Faith & Culture
What about people who have never heard of Jesus?
Short answer
Scripture assures us that God is perfectly just and will judge people fairly according to the light they have received. God reveals himself through creation and conscience, and he seeks people. Our responsibility is to respond to the light we have and to share it with others.
In simple words: God is fair and loves everyone everywhere. He wants us to tell others about Jesus too!
Response
This question often comes from a good place: concern for fairness and for people far away.
Scripture gives us some solid ground. God is perfectly just; Abraham asked, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25). God reveals himself to all people through creation (Romans 1:20) and through conscience (Romans 2:14-16), and he judges people according to what they know.
The Bible also shows that God actively seeks people. In Acts 10, God guides Cornelius, a Roman soldier who was seeking him, to hear the message. Throughout church history and today, there are many accounts of people who sought God and were led to the gospel.
Christians hold a range of views on the details, and humility is appropriate. But two things are clear. First, we can trust God's character. Second, the question gives every Christian a reason to share the good news, which is exactly why Jesus sent his followers to all nations.
It is also worth gently noting that the person asking has heard. The most important question for them is how they will respond.
Key evidence
- Scripture teaches that people are accountable according to the light they have received (Luke 12:47-48).
- God reveals himself universally through creation and conscience.
- Acts 10 shows God guiding a seeker to the gospel.
Bible passages
- Genesis 18:25 Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?
- Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-16 Revelation through creation and conscience.
- Acts 10:1-48 Cornelius seeks God and hears the gospel.
- Acts 17:26-27 God placed people so they would seek him.
- Matthew 28:18-20 Go and make disciples of all nations.
Discussion questions
- What do we know for certain about God's character that helps with this question?
- How does this question motivate missions and evangelism?
- Why is it important to turn the question back to the person's own response, gently?