If a person never hears about God, what will happen that person after death?

[rednaut]

Hello all. I've been struggling with this issue:

Let's say that a person is born in another country and dies without ever hearing about God. What will happen to that person when he or she dies?

To further complicate matters, what if a person hears about God but only from the mouth of a person who claims to be a Christian, but is full of intolerance, arrogance, self-righteous attitudes, and other beliefs/mindsets that don't accurately represent Christianity?

Is there some sort of "grey area" by which God exempts certain people from eternal damnation, or does everyone who hasn't been saved just go to straight to hell? How do you know? Is this a matter of opinion, or does the Bible have anything to say about it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Scarlett O.]

Hello all. I've been struggling with this issue:

Let's say that a person is born in another country and dies without ever hearing about God. What will happen to that person when he or she dies?

To further complicate matters, what if a person hears about God but only from the mouth of a person who claims to be a Christian, but is full of intolerance, arrogance, self-righteous attitudes, and other beliefs/mindsets that don't accurately represent Christianity?

Is there some sort of "grey area" by which God exempts certain people from eternal damnation, or does everyone who hasn't been saved just go to straight to hell? How do you know? Is this a matter of opinion, or does the Bible have anything to say about it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Here's some food for thought on this issue and some scripture to meditate on.

http://www.gotquestions.org/never-heard.html

 

[Iconoclast]

Hello all. I've been struggling with this issue:

Let's say that a person is born in another country and dies without ever hearing about God. What will happen to that person when he or she dies?

To further complicate matters, what if a person hears about God but only from the mouth of a person who claims to be a Christian, but is full of intolerance, arrogance, self-righteous attitudes, and other beliefs/mindsets that don't accurately represent Christianity?

Is there some sort of "grey area" by which God exempts certain people from eternal damnation, or does everyone who hasn't been saved just go to straight to hell? How do you know? Is this a matter of opinion, or does the Bible have anything to say about it?


Thanks in advance for your help!

hello RED
Welcome to the BB.

27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

All men everywhere are born sinners because of Adams sin romans 3 all sinned...romans 5:12-19
All men outside of Christ will be judged righteously and remain in the realm of death...going to the second death.

Some falsely teach that all men get a mystical or special light that presents the gospel mysteriously to those who never hear of Jesus.
This is false....
The light of nature,and the light of conscience let's men know there is a God, that they are responsible too. paul in Romans 1 says that this leaves all men everywhere without excuse!
That is why the church goes...everywhere...because people are perishing under the condemnation that sin brings.
Thankfuly God has not left this to chance ..at all.
God has planned to save a multitude in His Son.
The Father gives these persons to The Son before the world was. The Son comes to die for them, paying for their sins. The Spirit is sent to quicken these persons to spiritual life.
This is the covenant of grace ...the covenant that God makes known to His people ,,,who are called....believers, sheep, the elect, wheat, the children,godly..

Those who not believe this are called,,,unbelievers,goats,reprobates,tares,children of the devil,ungodly

 

[Baptist Believer]

Hello all. I've been struggling with this issue:

Let's say that a person is born in another country and dies without ever hearing about God. What will happen to that person when he or she dies?

To further complicate matters, what if a person hears about God but only from the mouth of a person who claims to be a Christian, but is full of intolerance, arrogance, self-righteous attitudes, and other beliefs/mindsets that don't accurately represent Christianity?

Is there some sort of "grey area" by which God exempts certain people from eternal damnation, or does everyone who hasn't been saved just go to straight to hell? How do you know? Is this a matter of opinion, or does the Bible have anything to say about it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Beyond your questions, what about those who lived in North and South American and probably did not have access to the gospel for 1,500 years? Unless you believe like the Mormons do (that Jesus appeared here after His resurrection), then that is a difficult question.

Here's some food for thought:

What About Those Who Have Never Heard The Gospel?

 

[rednaut]

hello RED
Welcome to the BB.


All men everywhere are born sinners because of Adams sin romans 3 all sinned...romans 5:12-19
All men outside of Christ will be judged righteously and remain in the realm of death...going to the second death.

Some falsely teach that all men get a mystical or special light that presents the gospel mysteriously to those who never hear of Jesus.
This is false....
The light of nature,and the light of conscience let's men know there is a God, that they are responsible too. paul in Romans 1 says that this leaves all men everywhere without excuse!
That is why the church goes...everywhere...because people are perishing under the condemnation that sin brings.
Thankfuly God has not left this to chance ..at all.
God has planned to save a multitude in His Son.
The Father gives these persons to The Son before the world was. The Son comes to die for them, paying for their sins. The Spirit is sent to quicken these persons to spiritual life.
This is the covenant of grace ...the covenant that God makes known to His people ,,,who are called....believers, sheep, the elect, wheat, the children,godly..

Those who not believe this are called,,,unbelievers,goats,reprobates,tares,children of the devil,ungodly

If I'm understanding you correctly, you're saying that "the light of nature" and the "light of conscience" shows men that there is a God.

I have to disagree. If a person was unaware of the existence of Christianity, how would he possibly be able to arrive at its conclusions by virtue of existing and observing nature? If anything, that would likely lead to them either forming their own religious beliefs or simply not believing in any religion at all.

I have to ask, if God is love, then why would God send someone to hell for eternity even though that person had never even heard of God in the first place?

 

[rednaut]

Here's some food for thought on this issue and some scripture to meditate on.

http://www.gotquestions.org/never-heard.html

Thanks for the reply!

I read the link, and I have some issues with that argument.

"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."

"The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11)."​

It seems to me that whether or not God is revealed in nature and in the hearts of people is entirely a subjective matter. If a person was born into an isolated tribe that practiced its own religion, it's doubtful that God would be revealed to that person whatsoever. Even if that person thought that something might have been revealed to him, how is he going to make a connection to a God that he's not even aware of, that in his mind doesn't even exist. If we cannot even prove that God exists, how can He be revealed to someone in their mind and 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.”"​

How can you seek something that you're completely unaware of? How can you find something that doesn't exist in your reality and nobody around you has even been exposed to?


I guess what I'm struggling with is the idea that someone can be held accountable, for eternity, for something they've never even had a chance to learn about. It seems the direct opposite of what a loving God would do.

 

[Iconoclast]

If I'm understanding you correctly, you're saying that "the light of nature" and the "light of conscience" shows men that there is a God.

I have to disagree. If a person was unaware of the existence of Christianity, how would he possibly be able to arrive at its conclusions by virtue of existing and observing nature? If anything, that would likely lead to them either forming their own religious beliefs or simply not believing in any religion at all.

I have to ask, if God is love, then why would God send someone to hell for eternity even though that person had never even heard of God in the first place?

Consider this

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

I have to disagree. If a person was unaware of the existence of Christianity, how would he possibly be able to arrive at its conclusions by virtue of existing and observing nature

They cannot that is why they will be judged ,and are under the wrath of God as Paul says.
The light of nature lets them know there is a God...but that will not save them. Like I said earlier.

God is Holy,Holy, Holy Isa 6
he does not say God is ,love,love, love.....those around the throne in Heaven say Holy, Holy, Holy..

Paul in Rom1;18 does not say the Love of God is revealed from heaven, he says the wrath of God is revealed... why is that....??/ A holy God will punish every sin..no exceptions.:thumbs:

The love of God is only found ...IN CHRIST.....those outside are under the wrath of God.

then why would God send someone to hell for eternity even though that person had never even heard of God in the first place?

SINs

How can you seek something that you're completely unaware of? How can you find something that doesn't exist in your reality and nobody around you has even been exposed to?


I guess what I'm struggling with is the idea that someone can be held accountable, for eternity, for something they've never even had a chance to learn about. It seems the direct opposite of what a loving God would do.

Romans 1 tells us..that there is a time when men everywhere had a knowledge of God and willingly turned from it...so God gave them over in judgement,,,they turned to idolatry,false religion, and perversion......that is why the heathen today still worship idols...read romans 1 carefully

 

[rednaut]

Consider this




They cannot that is why they will be judged ,and are under the wrath of God as Paul says.
The light of nature lets them know there is a God...but that will not save them. Like I said earlier.

God is Holy,Holy, Holy Isa 6
he does not say God is ,love,love, love.....those around the throne in Heaven say Holy, Holy, Holy..

Paul in Rom1;18 does not say the Love of God is revealed from heaven, he says the wrath of God is revealed... why is that....??/ A holy God will punish every sin..no exceptions.:thumbs:

The love of God is only found ...IN CHRIST.....those outside are under the wrath of God.



SINs

So if you had been born into a part of the world where you never had the opportunity to hear about God, you believe that you would be destined for eternal damnation?

What about a child (any age, really) who dies before having the opportunity to hear about God?

And I really have to disagree with this idea that the "light of nature" shows people that there's a God. We can't even prove that God exists, but nature somehow shows people that God does exist? How exactly does that work?

 

[matt wade]

Where exactly is Eastburg Baptist Church?

 

[rednaut]

Beyond your questions, what about those who lived in North and South American and probably did not have access to the gospel for 1,500 years? Unless you believe like the Mormons do (that Jesus appeared here after His resurrection), then that is a difficult question.

Here's some food for thought:

What About Those Who Have Never Heard The Gospel?

I will read that later and post a reply. Thanks for sharing!

 

[ashleysdad]

If I'm understanding you correctly, you're saying that "the light of nature" and the "light of conscience" shows men that there is a God.

I have to disagree. If a person was unaware of the existence of Christianity, how would he possibly be able to arrive at its conclusions by virtue of existing and observing nature? If anything, that would likely lead to them either forming their own religious beliefs or simply not believing in any religion at all.

I have to ask, if God is love, then why would God send someone to hell for eternity even though that person had never even heard of God in the first place?

God is love but God is also justice and the Bible makes it very clear that all mankind is guilty before a Holy God. We all like to quote John 3:16 but the next two verses are important as well, "

17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.". The parts that I highlighted are the important parts. God has given Salvation only through Jesus and all that do not believe in Him are condemned. Later in John 14:6 we see Jesus tell His disciples that He alone is the way the truth and the life and that no one can come to the Father except through Him. The reality is that if there was some other way for people to be saved except through Jesus than why did God send His Son to die on the cross? Why not just go with plan b as it where? For that matter if there are special exemptions for those who never hear the name of Jesus than why do we preach and teach? Wouldn't the best thing to do be to never tell anyone about Christ so that they could fall under that exemption? Romans 1:18-22 makes it very clear that we are ALL without excuse. We often ask the wrong questions, the question, in reality should not be "does the Bible say that those who don't believe in Jesus are condemned"? Because it clearly teaches that not believing in Jesus brings condemnation. The correct question to ask is "since the Bible does in fact teach that those who do not believe in Jesus are condemned, what are we doing to reach them"?

 

[Old Union Brother]

Just saying:

Revelations 14:6-7 (KJV)
6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7[Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.]

 

[convicted1]

Just saying:

Revelations 14:6-7 (KJV)
6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7[Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.]

(((((AMEN!!!!!))))):thumbs::thumbs::thumbs: :thumbs:

 

[HAMel]

As provided by a previous poster, Romans 1:20 sums it up pretty clearly.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and deity; so that they are without excuse:

Note, "...so that they are without excuse."

 

[Mexdeaf]

The point we miss so many times is this- God does not owe us anything. Not even an explanation.

What we perceive as 'injustice' only reveals the impunity of our own dark hearts, that we would dare to charge Holy Almighty Loving God with being unjust.

Just because we don't like a point of doctrine or don't understand it does not mean that it is not true.

 

[rednaut]

God is love but God is also justice and the Bible makes it very clear that all mankind is guilty before a Holy God. We all like to quote John 3:16 but the next two verses are important as well, "

We often ask the wrong questions, the question, in reality should not be "does the Bible say that those who don't believe in Jesus are condemned"? Because it clearly teaches that not believing in Jesus brings condemnation. The correct question to ask is "since the Bible does in fact teach that those who do not believe in Jesus are condemned, what are we doing to reach them"?

How is it justice to condemn someone who's never had the opportunity to hear about God?

I understand what you're saying about "what are we doing to reach them", but there are plenty who aren't being reached and others who have already died without hearing about God. Do you honestly believe that they're condemned to hell for eternity? What about children (any age)?

 

[rednaut]

I'm out for the night, but I will check back and continue the conversation later. Thanks to those who replied!

 

[ashleysdad]

How is it justice to condemn someone who's never had the opportunity to hear about God?

I understand what you're saying about "what are we doing to reach them", but there are plenty who aren't being reached and others who have already died without hearing about God. Do you honestly believe that they're condemned to hell for eternity? What about children (any age)?

At this point it comes down to, is scripture correct or is it not? You are attempting to apply human wisdom to Gods justice. It is not a matter of guilt or innocence that has already been determined. Romans 3 makes it very clear that our guilt has already been determined (Romans 3:5-6; 10; 23). Romans 5 goes on to state that as a result of that guilt our sentence has already been determined (Romans 5:12). Again, the question is not "what does the Bible say about this topic"? That answer is abundantly clear. The real question is do we accept this truth or not. What we cannot do is try to manipulate the truth of scripture. This is not a matter of interpretation, this is a crystal clear truth. All that is left is for us to accept it or reject it.

 

[Alive in Christ]

Well, if you are going to go according Gods scriptures, you are left with the truth that every single person in the world is given, from God, Divine revelation regarding eternal life...that can be recieved or refused.

PRAISE THE LORD!

 

[convicted1]

Well, if you are going to go according Gods scriptures, rather then the baseless opinions of men, you are left with the truth that every single person in the world is given, from God, Divine revelation regarding eternal life...that can be recieved or refused.

PRAISE THE LORD!

(((((AMEN!!!!!))))) :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

That Light, which lighteth to every man that cometh into the world.