This is a fair question and one that can be very personal for some of us who have known folks that have not heard. The Bible is very clear about the way people receive eternal life from God:
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved." (Act 4:12 CSB)
Jesus is the only way to God. The Bible does not specifically address how God will deal with people who through no fault of their own never hear about Jesus. Since it is very clear in scripture that Jesus is the only way, we know that God will not provide a “different” way for people who don’t hear. So what are we left with? The Bible does tell us some things that we can take comfort in, even though it does not give us the specific answers we are looking for. As I looked into this for myself, these gave comfort to me:
It is God’s desire that no one miss out on the gift that Jesus offers. In other words, God did not set up a “secret system” with the hope that only a few lucky ones would catch on:
The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9 CSB)
God is truly just. He will always do the absolutely right thing. After all is said and done, no one will look at the way God handled things and say “I got screwed”.
The Rock-- His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true. (Deuteronomy 32:4 CSB)
God is loving. Everything He does is motivated by His love (and all His other attributes).
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:8 CSB)
God is merciful and compassionate
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love. (Psalm 103:8 CSB)
God has promised that those who want to find Him will do so
So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9 CSB)
God has a bigger view than we do. He has placed everyone in the time and place they live that gives them the best chance to find Him and know Him.
From one man He has made every nation of men to live all over the earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live, so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. (Act 17:26-27 CSB)
So while God does not give us all the details, He tells us enough about Himself so that we can trust Him with those details. This has been a great comfort to me. I hope this gives you some things to take to God in conversation. If I can help you in any other way or if I failed to answer these clearly, please let me know. Thanks so much for your honesty and openness and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use you, Mick and Chance in amazing ways!
Love in Christ
Buck
The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. (2 Timothy 2:24-25 HCSB)
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