Who can be saved?
There are those who do not care enough about religion; even to oppose it. Then there are genuine seekers who wonder: what happens to those who refuse to believe in Jesus as the only divine Saviour or those who die before hearing the gospel.
People who hear and freely reject are already condemned: “whoever believes in him (Christ) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already…” (John 3:18).
Those who die before hearing will be judged on the basis of God’s general revelation in their conscience and nature. Scripture states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, emphasis mine).
If we decide to reject Christ’s sacrifice for our sin, then God has no choice but to give us what we deserve. He sends no one to hell; we shall send ourselves. “Does this offend you” (John 6:61), it really shouldn’t. God wishes that every human be saved: “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
The real tragedy lies, not with those who do not have the gospel and perish (for they have their conscience and general revelation in nature.) The real tragedy lies with those who have the gospel, their conscience and general revelation in nature; yet refuse to repent. “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23). His mercies, not patience, endures forever; so turn and live.
People who hear and freely reject are already condemned: “whoever believes in him (Christ) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already…” (John 3:18).
Those who die before hearing will be judged on the basis of God’s general revelation in their conscience and nature. Scripture states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, emphasis mine).
If we decide to reject Christ’s sacrifice for our sin, then God has no choice but to give us what we deserve. He sends no one to hell; we shall send ourselves. “Does this offend you” (John 6:61), it really shouldn’t. God wishes that every human be saved: “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
The real tragedy lies, not with those who do not have the gospel and perish (for they have their conscience and general revelation in nature.) The real tragedy lies with those who have the gospel, their conscience and general revelation in nature; yet refuse to repent. “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23). His mercies, not patience, endures forever; so turn and live.
