Bible Question:
I wonder about the sincerity of John 3:16. We are told that God loves the world (that is, the people of the world) so much that He has provided a way of salvation. But, in order to be saved you must believe the Gospel. My problem is simply this: millions of people have lived and died and never heard the Gospel. It was not possible for them to believe something they never heard. It seems that if God loves the people of this world so much, He would have the ability to see to it that everyone would have the opportunity to at least hear the Gospel. I wonder about John 3:16. Dan K. |
Bible Answer: Hi, Dan; God has made his existence and nature known to everyone: Romans 1:18-21 - The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. He reveals himself to those who seek him: Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. And he will not reject anyone who calls upon him for salvation: Joel 2:32 - everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (quoted by Peter in his Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 and by Paul in Romans 10) Thus God has opened a path to saving faith even to someone who has never heard the Gospel. The Old Testament faithful were in a similar situation: Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (39-40) These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. John 3:16 is reliable and trustworthy. Hope this is useful. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |