Radorth

There is more justification than not, although the Bible does not say one way or the other in plain language- a fact which speaks of it's wisdom rather than it's ambiguity. (God SHOULD be ambiguous on certain subjects or we would be worse off). In any case, Christians are bound to think about this issue and answer it. Not everyone gets to hear the Gospel as Jesus preached it, although some atheists aren't exactly seeking the truth either- and some even intentionally warp it. Hypocrites and hypercites will end up in the same hell, I have no doubt.

True in most cases in countries where one has freedom to hear the Gospel. The question is what happens to people like young soldiers and people who never got a chance to hear the Gospel or read the Bible.

The interesting thing here is that I have (for a long time) offered a most liberal interpretation, and answered all the questions plainly, and do we have any takers? Do we have agnostics and atheists PMing me to find out which scriptures I am relying on? Do they answer the question about what will change if it all turns out to be true?

Except for a tiny minority of people in the last three years, the answer is no. This suggests that very few are seeking truth, but more likely come to atheists websites looking for excuses and encouragement to disbelieve.

Rad

Magus55

Yup, and thats not just my opinion. Thats what God said in plain english ( well, plain Aramaic/Hebrew )

Flynn McKerrow

I've never understood this. If Christians really believed this, and they were truly interested in saving people from damnation, what exactly, was the purpose of missionaries?

What is the purpose of "spreading the good news"?

Don't you think keeping people ignorant of the Gospels might give them a better chance of avoiding eternal torment?

Radorth

No because the Gospel is good news for this life. I talked about the missionary issue above as well.

Rad

OpenSeeker

That would fall in the group of those who receive little physical evidence of God's existence. I believe God would compensate that lack by providing spiritual evidence. I'm not saying they will magically know the Gospel. I definitely believe that people can be saved without ever having heard the word "Jesus" in any language. A heart willing to submit to God will not be judged on its own, but by Christ's death. Thus they receive salvation through Christ's gift, though they may know it.

Bree

If all you have to do is ask Christ to be your Lord and Saviour, then are the people who commit horrid crimes (but who have accepted Christ into their life) True Christians™?

Radorth

Well said.

You mean like the thief next to Jesus, who called him "Lord"?

Like "both the bad and the good" Jesus' servants went out and found to come to his supper because "those who were invited" failed to show up? (Mt 22)

Yep, he pretty much takes what he can find, wherever he can find them and clothes them in the "wedding garment" of his own righteousness. (Nobody gets in without one on anyway, however "good" they think they are). He's "not willing that any should perish," as you may recall- anyone "willing to do his will" for whatever reason.

Rad