Help me understand missionaries

[user2207]

I have seen discussions about whether people who have not heard the word and pass away, whether they are saved or not. Didnt seem to be a difinitive answer but the consensus seemed to be that people thought they would be because of gods love and being just.

When i thought about this, it made we think, if missionaries then went to spread the word to a small remote island for eg, wouldnt that increase the chance of someone not being saved i.e if they then heard the word and decided not to accept Jesus? Whereas if the above paragraph is true (im not saying it definitely is) they would already be saved?

This is absolutely not a bash on missionaries at all. I greatly admire their love and devotion, and can see what an amazing blessing and gift it is to be able to bring someone who has heard the word but not accepted Jesus to come to faith. Im just posting this because i want to learn and understand this particular situation.

 

[handy]

I'm one of the few Christians who hold out hope for those who never had an opportunity to hear about God. I usually use as an example a long ago ancestor of mine who lived on Ireland 3000 years ago. Not a chance that he ever heard of the God of the Bible.

However, there are some clues within the Scriptures that these kinds of folks are not totally without hope. The fact that, according to Romans 1, God's invisible attributes can be found within creation, and in Acts 17, where Paul states, "God, having overlooked the time of ignorance," in reference to folks who were worshiping an "unknown God".

But, we need to remember what the context of Paul's statement to the Athenians was: That God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man who He has appointed.

This same issue is discussed in Romans chapters 2 and 3 when Paul is comparing the Law that the Jews received with the gospel of Christ. It was pointed out that the Law actually became a vehicle of death to those who knew of it, but did not keep it. Paul asks the question: Then what advantage has the Jew? Or was is the benefit of circumcision?

The answer? Great in every respect! First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?

And that is the crux of the matter. Man, because he has a sinful nature, when left to himself, will not turn to God. Man, when left to his own "wisdom", becomes dead in sin. But, God is faithful. First, He entrusted the Jews with His Law so that man would have understanding of God's holiness. Secondly, He entrusted the Church with the gospel of Christ so that man would have clear understanding of God's grace.

That some would reject that grace does not make God any less faithful nor gracious.

I think it's good that we have a hope, a hope that my great-great grandpap in b.c. Ireland may have found God by observing His creation and worshiping Him in an ignorance that God, in His graciousness may overlook. That is a hope.

Of a certainty, and therefore so much the better, is that all who believe in Christ and receive His forgiveness will have eternal life. Certainty is much better than vague hope.

 

[Mike]

Handy, I don't think you're in the minority within the faith. I just posted something about this a few minutes ago.

User2207
I believe most Christians agree that God has revealed Himself through His creation and other means to draw them to a knowledge of Him. While Jesus and His sacrifice might not be known (except with dreams for example), the Son has always been with the Father. They can respond to the revelations God has given them.

I wouldn't say people who don't know about Jesus will go to hell. God is just and right and will use His wisdom and grace in His own way.

"Then why send missionaries to them?", you ask. Because there is great joy in living with the Truth now in addition to eternal salvation. People who live without knowing the Lord, don't really know what living fully is all about. It's awesome!!! Personally knowing, having a relationship with Christ is very powerful. And we need to share the importance of accepting His revelation and the fullness of Jesus.

 

[user2207]

Thanks for your replies.

mjjcb

Particularly on your last paragraph, i agree with you, that having a relationship with Jesus is an extremely powerful thing and is life changing and an amazing gift. At the same time im saddened at the thought that there will inevitably be those who will not believe or accept Jesus after listening to missionaries and thus will not be able to be received into the kingdom, when they otherwise might have due to their lack of knowledge (unless they might not have anyway because of gods prescence in creation). A very sobering thought.

Definaitely not an easy topic but I will definitely pray for these people.

 

[handy]

It's essential to keep in mind that no one, whether seeking God via His invisible attributes found in creation, or hearing the full gospel of Christ, seeks God of his own accord. The Holy Spirit is always the One who draws us near. It's unlikely that anyone who would reject the clear gospel of Christ would have instead believed due to the clues in creation.