In christianity, what happens to people who die but never hear the gospel?

Question

I have my theories but I was wondering what other views there are.

Answer 1

I have narrowed MY beliefs to two conclusions (which is always subject to change). Either 1, God will make sure that every human will have had a chance to accept him (my biblical view) or 2, .....you know, now that I reread that, it only leads me to the question..what about the ones that have died already that didnt hear the gospel...well, back to old drawing board. I do, however, believe in reincarnation, so that would still be true. My dad has interpreted reincarnation in the bible to be true, so not to change the subject but what do you think of that theory? lol Theres nothing like answering a question with a question is there? Usually the way it is for me, my questions always seems to lead to more questions.

I asked the question on YA and most of what I got was where it says "It is appointed unto men ONCE TO DIE and AFTER THIS cometh judgment." This can be true either way, but the way I interpret it is we have judgment after we die, but who's to say it not for the point of learning what we did wrong and then try again.....to die once more and have judgment again. but yes, man (physical body) can only die "once" in each lifetime. I believe it makes more sense that we would learn more from many lives than just one. we can be rich, poor, smart, dumb, black, white...see where I'm going with this? It helps us (our soul) understand both sides, not just one.

EDIT - I am terrible at bible quotes but wasnt there one that said something to the effect...for all who stand before me now will surely see the end times..something like that?

hmm guess I did change the subject didnt I ????? ;)

Answer 2

Obviously not everyone on earth has had the opportunity to be baptized or hear the gospel ....so how will they....

1 Corinthians 15
29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

1 Peter 4
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

1 Peter 3
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Christ preached the same thing to the spirits (dead people) that he did to the living, repentence, faith, baptism, etc. So how do they receive baptism since you need a body? Someone is baptized on their behalf as Paul said. After Christ was resurrected there were those who continued to carry on his message to the dead, the same as when he left disciples behind at his death.

Answer 3

My understanding of what happened when Jesus went into the earth after His Crucifixion, was that He went to preach the Gospel there to those who had not heard. If this is true, I am assuming those people will get a chance to hear and accept the Gospel. Only those who hear the Gospel and reject it will be condemned. God bless!!

Answer 4

I think it is said that God will be more lenient to them and harder for people know are moire knowledgeable but willingly commit sins and refuse deliverance.

Don't forget that Jesus said:I came for the sick, not for the cured.

This is why we accepted the invitation of Matthiew, a man who use to live with siners and prostitutes.Jesus didn't judge the siners but instead he tried to educate them.

What example he would had left on earth if he only hangout religious people.Today there would probably not have any christian Italian because the Roman were the worst siners of all.

Answer 5

They burn in hell forever and ever. Christians will tell you it is somehow they're fault because they didn't find god , somehow, on their own before they died. Each person, infant or adult, stands guilty before God; each person has offended the holiness of God. The only way that God can be just and at the same time declare a person righteous is for that person to have received forgiveness by faith in Christ. John 14:6 records what Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Also, Peter stated in Acts 4:12, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Salvation is an individual choice. Kinda makes you want to vomit doesn't it? -brettsmom Yes they are punished in hell , for their "ignorance" you should read your own bible. Typical....

Answer 6

We all must learn to listen to the voice of the indwelling soul that lies within us all .All of the religions of the world are equal to each other and no one is more highly advanced than the other. The path to God can be found in all of the worlds religions.Christianity is not the only path that one may tread for God dwells in all things and in everyone.

Answer 7

I feel that if someone truly has not heard the word of God, yet 'wonders' about things....who appreciates the beautiful sights around them, appreciates the food they have, who loves their neighbors, etc...I think they'd be thinking 'now this had to come from SOMEONE SOMEHOW!' In that case, I believe they WILL go to heaven. However if they don't have that 'wondering', 'thinking', 'feeling' etc that someone way above them has made this for them....then no I don't think they'll be in heaven.

Answer 8

God knows their hearts, and if they had heard about Jesus how they would have reacted and why. He will handle situations like that in a fair and loving manner.

Answer 9

On the day of Judgement, it is between God and that person!

Answer 10

I am told that those who havent heard are judged on their deeds