The Questions We Keep Asking – Post 2 of 10
“Is it fair for God to judge someone who never heard the gospel?”
This is one of the most troubling questions in Christian theology—and one of the most emotional. If Jesus is the only way to salvation, what about the people in remote villages, closed nations, or ancient times who never heard His name?
Does the Bible address this? Yes—and with more clarity than we might think.
I. The Light of Creation Reaches Everyone
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived… in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
— Romans 1:19–20
God has made Himself known in creation, conscience, and order—a general revelation that leaves no one totally ignorant of His existence.
- The heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1)
- Creation points to a Creator
- Every heart has a moral compass—though flawed by sin
But general revelation is not the same as salvation. It points people toward God, but it cannot save them apart from Christ.
II. The Only Way to Be Saved Is Through Christ
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
— John 14:6
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12
The Bible is clear: salvation is only through Jesus Christ. Not through sincerity, good intentions, or religious devotion.
So what about those who never hear His name?
III. God Judges with Perfect Justice and Mercy
“Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
— Genesis 18:25
God is not unfair. He never punishes people for what they could not know—but He does hold people accountable for what they do know.
And Romans 1 says they have enough knowledge to respond—but many suppress that truth (Romans 1:21).
But here’s the hope: when a person genuinely responds to the light they have, God can send more light.
- Cornelius — a devout Gentile whom God sent Peter to evangelize (Acts 10)
- The Ethiopian eunuch — reading Scripture when Philip was sent to explain Christ (Acts 8:26–39)
- Paul in Athens — explaining God made people so “they should seek God” (Acts 17:26–27)
God isn’t looking to damn the innocent—there are no innocent people. But He is actively seeking and saving the lost.
IV. This Question Should Compel Us to Go
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?… So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
— Romans 10:14,17
This question should not cause us to doubt God’s goodness—but to awaken our urgency to share the gospel.
- There are billions who still haven’t heard
- Christ has sent us to be the answer to this question
- The gospel is good news—but only if it gets there in time
Reflection & Life Application
- How does God’s justice and mercy affect your understanding of missions?
- What are you doing to bring the gospel to those who have not heard?
- Have you been suppressing truth you already know?
Let’s Talk About It
This question isn’t just theological—it’s missional.
If we believe Jesus is the only way, then we must be His hands and feet.
Share this post. Support a missionary. Start praying for unreached people groups.
And trust that the God who sent His Son is still sending His church.
Next Post in the Series:
Is Hell Eternal, and Why Would a Loving God Send Anyone There?