Biblical Answer

The Bible's Teaching on Those Who Have Never Heard of Jesus

The Bible teaches that those who have never heard of Jesus are not judged by God based on their lack of faith in Christ. This is because God's judgment is not based on whether or not someone has heard the gospel, but rather on their response to God's general revelation in nature and conscience. According to Romans 1:20, God's invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, are clearly perceived, even in the things that are made, so that people are without excuse.

The Bible also teaches that the effect of the gospel spreads through all mankind, making a difference to people who lived before Christ as well as to those who lived after Him. This is seen in the way the New Testament authors, such as the apostle Paul, wrote about the gospel in a way that was accessible to people from different cultural and philosophical backgrounds. For example, Paul's letter to the Romans is a masterful example of how the gospel can be presented in a way that is relevant to people who have never heard of Jesus.

The Bible teaches that the lack of knowledge about Jesus is not the primary issue for those who have never heard of Him. Rather, the issue is whether or not someone has a plan to be with Jesus and thoughtfully apprentice under Him. This is because the Bible teaches that true followers of Jesus will naturally do and say the kinds of things Jesus said and did. Therefore, the primary issue for those who have never heard of Jesus is not their lack of knowledge, but rather their lack of a personal relationship with Him. As the Bible says, "how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? What is heard comes by the preaching of Christ." (Romans 10:14-15) Therefore, the primary issue for those who have never heard of Jesus is not their lack of knowledge, but rather their lack of exposure to the gospel and their lack of a personal relationship with Jesus.