What does God have in mind for those who have never believed in Christ
or understood any of God's truth? How does the Creator provide for them
in His plan?
The Bible makes abundantly clear in Acts 4:12 that "there is no
other name under heaven" than that of Jesus Christ by which human
beings can be saved.
This particular passage raises troubling questions for anyone who believes
that God is desperately trying to save the whole world in this age.
If this is the only time for salvation, we must conclude that Christ's
mission to save humanity has largely failed. After all, billions of
people have lived and died without once hearing the name of Jesus Christ.
Thousands die every day never having heard of Christ.
In spite of the missionary zeal of so many over the centuries, far
more human souls have been "lost" than "saved." If
God is truly all powerful, why have so many not even heard the gospel
of salvation? The traditional portrayal of conflict between God and
Satan over mankind leaves God on the losing side of the struggle.
What is the fate of these people? What does God have in mind for those
who have never believed in Christ or understood any of God's truth?
How does the Creator provide for them in His plan? Are they lost forever
without any hope of salvation?
We should not doubt God's saving power! Let's examine some common assumptions
and come to an understanding of our Creator's marvelous solution.
Resolving the dilemma
Paul tells us that God "desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Peter adds that
God is "not willing that any should perish but that all should
come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). This is God's overriding goal
in dealing with mankind: He desires as many as possible to repent, come
to the knowledge of the truth and receive His gift of salvation!
