If the only way to salvation is to accept The Lord Jesus Christ, then what about those who have never...?

Question

...heard of him? What about the little tribes in South America, or the early Indian civilizations, or people who have lived and died before Christianity came along? Are those people doomed to hell?

Answer 1

All people are accountable to God whether they have “heard about Him” or not. The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). Apart from God's grace, God would give us over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. This He does for those who reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).
In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle: everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.
The problem is, “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own heart, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is foolish to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them.

Answer 2

If you are asking to doubt then I can not convince you, if you truly want to, I cant tell you, I can tell you this. God is perfectly Just, there is no justice like that of God. Each and Every person, either now, 500 years from now, or 5000 years ago, will have the opportunity to make things right. They will still need to accept God, but no one will be in hell without know full well why they are there.

Answer 3

The short answer is Yes. Do some research on the Doctrine of the Chosen Elect. Also, positive valition (sp). Remeber that all things are here for the worship of God. Humans are not the center of the universe, God is!! We're here to meet his plan, not vice versa. We exist at his wll and pleasure (yes, that is a paraphrase from scripture). If his infinite wisdom and plan is that me or others are doomed to hell to meet his perfect plan, then so be it.

Answer 4

According to God's Word, it is written that it is appointed unto man twice to die and then the judgment. This simply means than a person must first die to self, submit their lives to God being the first death, and then the final death of our bodies where our souls go to God and our bodies return to the ground from whence they were created, the second death. It is also written that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God in the book of Romans, chapter 3 verse 23. All throughout the Bible references are made concerning those who have ears to hear and eyes to witness. It stands to reason that in reverse, He will also have lenience for those who have not had the chance to hear. It is clear to me from my findings during Bible searching that ONLY those who know about and totally reject God will be "doomed to hell". He states in His bible teachings that it is not His will that ANY should perish. So, we are apparently responsible for the denial of His law, not for any ignorance we may have from a lack of His knowledge.

Answer 5

From an Arminian perspective, this is a problem, since they believe we are the deciding factor in salvation. But, from a Calvinist position, one that believes in the total sovereignty of God and that He is the deciding factor, this is not a problem. God chooses out those for salvation. He decides whom He will save, and whom He won't. It doesn't depend on the individual doing anything. So, if there are some chosen out in a small tribe in Africa, God has secured their salvation. They will be saved. God will see to it that they receive the Holy Spirit and receive the gift of faith.

Answer 6

Think about the first part of your question. Say it out loud. "The only way to salvation is to accept the Lord Jesus Christ."

Now isn't that the stupidest thing you've ever heard?

Answer 7

No, they are not doomed to hell. God is a merciful God and does not allow any of his children to fall by the wayside. He allows for all of his children to have a chance to hear his word. If in this life, it is great. If not in this life, then in the world to come. Christ told the thieves hanging on the cross with him that, "this day you will be with me in paradise." Meaning, that the thieves will have a chance to be with Christ after death, and hear his teachings. After his death, Christ went to preach to the spirits that were in prison. He gave them, and all others who do not hear his word while in the flesh, a chance to hear and accept his gospel. That is way Paul taught the Corinthians the doctrine of "baptism for the dead." See I Corinthians 15:29. While the dead cannot perform baptism for themselves, it is up to us to do the dead's ordinance work for them vicariously. That way, they too once having accepted the gospel in the next life, can have the same saving ordinances done.
This doctrine of work for the dead is taught by the Mormons and supports the doctrine that Christ is no respecter of persons.

Answer 8

All people are accountable to God whether they have “heard about Him” or not. The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). Apart from God's grace, God would give us over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. This He does for those who reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).

In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle: everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.

Answer 9

Jesus only likes civilized people.

Answer 10

maybe, if the religious theory is true, then fate will make them, at some pint in their lives, stumble across jesus christ and his teachings, and their test will be whether they close their minds to religion, or welcome it. just a thought. hope it helps!