Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 5:28 "Do not be surprised at this; for a time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice, |
Bible Question:
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." Many say Moses' Law will be used to judge those who died without hearing the Gospel. But Moses' Law was given only to Israelis. Even their contemporaries or enemies such as Canaanites, Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, and Hittites never heard of the Law. So, it seems very unfair to judge them by the Law. My question is by what "fair" standards those who died without hearing Moses' Law before or after Jesus came to earth to preach the Gospel will be judged for their having done good or evil? |
Bible Answer: Although some on this forum act as though this is a simple question with an obvious answer, it is not, this question has been debated down through the ages by Bible scholars, theologians, students and yes even common man. The early church fathers debated this question as do we today. A simple Google search will support the fact that this is a greatly debated question. I have read many authors that discuss this exact question and while many offer varying opinions I find the wisest tend to step back and admit that scripture is not totally clear on this. They come to this conclusion in light of such scriptures as; Luke 12:47–48 (NASB95) 47 “And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, 48 but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, ... along with Matthew 11:20-24 (NASB) 20 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 "Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 "And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. 24 "Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you." and 2 Peter 2:20-22 (NASB) 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire." All of which seem to suggest varying degrees of punishment. We then can take this discussion to the next step and ask what happens to the baby that dies at child birth. Again a discussion that has raged through the centuries. I say all of this to say I strongly object when someone takes my answer where I tried my very best to stay theologically neutral and have them turn that answer around to say I don’t understand scripture. Or that I have unscriptural beliefs that block my ability to see “their” truth. That comment is spoken from ONE theological position and since the guidelines of this forum forbid such abuse I object. As to the question at hand I stand by my statements but add. The best answer I have heard is, "this is God's problem, God's ways are not man's way. And since you have heard of Jesus you are without excuse, so concern yourself with your own spiritual well being, preach Jesus to everyone you meet, and let God take care of the rest." |