Those whom the Gospel hasn't reached

Like most things, this could be argued a variety of ways. But since you are asking what folks *think*, here is what I *think*:

God is just. He also loves us, his creation. He loved us so much that He himself moved into the neighborhood, took up residence alongside us, and died just as we do. That God lowered himself to do this speaks infinite volumes of His infinite love. His love knows no bounds.

So for those who have lived, died, but not ever heard, I suspect God will peer into the heart and see what is there, and then make his judgement.

That said, no man who has lived will be saved but for the blood of Christ.

 

I do not know that is necessarly true. Titus 2:11 and Romans 2:11-16, ". . . For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. ) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. . . ."

 

Scripture teaches us that every person stands condemned already because they have rejected the truth of God's existence as evidenced in His creation. There is no looking in the heart and weighing the good and the bad.

The only thing that matters is whether you are known by God in a saving relationship based on faith in Jesus at which time such a person receives Holy Spirit in dwelling as the mark of salvation.

Peace to you

 

Those who never heard will be judged by the knowledge they had. That is not a redeeming statement. That is a damning statement. They did wrong thus they will not be in heaven.

 

I don't think we are referring to those who have rejected Christ; we are referring to those who never had the opportunity to hear. Big difference.

So let's say you are God for a moment. You being the very definition of Love and Grace, are going to summarily condemn to hell every person who never had the opportunity to hear of Christ? I didn't think so. That wouldn't be Love or Mercy. More like mindless retribution. That isn't God.

Now imagine how much more - infinitely more - God loves mankind, his creation, than you do.

Some of the concepts of God are floating around out there are truly amazing, and in my opinion way short change the awesome power of the Blood. With God, ALL THINGS are possible!

 

God having given natural revelation Psalms 19:4; Romans 10:18, will not elleviate judgment, excuse ingorace of specifics. Romans 2:11-16: Romans 1:18-20; Romans 3:11; 1 John 3:20; Matthew 12:36-37. Revelation 20:11-15.

 

I am amazed what people extrapolate from scripture.

So folks can come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by looking at their shrubs? Who would have thunk it.

 

First, scripture tells us everyone has already rejected God.

Second, I don't dare to imagine that I am God, not even for a moment. When you do that, you are judging God according to your understanding. God has given us His Word and His word is clear on this issue. People stand condemned already. The fact that God chooses to save some is a demonstration of His great love.

If what you said were true, then it would be better to never hear the gospel. Just follow any of the man made religions of the world to do good deeds, according to human understanding and God will see that you tried to do good and welcome you into heaven.

That is not what scripture teaches.

Peace to you

 

You are mocking God and His Word. Romans clearly tells us that the truths of God are evident in His creation and that all of mankind has rejected those truths.

Peace to you

 

No, I am mocking some silly argument that a person can bring themselves to know the Gospel by looking at nature. That is preposterous. Of course the evidences of God are quite clear, per the scripture you reference. Before Abraham knew God, he was a worshiper of the moon. Acknowledging God by observing nature is a different concept than hearing the Gospel, to which I believe the OP was referring. Abraham didn't know Christ. He didn't "hear" the Gospel per se. But he trusted God and by doing so he was credited with righteousness.

 

It is God's desire that everyone hear the Gospel, that is patently obvious. Furthermore, there is an urgency to spreading the Gospel, as Jesus' last words before his ascension were "go, tell, baptize" (paraphrase). Jesus said that the two greatest commandments were to 1) Love God, and 2) Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

We tend to 1) Love ourselves, 2) Defend our doctrine, and 3) Condemn others.

 

What needs to be argued is the need to preach the gospel, regardless. Romans 3:11.

 

I think we get into deep dookie when we impose dogma on others and declare them un-Christian, the devil, and so forth just because they view the Bible through slightly different spectacles. Whether or not anyone cares to admit it, he brings his own, well-worn spectacles to reading of the Word. I also think we get into deep dookie when we start trying to paint God into a corner as to what He can or cannot do. The power of the Blood is a truly awesome thing. Most things we call awesome aren't really awesome. Only God is awesome.


Hallelujah, what a SAVIOR!

 

Abraham received special revelation from God. The general revelation of God in creation has been rejected by all and condemns all. Special revelation (the gospel) is needed for salvation.

What has been suggested is that the gospel is not necessary for salvation, that somehow a person who never hears the gospel can still be saved.

If there is another way to salvation, then Jesus died needlessly. Why would God sacrifice His Son when salvation can be obtained in some other way?

Peace to you

 

It is God's stated desire that the gospel be taken the every part of the world. That is not the same as wanting every single person to hear the gospel.

If God wanted every single person on the planet to hear the gospel He would not have chosen people to spread the gospel.

Peace to you

 

Why would someone else's beliefs keep you from being a Christian? Scripture tells us to be convinced in our own minds about what we believe.

I don't know alot about John Wesley, but I would be very surprised if he believed someone could be saved without hearing the gospel. If he did, I would like to see that reference so I can read it myself.

Peace to you

 

Of course he wants everyone to hear the Gospel. The beauty of it all is that he wants us as participants with his plan. Check Jesus' last charge before he ascended. "Into ALL the world...to EVERY living creature".