How to answer this question on the "unknowing"

How to answer this question on the "unknowing"

I was hanging out with a friend today who was out witnessing to people. I am still very nervous about doing it myself, and wanted to hang out and observe and just see what kind of questions get asked.

One question that was asked that I didn't know the answer for was this:
"If you have to accept Jesus to go to heaven, how about all these people who have never heard of Jesus. They never had a chance to accept or reject him".

My friend answered it by saying it is our job to spread the word, and there are missionaries around the world spreading the word.
I believe what he said, but can someone point me to where that is in scripture? I am not referring to us being missionaries and spreading the gospel, but is it mentioned anywhere about those who have never heard the gospel at all?

Thanks for the feedback.
 
Almost as soon as I posted that, I found a site through Google that I think answers my question. This is what I am reading right now:
 
The following verses are not conclusive (O.T. reference?) but give me a little hope about the subject:

Romans 2:12-16 (NKJV)
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
 
Thanks Jaerod. That is what I was reading on the other site as well. It seems that that verse can spin off the debate that those "without law" will be judged by what is in their heart. Reading through the commentary though, the ultimate answer seems to be that without Jesus you are condemned, even if you have not heard the gospel. That comes from the fact that we are already condemned at birth. That is a hard message to pass on, but I would rather pass on the truth rather than a sugar-coated lie.
 
The following verses are not conclusive (O.T. reference?) but give me a little hope about the subject:

Romans 2:12-16 (NKJV)
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Wow! Jaerod! I read my Bible. I have read it through a few times,
but now is the time when God wanted me to really SEE these verses.

Thanks for sharing.

Isn't it amazing how God does the things He does.

I've read my Bible through, so I know I've read these verses before,
but it is just right now that I am really SEEING them,
and they truly are speaking to my heart.

Does that make any sense?

Thanks again Jaerod!

:groupray:
 
That comes from the fact that we are already condemned at birth.

I hold to the age of accountability & not that we are condemned at birth. It appears to me children are considered innocent. I think one must be able to reason & therefore believe the Gospel when it is heard. I do understand this is my reasoning & everyone else is welcome to their own.


Matthew 19:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

John 8:24 (NKJV)
24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
 
Not he only time

This is not the only day of salvation.
During the "White Throne Judgement" those who never had a chance will have their chance.
Not to worry.
 
This is not the only day of salvation.
During the "White Throne Judgement" those who never had a chance will have their chance.
Not to worry.

And those that did have a chance will not? Seems kinda unfair, since those people would know 100% the gospel was true and God was real. In that case all but the most rebellious would be saved.
 
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