I had often wondered what happens to those who never hear the gospel of Christ. There are countries out there where the people as a culture are involved in very dark things. So if the Lord comes, where will these people go? They haven’t had an opportunity to hear about Jesus so it would seem unfair that they would just perish.
As I started a little study on this I became somewhat relieved. I don’t have all the answers but will continue to learn. In John 9:41, Jesus said to them, “…If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” One might suggest in this case that ignorance is bliss, but that would be so untrue. The enemy would love for us to sit back while he takes control of our lives—even causing others to stumble. There is also so much blessing to be had from the graciousness of our Lord that after walking with Him for years, I can’t imagine wanting to leave what I have.
I can’t say absolutely what happens to those who have never heard, but I take it based on what Christ said, that if there is no sin, since they haven’t known sin, they likely won’t be condemned to hell. I believe in an age of accountability for children for this same reason. We really don’t know how God might reveal Himself to those who die never having heard. I also believe, if those who have not heard may go to heaven, the treasure in heaven is not the same.
Romans 10:13-15 is clear on how we reach others who don’t know:
“For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
Clearly someone is called to preach the gospel to those who have not heard who will hopefully believe and call on Jesus. Jesus tells us in Luke 10:2 that the harvest is great but there are few workers out there; so we should pray and ask God to send out laborers into His harvest.
So who are these laborers that are called? Have you been called? I’m not just talking about going into a distant country. We have plenty of people in our own nation that don’t know who Christ really is or what He has for them. There will be a time when we each stand before Christ and what better gift to give Him than to have led someone to the Father who loves them?
Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.