Biblical Answer

Understanding the Dilemma of Unreached People

The concept of people who have never heard of Jesus poses a significant challenge to the idea of universal salvation. The question arises: "How can God condemn those who have never heard of Jesus, yet remain silent on the matter of salvation?" This issue is particularly pertinent in the context of global missions, where millions of people have never been exposed to the gospel. The problem is further complicated by the fact that Scripture teaches that faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation.

Gods Sovereignty and the Problem of Unreached Peoples

The Bible suggests that God's sovereignty extends to all creation, including the distribution of knowledge about Jesus. According to Romans 10:14-17, God's plan of salvation is not hindered by the lack of knowledge about Jesus. Instead, the Bible teaches that faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes through the preaching of Christ. This implies that God's plan of salvation is not dependent on human knowledge or understanding but rather on the preaching of the gospel. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that those who have never heard of Jesus would not respond to the gospel even if they did hear it. This understanding emphasizes God's sovereignty in the distribution of knowledge and salvation.

The Impact of Gods General Revelation

The concept of general revelation, as mentioned in Romans 1:20, suggests that God's existence and character are evident through nature and conscience. This implies that all people, regardless of their cultural or geographical context, have access to some level of knowledge about God. While this knowledge may not be sufficient for salvation, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the universal availability of salvation. The Bible teaches that Jesus' message is not limited to a specific time or place but has a universal impact that transcends cultures and historical periods. This understanding emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with all people, regardless of their background or level of knowledge about Jesus. By doing so, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and the universal availability of salvation. In the words of C.S. Lewis, "How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?" The answer lies in the preaching of Christ, which is the key to unlocking the door of salvation for all people.