What does the Bible teach about the fate of those who die without having heard the gospel of Jesus Christ? Read the discussion.These scenarios were used for small-group classroom discussions. They were written to provoke reflection, not to promote a particular point of view.
Don Richardson's Eternity in Their Hearts provides material for reflection on these scenarios.
Marty has lived in Turkey all his life. He has grown up in the Muslim faith. Marty has lived a decent, moral life. Because Jesus is mentioned in the Qur'an, Marty has at least heard of Him. Like other Muslims, however, Marty does not believe that Jesus is divine. One day Marty dies unexpectedly.
Is there a chance Marty might have a saving relationship with God even though he has not explicitly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior? Why or why not?
Tommy is a religious leader in an isolated community that has had virtually no contact with the wider world. Tommy and his people worship a supreme deity whom they regard as creator and lord. They also believe in spirits that interact with them daily. They have a moral code and attempt to follow it. Some of their beliefs about this deity resemble what the Bible reveals about God, but they know nothing about Jesus.
Could it be said that Tommy and his people know God? Or are they condemned to hell because no one has told them about Jesus? Why or why not?
Carl lived during the Crusades in the 1200s. He had proclaimed his faith in Jesus and had said that Jesus was the Lord of his life. Carl participated in a crusade in which he and his fellow soldiers killed Muslims, believing they were acting in obedience to their Christian faith.
Did Carl really know God? Why or why not?
Atheist Amy grew up in a family that does not believe in God. Amy's parents have made sure that their views were passed on to her. Amy has lived a good life. Amy sometimes wonders how she differs from her Christian friends, since her conduct is much like theirs and sometimes better. She thinks Jesus may have been a prophet, although she cannot accept the Christian belief that He is divine. Amy and her family try to follow many of Jesus' teachings.
Could it be said that Amy knows God since she knows about Jesus and even follows His moral teachings? Why or why not?
What does the Bible teach about the fate of those who die without having heard the gospel of Jesus Christ? Read the discussion.
