Hi everyone. After seeing some Christians have this mindset, I just had to ask this here. You don't even have to be a Christian to reply (especially since everyone is welcome to reply in this forum, duh!), just as long as you stay on-topic.
Do you think people who don't believe in Christ -- under any circumstance -- will end up in Hell when they die?
Here's my answer: It really depends. Think about it. What about the Indians that lived here before Europeans arrived in America? Did they go to Hell, even though they never heard of Jesus? I say this because so many fanatics just want to stick with one verse from the Bible over anything else. The verse I speak of is this:
Spoiler: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
A lot of pastors would say that those Indians would be in Hell. Some time ago, I met someone who shrugged off the idea of salvation for those who haven't even heard of Jesus, and simple stuck with John 14:6 as proof.
As a Catholic, I find that way of thinking very disturbing, even if everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I once thought that way when the Melody Weaver passed away. I was sad. I didn't know how close her relationship with Jesus was, so I was worried that she ended up in Hell (she even admitted once that, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to read a Bible).
But then I read an interesting book (which led me to Catholicism), but that's another story. I'm just going to say that I believe now that people who don't know Jesus enough or even the ignoramuses who dare call themselves "Christians" have a chance at salvation.
Spoiler: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
God wants everyone to be saved, so why would He deny salvation for those who don't know Him? Those that deny Him, He will deny, perhaps. but wait, I won't stop with this verse.
Spoiler: (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) -Romans 2:14-15
Two verses written by Paul (filled with the Holy Spirit, written during a time people were starting to get a better understanding of the Gospel) versus a verse that Jesus Himself has stated, even though it was during a time where most people didn't understand what He was there to do. Tell me, what seems like a better choice?
Even if people like Atheists (most who were turned away because of the bad examples in Christianity or religion in general) did good things in life, they have a chance to be saved.
But I also wanna know your opinion. Do you believe that people who don't know Christ will be saved?
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