The Bible teaches that all people are accountable to God, whether or not they have heard the gospel. This is because God has revealed Himself through creation and conscience. No one is without excuse.
Paul writes:
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
Even those who have never heard the name of Jesus have rejected the knowledge of God that has been made known to them through general revelation. They suppress the truth in unrighteousness:
“Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
God has written His law on every heart:
“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.” (Romans 2:15)
No one can be saved apart from Christ. The gospel is the only message that brings salvation. Paul says:
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
This is why the Great Commission is so urgent. Christ commanded:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
God is just and will judge each person righteously, but the consistent testimony of Scripture is that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no plan B:
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)
While God is not obligated to save anyone, He has provided salvation freely to all who will believe. Those who never hear the gospel remain lost, not because God is unjust, but because they are sinners who need a Savior. This truth should drive believers to share the gospel with urgency and compassion.
