Will They Really Go To Hell?

by Chris Case, Local Leader GNNOahu

“Will people who may have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ go to hell just because they never got the chance to hear?"

This is really not a difficult question when we look at the clear teachings of Scripture. Let’s start with a foundation for our understanding of God. God is not obligated to save anyone. He owes mankind nothing. With that understanding we can look at two clear scriptures for our answer. First, let’s try to understand the biblical definition of sin. Sin is “transgression of God’s Law.” (1 John 3:4) Sin is not failing to hear the gospel. All people of all parts of the world are on their way to Hell for breaking God’s law, not for missing out on hearing the name of Jesus. Now let’s dig a bit deeper. Romans 1:20 says “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” This means that any man can look around and see creation, which will testify to a creator. Now, Romans 2:15 says “Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.” This verse is clear that God has given us all a conscience that bears witness and accuses us when we transgress God’s law written on our hearts. If failing to hear the gospel grants permission into heaven, then we should stop witnessing so more people will be saved. This makes no sense with the words of Jesus in Mark 16:15. So no one will be in Hell for failing to hear the gospel, instead they will be in Hell for breaking God’s law. This question usually comes up a lot with unbelievers. An unbeliever will use “those who have never heard” as an excuse to reject the Bible and God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. Tell an unbeliever who argues this that if he is concerned about those who haven’t heard the gospel to repent, put his trust in Jesus, become a missionary and preach the gospel. Usually, they will divert to other questions to make an excuse for themselves to continue in sin.