What Happens If Someone In A Remote Area Never Heard The Gospel?

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bobinfaith

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Hello brothers and sisters;

I was asked by someone about Christianity and in particular, what happens to someone who may be living in a remote area, or a deserted island, and they never heard the Gospel. Would he/she be condemned?

I immediately remembered the verse where God prepares us what to say.

1 Peter 3:15-17, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

In my own words, I told him I never underestimate God's work, and would not replace it with my own finite thinking. But I told him that I believe before Jesus returns, God will send His servants on all four corners of the earth to share the gospel, or, God will reveal His light even in the most secluded places, or, God's agape love is sending that Shepherd after the one lost sheep. On and on an on from the Bible.

He has attended Catholic church all his life, was an altar boy and today serves on the Eucharist committee (I'll explain later.) But he did admit he doesn't read the Bible. After sharing my faith and what I believe regarding those who are secluded he quickly refuted me by standing with his own opinion, "it's not the person's fault they live secluded and he also included that if this person is "good" and worshiped "another god" from his/her heart, God would give him/her consolation and reward them with salvation."

It's not just the ones who are secluded. There are many who live in populated areas and have access to the gospel but they don't have listening ears to hear. Go figure.

I felt this was a ripe opportunity to witness to him. I understood his opinion. After our discussion I asked him to hold onto his opinion and take the time to read some Scripture that I jotted down for him.

Those of you who have been posed this question, I'm interested in knowing, how did you respond?

God bless you all and your families.
 
The most direct answer in scriptures by my limited understanding is Romans 2.

Created nature to demonstrate many things about Him and we are expected to learn.

As part of this He has placed a basic understanding within us. I know of no society that did not value truthfulness and forthright dealing with others.

So, as Paul stated in Rom 2:12, we will not be submitted to a point by point letter of the Law, including such things as the manner of worship and what one may eat, but by Rom 2:14-15, we will still be judged by His law written in our being since Genesis.

As far as must they then accept Jesus as the Christ and acknowledge His payment for our failures to live up to God's commandments, i would say that this is a place where the two summaries of God's law come into play:

Love God ( according to how He revealed Himself in creation )
Love your neighbors.

Note that the Love of God is to be unconditional with your whole being, while the Love of others could be thought of as being what is feasible.

So it is not a blanket "law does not apply", but the law fulfilled in spirit.
 
Hello Bobinfaith:

Two verses come to mind:

a. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard" (Psalm 19:1-3).
Therefore no one has ever had, has, or will ever have any excuse to deny our Creator's existence.

b. "For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15).
God is merciful, compassionate and all-knowing - for all we know He might not judge those who never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ the same way He will judge those of us who have had the privilege. If necessary God might even reveal Christ to them in Hades itself like He did after His crucifixion!
(1 Peter 3:18-20). How can we really know what God is going to do? His ways are way higher than ours!

Food for thought - thank you for bringing up this topic :).

Blessings,
B.
 
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Siloam said:
The most direct answer in scriptures by my limited understanding is Romans 2. Created nature to demonstrate many things about Him and we are expected to learn. As part of this He has placed a basic understanding within us. I know of no society that did not value truthfulness and forthright dealing with others. So, as Paul stated in Rom 2:12, we will not be submitted to a point by point letter of the Law, including such things as the manner of worship and what one may eat, but by Rom 2:14-15, we will still be judged by His law written in our being since Genesis. As far as must they then accept Jesus as the Christ and acknowledge His payment for our failures to live up to God's commandments, i would say that this is a place where the two summaries of God's law come into play: Love God ( according to how He revealed Himself in creation ) Love your neighbors. Note that the Love of God is to be unconditional with your whole being, while the Love of others could be thought of as being what is feasible. So it is not a blanket "law does not apply", but the law fulfilled in spirit.
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paidforinfull said:
Hello Bobinfaith:
Two verses come to mind: a. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard" (Psalm 19:1-3). Therefore no one has ever had, has, or will ever have any excuse to deny our Creator's existence. b. "For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15). God is merciful, compassionate and all-knowing - for all we know He might not judge those who never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ the same way He will judge those of us who have had the privilege. If necessary God might even reveal Christ to them in Hades itself like He did after His crucifixion! (1 Peter 3:18-20). How can we really know what God is going to do? His ways are way higher than ours! Food for thought - thank you for bringing up this topic :). Blessings, B.
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Hello Siloam and paidforinfull;

Thank you for these excellent insights that I underlined key points, and Scriptures to refer to.

Anyone else?
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello brothers and sisters;

I was asked by someone about Christianity and in particular, what happens to someone who may be living in a remote area, or a deserted island, and they never heard the Gospel. Would he/she be condemned?

I immediately remembered the verse where God prepares us what to say.

1 Peter 3:15-17, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

In my own words, I told him I never underestimate God's work, and would not replace it with my own finite thinking. But I told him that I believe before Jesus returns, God will send His servants on all four corners of the earth to share the gospel, or, God will reveal His light even in the most secluded places, or, God's agape love is sending that Shepherd after the one lost sheep. On and on an on from the Bible.

He has attended Catholic church all his life, was an altar boy and today serves on the Eucharist committee (I'll explain later.) But he did admit he doesn't read the Bible. After sharing my faith and what I believe regarding those who are secluded he quickly refuted me by standing with his own opinion, "it's not the person's fault they live secluded and he also included that if this person is "good" and worshiped "another god" from his/her heart, God would give him/her consolation and reward them with salvation."

It's not just the ones who are secluded. There are many who live in populated areas and have access to the gospel but they don't have listening ears to hear. Go figure.

I felt this was a ripe opportunity to witness to him. I understood his opinion. After our discussion I asked him to hold onto his opinion and take the time to read some Scripture that I jotted down for him.

Those of you who have been posed this question, I'm interested in knowing, how did you respond?

God bless you all and your families.
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A lot depends on how views Go plan of salvation, as being a Calvinist, would see it as God will save all of His elect chosen in Christ, regardless where they are at!

Of one is a classic Arminism, they would tend to see this as one would have sent to them saving grace, could see God in nature, and if they favorable respond, God will somehow get them the gospel message to get saved

Really, none in hell have any excuse regardless on how one view Sotierology!
 
I think of these...

[Rom 2:14-15 KJV]
14 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: 15 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.
 
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we dont know the answer His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.” Revelation 19:2 NLT ...
 
YeshuaFan said:
A lot depends on how views Go plan of salvation, as being a Calvinist, would see it as God will save all of His elect chosen in Christ, regardless where they are at! Of one is a classic Arminism, they would tend to see this as one would have sent to them saving grace, could see God in nature, and if they favorable respond, God will somehow get them the gospel message to get saved Really, none in hell have any excuse regardless on how one view Sotierology!
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Hello YeshuaFan;

If my view stands on the belief of a Calvinist or an Arminianism, then a lot would depend on my view of God's salvation.

Aside from both, in the case of a person who exists on a remote area or deserted island and has no knowledge of doctrinal stands, God will still reveal His Truth and accomplish His purpose, especially directed at every human He created and loves.

Do you feel according to our doctrinal stand, God will reveal His salvation based on what each one believes?

Not a trick or gotcha question, brother, just good fellowship discussion.

God bless you, YeshuaFan.
 
Romans 1:18-23 KJV
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20 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 Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Speaking of images, some even have the image of the moon, and a historic god of that moon today called 'allah' as allegedly the same god that Abraham worshipped, which is utterly false. The history of that 'allah' is well known among historians who have studied middle eastern religions.

MM
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello YeshuaFan;

If my view stands on the belief of a Calvinist or an Arminianism, then a lot would depend on my view of God's salvation.

Aside from both, in the case of a person who exists on a remote area or deserted island and has no knowledge of doctrinal stands, God will still reveal His Truth and accomplish His purpose, especially directed at every human He created and loves.

Do you feel according to our doctrinal stand, God will reveal His salvation based on what each one believes?

Not a trick or gotcha question, brother, just good fellowship discussion.

God bless you, YeshuaFan.
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God will make sure that all whom that God intends to get saved will get saved!
 
Musicmaster said:
Romans 1:18-23 KJV
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20 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 Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Speaking of images, some even have the image of the moon, and a historic god of that moon today called 'allah' as allegedly the same god that Abraham worshipped, which is utterly false. The history of that 'allah' is well known among historians who have studied middle eastern religions.

MM
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Allah is the pagan god worshiped in the area way before Muhammed came on the scene!
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello YeshuaFan;

If my view stands on the belief of a Calvinist or an Arminianism, then a lot would depend on my view of God's salvation.

Aside from both, in the case of a person who exists on a remote area or deserted island and has no knowledge of doctrinal stands, God will still reveal His Truth and accomplish His purpose, especially directed at every human He created and loves.

Do you feel according to our doctrinal stand, God will reveal His salvation based on what each one believes?

Not a trick or gotcha question, brother, just good fellowship discussion.

God bless you, YeshuaFan.
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Either view would take the position that a lost sinner chose to say lost in their sins and darkness
 
Musicmaster said:
Romans 1:18-23 KJV 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 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 Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Speaking of images, some even have the image of the moon, and a historic god of that moon today called 'allah' as allegedly the same god that Abraham worshipped, which is utterly false. The history of that 'allah' is well known among historians who have studied middle eastern religions.
MM
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YeshuaFan said:
God will make sure that all whom that God intends to get saved will get saved!
Click to expand...
YeshuaFan said:
Either view would take the position that a lost sinner chose to say lost in their sins and darkness
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Hello Musicmaster;

God bless you, brother. I knew you were going to jump in 1653602338552.png and thank you for adding Romans 1:18-23, especially 18-19 that I'd like to add;

Would you agree that we are either pagans, meaning those who worship other sources including themselves, or Christians new, nominal or seasoned believers?

For the person (unbeliever or pagan) who is deserted on a remote island, do we think God remembers everyone and forsakes a few isolated from civilization? Or that God didn't reveal His gospel or make plain to him/her before or during being deserted?

Many believers in Christ empathize or sympathize other's feelings or suffering when they are isolated, in this instance a remote desert or island, but we overlook God's divine and sovereign power is made available to everyone. Instead of relying on our human, intelligent finite thinking and reasoning.

Hello YeshuaFan;

In your post,

God will make sure that all whom that God intends to get saved will get saved! I believe this is both God's providential or moral will.

I think of one of my favorite books in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, in particular verse 3b - 4,

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God “desires” all people to be saved, whether the person who freewills his pleasurable sin and ends up murdering another, then confesses his sin and repents seeking God's forgiveness;

Or the person who once heard of Jesus but ends up on a remote desert or island and still has no thought of God and relies on himself to survive.

There is God's providential will and moral will for all people to repent and be saved. 1 Timothy 2 is clear that it's God's moral will that all His creation be saved,

But those who don't give a thought of following Christ before or later in life, will forego His Salvation and will fall under His providential will.

God bless you, brothers, and your families.
 
My mind went to Romans 2: 12-15 immediately also for conscience sake vs the law given to Moses for Israel to have a relationship with God.

The facts are God created all mankind and in that creation we intrinsically have an unction to love and worship. We have seen through every generation of ppl since the day he said let us make man that menkind wants to worship. With Seth's grandson men began to call on the name of the Lord.

They had a history of traditions and events to pass on to future generations from Adam to Jesus. The outside world was left to the Prince of this world where God cast him. There were ppl that proselytized to the Jewish religion.

God is not unfair nor limited as we think in our finite thinking and understanding. Scattered throughout the word we see him making his will known by prophets and angels, talking donkeys even enemies.

Is 34:1
Come near,ye nations, TO HEAR and HEARKEN ,ye people: let the EARTH HEAR,,and ALL THAT IS THEREIN; THE WORLD, AND ALL THINGS THAT COME FORTH OF IT.
Mk.16 :15 ( context13-16)
And he said unto them, ( Apostles) Go ye into ALL the world, [ their WORLD was smal, not like today the whole earth!] and preach the gospel to every creature.
Rev.14:6 (4-7 context)
And 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 TONGUR, AND PEOPLE,

I do not believe there will ever be a soul that does not get a chance to hear the word and gospel.
His WORD says EVERY,and I believe his word!
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello Musicmaster;

God bless you, brother. I knew you were going to jump in View attachment 7379 and thank you for adding Romans 1:18-23, especially 18-19 that I'd like to add;

Would you agree that we are either pagans, meaning those who worship other sources including themselves, or Christians new, nominal or seasoned believers?
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Bob, I think we both agree that there is no middle ground in the realm of faith in the One, true God, and those of other man-made religions and gods. Yes, one is either a pagan, or one is a follower of the One, true God described within the pages of the Bible without the muddling and false twistings that so many cults perpetrate upon its text.

Amen, in that we have the absolute truth, completely objective, Who is with us, and within us, having made us the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. That gift, and lifting up of a people He has set His love upon, without us having any ability to earn it, is a wonderful indwelling from which His Glory shines forth into a dark world.

May we be always effective servants of He who is worthy of all worship, honor and glory.

MM
 
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