—OBJECTION: That’s not fair! If Jesus is the only way to heaven, what about those who don’t know or haven’t heard about Jesus?
—RESPONSE: Your objection and question are understandable ones. Within your “fairness” objection is the belief that those who haven’t heard the gospel of Christ are doomed for eternity. While we are not given explicit teaching in Scripture on “those who have never heard,” we are told that all humanity, whether knowledgeable or ignorant of God’s prescriptive decrees, is under the weight of God’s moral law and thus, sinful (Rom. 2:12-16; 3:9-11; 23). Moreover, God will hold all men accountable because even those who don’t know Him in fullness have His law upon their hearts (conscience), and so, they are not as innocent as you may think (Rom. 1:21-23).
It’s worth mentioning that good people will have no problem on Judgment Day, but truly good (biblically good) people don’t exist (Mark 10:18). We know from the Bible and human experience that no one who’s born of man and woman is good or righteous, for “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23).
With the few Scriptures cited so far, it’s clear that people are NOT innocent beings on the sidelines, who accidentally become wrapped up in rebellion towards God. No, even in ignorance, man is hostile and rebellious to God. He is not only born sinful through Adam, he is sinful by his very actions. Those who don’t know of God’s moral law still violate their own conscience and thereby prove themselves to be guilty. (SIDE NOTE: It’s interesting that even if babies and toddlers are not taught to do wrong, they still must be taught to do right. It’s like lying or taking from someone else is innate to them but speaking truth and honoring others’ possessions must be taught!)
In closing, and to paraphrase C.S. Lewis, it’s good to be concerned for those outside of Christianity, but is it wise to do so and be outside the faith yourself? I urge you to consider eternal matters; consider your standing before God now. You don’t want to stand before God with all your sins and secret acts weighing over you, but you want the pardoning that comes from Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Despite the different concerns we can imagine regarding eternal salvation, we can rest assured that Jesus still saves (Heb. 7:25), He is the only way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), and the Judge of the earth will do what’s right (Gen. 18:25)! Repent now and believe the gospel.
If you need help, check out this link: The Good Person Test.
#MMApologist #SoliDeoGloria #SolusChristus