missionary went out to convert the Inuits in the remote reaches of present day northern Canada. This missionary met a wise old fisherman and told him the story of Jesus. He explained to the old Inuit that his soul could only be saved by accepting Christ as his personal savior.

The old Inuit pondered this for a moment and said to the missionary "My ancestors never heard of Jesus and did not know they needed to accept Him in order to be saved. Does this mean they went to this place you call Hell?"

The missionary replied, "No, God does not condemn those who are ignorant to His teachings."

The old Inuit then asked, "Would I have gone to hell if I had not met you and been taught about Jesus?"

The missionary told him he would not have gone to Hell either.




"Then," the old Inuit asked, "Why did you tell me?"

;)

Answer 3

The Bible is not very specific on this issue, altho it does say that there is evidence of God in all things. Some people feel that anyone who doesn't accept Christ will go to hell regardless of whether they've heard of Christ or not, while others feel that God will not punish a person for lack of knowledge, just lack of acceptance.

Answer 4

Those who have never been exposed to the Word of God will not be held responsible for not adhering to it. BUT their is a Natural Law, a basic sense of what is proper behavior and what is improper, inherent to all humans. We know intuitively what is right and good and our conscience guides us to the right lifestyle. Two examples of intuitive moral knowledge are Murder and Theft; humans KNOW that these behaviors are basically wrong - no one needs to be taught that. No one will be condemned to Hell simply because they did not know of Jesus Christ.
As a matter of fact I do not believe that there are many souls in Hell. God's love and forgiveness are too great.

Answer 5

The only way I can answer this is to quote God. He says all will have equal opportunity to know, so even if one is on a remote island, they will have to meet at least one that tells them about Jesus. this is why we have the gospel going into all corners of the world now. and you know what, they have gone into some extremely remote areas of the world, and yet somehow they know. If noone goes to tell them, God must tell it to their mind. because He says all will have opportunity to know and deceide to accept Jesus or reject Him. thats the best way I can answer your question. Doesnt matter what you or I think anyhow. ITs only what God says... in His precious word to us. Many of us Christians call the Bible Gods love letter to us. Study the word, pray and you will find answers to all questions you have. Press on . seek truth and you will find, but be ready to hear God when He speaks new things to you. dont be quick to reject... Press on

Answer 6

Romans 1:18-23 (New International Version)

18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For 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.

21For 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. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Answer 7

I think you wouldn't be held accountable because you never had the chance to know. Kinda like little children are not held accountable until they reach the age of reasoning.

Answer 8

You are only responsible for the truth once you have heard it. Like babies who are too young to make a decision....they go automatically to Heaven.

Answer 9

As God is mercy itself, it seems most likely that they will have the chance to know all about salvation and Christ before the final judgement and will be able to decide.

Answer 10

In Christianity, I believe those who do not recieve the message of Christ, are liberated from it. They are accepted into heaven.
I, however am no longer a Christian.