Questions and Answers | Those Who Haven't Heard
I'm concerned about those who have never heard the gospel. How can God judge them for not believing in Jesus?
It would be hard to find anyone today who does not have access to the good news of Jesus through the internet, radio, or other media. Of course, there may be some remote people groups who have not heard, but even they have sufficient revelation from God.
Paul reminds us that God has revealed Himself through creation. He writes, “God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20).
Paul is saying that there is enough general revelation to lead people to know there is a Creator and to seek Him. Therefore, general revelation is sufficient for God to condemn people who don’t respond to it. However, it is also insufficient to save them. Even though God has revealed Himself through creation, they too often reject that revelation. They are lost not because they haven’t heard the gospel but because they have rejected what God revealed.
So what is our responsibility? Paul tells us we are to proclaim the good news to all, even those who have never heard. He asks, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” (Rom. 10:14–15).
It is our responsibility to go ourselves and to help send others through financial and prayer support. We shouldn’t ask what will God do for those who haven’t heard, but what am I doing to get the good news to them?
BY Dr. Michael Rydelnik
Dr. Michael Rydelnik is a professor of Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute and the host of Moody Radio’s Open Line with Michael Rydelnik. He is the author of 50 Most Important Bible Questions inspired by both his radio show and his columns for Today in the Word. Michael served on the translation team of the Holman CSB Bible and contributed to several other books and study Bibles. Michael also appeared in the Lee Stroebel video The Case for Christ. Michael and his wife, Eva, have two adult sons. The Rydelniks live in Chicago, Ill.