Is it fair that only those who heard of and believe in Jesus can be saved?

[jmt356]

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Doesn't this mean that anyone who lived before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus cannot come to the Father?

It seems faith is the only way to salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

 

[Hopeful]

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Doesn't this mean that anyone who lived before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus cannot come to the Father?

It seems faith is the only way to salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

It is fair, as anyone who wants to do righteously will be given that chance.
God won't hide from them who seek Him.

 

[Luminous_Rose]

This is an excellent question. Often times many may wonder, "What about those people in the middle of nowhere that have never heard about God or Jesus?"

Those that lived before Jesus from what I understand were in a "holding place"/Sheol after they passed away. (The Old Testament meaning of Sheol was used differently than the New Testament that uses the word for "Hades"). Before the death of Jesus, Sheol was a place where the souls were kept. Between this Paradise and Hell where everyone was, there was what we see in Luke 16:26 described as a "great chasm" that separated the eternal life/peace and eternal death/suffering. The saints of the Old and New Testament are enjoying their reward with our Heavenly Father and they have been for a long time.

For those that have never heard, there are some interesting Bible verses about this:

Romans 1:20 NIV:
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 people are without excuse.


Remember, that God is a righteous judge and his judgement is as fair as it gets. We must also remember that Jesus is patient:

2 Peter 3:9 NIV:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.


He doesn't want to see anyone not repent in their life. We see God's creation and His power around us daily so we are without excuse. It has been said that as people we naturally know if there is a painting then there must be a painter. If there's a building, there must've been architects, engineers, and construction workers. Since there is God's creation, it would be natural for us to consider, "Where is the creator?"

God's word is clear that those who do not believe in Jesus will perish. One must believe in Jesus to fully accept God. As Romans mentions, we have no excuse. It's a choice that we all make.

 

[jaybird]

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Doesn't this mean that anyone who lived before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus cannot come to the Father?

It seems faith is the only way to salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

Jesus is for sure the only way, the problem with this passage is so many hear it and assume this means calling yourself "Christian" is the way. there are mega church money prachers that call themselves Christian, i wouldnt want to be them in the next life.
IMO the way of Jesus is living the way Jesus lived, following that example, it has nothing to do with what temple you pray at. if people think it means hearing about Jesus and making a proclamation, it also means anyone born outside of Christianity gets punished in hell because of where they were born. and worse than that, many of these people would have been better off had Jesus never came in the first place. that doesnt sound like "good news" to me

 

[Link1983]

Jesus is for sure the only way, the problem with this passage is so many hear it and assume this means calling yourself "Christian" is the way. there are mega church money prachers that call themselves Christian, i wouldnt want to be them in the next life.
IMO the way of Jesus is living the way Jesus lived, following that example, it has nothing to do with what temple you pray at. if people think it means hearing about Jesus and making a proclamation, it also means anyone born outside of Christianity gets punished in hell because of where they were born. and worse than that, many of these people would have been better off had Jesus never came in the first place. that doesnt sound like "good news" to me

Greetings! If you are sincere about understand this. (I choose to believe that you are)
Find your Bible and turn to the book of Romans chapter two.
It talks about those on earth having heard.
And those who have not heard about the Word. (Law)
Hope that helps. It should

 

[Link1983]

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Doesn't this mean that anyone who lived before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus cannot come to the Father?

It seems faith is the only way to salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

expand...

Greetings! If you are sincere about understand this. (I choose to believe that you are)
Find your Bible and turn to the book of Romans chapter two.
It talks about those on earth having heard.
And those who have not heard about the Word. (Law)
Hope that helps. It should

 

[humble soul]

I thought Catholics will be saved first anyway. Is that my misunderstanding?

 

[Cygnus]

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

Everyone deserves hell. Jesus didn't have to come and die.

Could it be those who lived and never heard of Jesus were not of the elect and got the punishment they deserved?

 

[Link1983]

I ag

This is an excellent question. Often times many may wonder, "What about those people in the middle of nowhere that have never heard about God or Jesus?"

Those that lived before Jesus from what I understand were in a "holding place"/Sheol after they passed away. (The Old Testament meaning of Sheol was used differently than the New Testament that uses the word for "Hades"). Before the death of Jesus, Sheol was a place where the souls were kept. Between this Paradise and Hell where everyone was, there was what we see in Luke 16:26 described as a "great chasm" that separated the eternal life/peace and eternal death/suffering. The saints of the Old and New Testament are enjoying their reward with our Heavenly Father and they have been for a long time.

For those that have never heard, there are some interesting Bible verses about this:

Romans 1:20 NIV:
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 people are without excuse.


Remember, that God is a righteous judge and his judgement is as fair as it gets. We must also remember that Jesus is patient:

2 Peter 3:9 NIV:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.


He doesn't want to see anyone not repent in their life. We see God's creation and His power around us daily so we are without excuse. It has been said that as people we naturally know if there is a painting then there must be a painter. If there's a building, there must've been architects, engineers, and construction workers. Since there is God's creation, it would be natural for us to consider, "Where is the creator?"

God's word is clear that those who do not believe in Jesus will perish. One must believe in Jesus to fully accept God. As Romans mentions, we have no excuse. It's a choice that we all make.

Everyone deserves hell. Jesus didn't have to come and die.

Could it be those who lived and never heard of Jesus were not of the elect and got the punishment they deserved?

Absolutely not!!!
Let me just sett this matter straight. So that no one gets confused.

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 AMP

What does it say?
He (God) is not willing that anyone should perish!

 

[WIP]

I thought Catholics will be saved first anyway. Is that my misunderstanding?

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
1 John 4:1 NKJV

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

 

[Cygnus]

Absolutely not!!!
Let me just sett this matter straight. So that no one gets confused.

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 AMP

What does it say?
He (God) is not willing that anyone should perish!

Then why does the bible speak of some people being tossed into the lake of fire?

 

[Couppy]

I thought Catholics will be saved first anyway. Is that my misunderstanding?

Are they in front of the queue?

 

[jaybird]

Greetings! If you are sincere about understand this. (I choose to believe that you are)
Find your Bible and turn to the book of Romans chapter two.
It talks about those on earth having heard.
And those who have not heard about the Word. (Law)
Hope that helps. It should

yes that kinda supports what i have always believed, you notice in the middle the phrase "doers of the law" this was a key point in what the early church believed. when Jesus was critical of the pharisees, it wasnt their teaching, it was their works, "they teach but did not practice". your judged for what you do not for what you "say" you do.

 

[JLB]

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Doesn't this mean that anyone who lived before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus cannot come to the Father?

It seems faith is the only way to salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To have faith in Jesus, a person must know of Jesus. Therefore, those who never heard the Gospel, either because they lived before Jesus or they lived during Jesus’ lifetime or after but were never evangelized, cannot know and have faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be saved.

Is this right? If so, it does not seem fair.

Do you think Job, or Abraham knew Jesus?

 

[for_his_glory]

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:14 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?
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

From the time of Adam and Eve God's word has always been known, but yet many choose to ignore turning a deaf ear to what God's Prophets in the OT and Jesus and His Apostles taught in the NT. Faith comes by hearing, but not everyone will receive. God's righteous judgement is fair as those who refuse to accept Him by faith have already brought damnation unto themselves.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.


2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

 

[Link1983]

yes that kinda supports what i have always believed, you notice in the middle the phrase "doers of the law" this was a key point in what the early church believed. when Jesus was critical of the pharisees, it wasnt their teaching, it was their works, "they teach but did not practice". your judged for what you do not for what you "say" you do.

You are understanding correctly. Except for that we can get judged for our words.
The Bible teaches this:

Matthew 12:33-37

Words are actions too..
Shalom friend.

 

[Link1983]

yes that kinda supports what i have always believed, you notice in the middle the phrase "doers of the law" this was a key point in what the early church believed. when Jesus was critical of the pharisees, it wasnt their teaching, it was their works, "they teach but did not practice". your judged for what you do not for what you "say" you do.

The Bible to teaches a lot more on the positive side of words and actions.
That is an great thing to study and learn more about.

 

[jaybird]

You are understanding correctly. Except for that we can get judged for our words.
The Bible teaches this:

Matthew 12:33-37

Words are actions too..
Shalom friend.

i agree, there are many passages of how our words can defile us. telling someone to burn families house down maybe, or the mega church money preachers that teach the more money you give the church the more the Lord loves you. the point i was making is the difference between saying your a good example and living as a good example.

 

[for_his_glory]

I thought Catholics will be saved first anyway. Is that my misunderstanding?

God recognizes neither Catholics, Protestant's or any denomination/nondenominational as pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world, James 1:27.

How do we keep our self unspotted from the world is through the Spiritual rebirth in order to see the kingdom of God, John 3:3; Romans 10:9, 10, and to walk and be led by His Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:16-26.

 

[for_his_glory]

Everyone deserves hell. Jesus didn't have to come and die.

Could it be those who lived and never heard of Jesus were not of the elect and got the punishment they deserved?

God does not choose who is His own as it is up to us to make sure we are His own as we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to see the kingdom of God and have eternal life with Him and the Father, John 3:5-7; 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10