Spotlight on the Narrow Path

Written by Scott Pruett

Is it possible that God will judge those who have never heard the gospel in terms of the light that they have received from general revelation, and that some may then be saved? This is a common and emotionally difficult question posed by believers and skeptics alike. It is especially troubling because it can be seen to impugn the justice of God. A detailed answer to this question ultimately depends on your soteriological perspective, that is, the role of God's sovereignty and man's will in how we ultimately come to faith. I will try to make a brief case here for the classical Christian "exclusivist" view without taking sides, or engaging in radical speculation.

Here is the basis of the concern. It is clear from scripture that not all people will be saved (Mt 7:14; Mt 7:23; Mt 22:14; Lu 13:23). It is also clear that Jesus is the only way to God (Joh 10:9,14:6; Acts 4:12). And it is also clear that those who reject Jesus are lost (Mt 10:33; Lu 12:9; Joh 3:18).

The question here is concerning those who never have the opportunity to hear of Jesus and either accept or reject the Gospel. This presumes that there are those who are genuinely seeking God in the proper sense. But scripture says that we all have an inherent knowledge of God and morality (Ro 1:19; Ro 2:14), but suppress that truth in unrighteousness (Ro 1:18). And that there is none who are righteous and seek God (Ro 3:10). We are all dead in our sin (Ro 6:11; Eph 2:1,5; Col 2:13), and we do not even respond to the light granted to all men. Indeed, if not for the intervention of God none would be saved (Joh 6:44,65). Those who are truly seeking do so by inspiration of the Spirit, and these Christ will not turn away (Joh 6:37). God has His means of bringing people to the knowledge of the truth and the testimony of Christ in miraculous ways (Acts 8:26; Acts 10:1). Whether it be according to the counsel of His own sovereign will, as the Calvinists understand it, or according to the cooperative response of the individual, as the Arminians believe, those who have "ears to hear" will ultimately be brought to a saving knowledge of their redeemer (Joh 10:3). For some modern examples of the ways in which God prepares and reaches men with the Gospel message, read "Eternity in Their Hearts" by Don Richardson.

Being "saved" is not about being good, or simply being religious, or just believing in God (in some abstract sense). It is about believing in the true nature of God and man. It is about understanding the Holiness and requirements of God, and man's sinful condition (Ro 3:23). It is about repenting of your sins, and accepting the righteousness and atonement that God has provided in Christ. Any who are trying to be saved short of the understanding of this fundamental principle are demanding another path of salvation.

Many who suggest this inclusive way are willing to admit "sincere" followers of other religions. But the way of Muhammad, Buddha, or Joseph Smith are not the results of "light" given by God (Joh 10:8; Ga 1:8). God does not contradict Himself, and all other religions teach paths of salvation that are in direct opposition to the way of Christ (Joh 10:1). If someone is earnestly following these religions and counting on their systems to obtain righteousness before God, then they are not even qualifying according to some vague, general spirit of the Gospel. Any other way of salvation devoid of the cross is ultimately a works based salvation, which is soundly rejected in scripture (Ro 3:27,4:6; Ga 2:16; Eph 2:9; 2Ti 1:9). If there is another way, then Jesus suffered needlessly. In fact, if there is another way apart from Jesus, then might we not condemn some by sharing this Jesus whom they may subsequently reject?

The verses that seem to reference judgments according to the light we receive must be understood in the context of the state of our salvation. That is, those who are redeemed will be rewarded according to their faithfulness, and those who perish will suffer in degrees according to their deeds (Lu 12:47,48; Mt 6:4; Lu 6:35; 1Co 3:8,14,15).

This is a difficult issue, and tempts many to compromise their theology and devalue the work of Jesus. It should instead inspire us to fulfill the Great Commission—which He commended to us (Mt 28:19)—with the same urgency and passion that Paul displayed.

"For the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for 'WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.' How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?"
- Romans 10:12-14

In the end, we must take our comfort in the knowledge that God is a righteous judge (Ge 18:25; Ps 67:4, 96:13), and will deal rightly with each person according to His omniscient justice and perfect plan.

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