DIALOGUES ON GOD AND THE UNIVERSE
What About Those
Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?Carl: So have you given any thought to my question, Lucy?
Lucy: It's been a wild week, Carl, but I've given it some thought. What do you think about it?
Carl: Well, it seems to me that if some people have never heard the Gospel, then God would be unjust in condemning anyone who never had a chance to accept it and receive forgiveness.
Lucy: First of all, that doesn't apply to you, does it?
Carl: I suppose not.
Lucy: Then I'm very happy to hear that you are concerned about others and want to help spread the Good News of the complete and total forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life in the new heaven and new earth that God will prepare for those who love Him and where
"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Carl: Some thought? Have you had any sleep this week, Lucy?
Lucy: Well, do you want to reach out to those who have never heard or are you simply looking for excuses to ignore God and the reality of sin in us all?
Carl: Is it too late to change the subject?
Lucy: I'll have another cup of coffee.
Carl: I'll take that as a no.
Lucy: Good call.
Carl: In that case, while I have to confess that I don't want to become a missionary, you still have some 'splainin' to do, Lucy. What about a caveman living with his mates on a remote tropical island? He can't possibly know about God let alone the teachings of Jesus.
Lucy: Don't be so sure, Carl. Your caveman isn't nearly as ignorant as you presume him to be. In fact, it should be fairly obvious to him that the world had a Creator, that something is wrong with the world and that he's partially to blame.
As he watches his fire die, don't you think it occurs to him that the "Big Fire in Sky" will someday die as well? He doesn't need to know the Second Law of Thermodynamics to figure this out. It's a small step to knowing the the universe has not always existed but needed a Creator. As the Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1).
Do you think that he has a perfectly loving relationship with his mates? Don't you think he has been hurt by them sometime in his life and felt that they deserved punishment for what they did to him? While the heavens declare the glory of God, virtually all ethical systems declare the Golden Rule which every one of us has broken. Do you think your caveman is any different?
Carl: You really didn't get any sleep this week, did you?
Lucy: It isn't rocket science, Carl. Assuming that your caveman can put two and two together, it should be obvious that he should thank God for his tropical island, his coconut trees and fresh seafood while seeking forgiveness from his friends and Creator for all that he has done to wrong them.
Carl: But you haven't answered my question. He still has never heard the name of Jesus.
Lucy: Neither did Abraham, Isaac or Jacob, yet they all came to salvation based upon their trust in God and His promise of a Messiah.
"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
So how would you seek Him if you were that caveman, Carl?
Carl: Prayer?
Lucy: I couldn't think of a better start. Many who did not know Him have had their prayers answered, others have been led by His Spirit, while still others have received direct visions of Jesus. Seek and you will find. Hide in your cave and you probably won't. Just keep in mind that caves take many forms: pride, prejudice, and peer-pressure are just a few.
Carl: You forgot personal pleasure.
Lucy: If that's all you seek in life, then I'll give it to you. But if you seek it for others ...
Carl: Perfect point, Lucy. And thanks for the coffee today.
Lucy: My pleasure.
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