Topic > The debate over the fate of the unevangelized - 2184

The debate over the fate of the unevangelized is an issue that both Calvinists and Arminians continue to study. They attempt to answer questions similar to, “what about those who have never heard the gospel?” “Will they be judged simply for living in some distant place where no missionaries have been?” “And what about people who lived before the time of Christ?” These questions are based on Christianity's unique claim that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. There are four points of view that have attempted to answer these questions. There is the restrictive view, the universal opportunity view, the postmortem evangelism view, and the inclusivist view. Each position offers a biblical argument, however not all opinions may be correct. In an attempt to answer the question, this paper will look at each position and explain the reason for the four views; universal expediency makes the most theological sense and is in no way in conflict with the great commission. Universal Opportunity believes its vision is based on two realities. “First of all, the Bible teaches that God is omnipotent. He can do whatever he wants. He uses humans when it pleases him. But he doesn't need it to get the job done. Second, the Bible teaches that God wants all to be saved. He takes no pleasure in the destruction of any soul, however wicked (Ezekiel 18:232; 33:11).” This vision teaches that God will ensure that all the unevangelized who seek Him are presented with the Gospel of Christ so that they can make a decision before they die. The universal opportunity view embraces the doctrine that no person is hopelessly condemned without the opportunity to be saved, yet these people are not saved until they hear and believe the Gospel of Christ. In the New Testaments we find...... middle of paper...... biblical support is also missing. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” John 5:24 says, “Truly I say to you, everyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged, but has passed from death to life.” There are many other scriptures that clearly explain that salvation comes only through Jesus. The believer is asked to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ. All four positions offer a biblical case, but not all interpretations may be correct. Universal expediency makes the most theological sense and is in no way in conflict with the great commission. Universal Opportunity not only holds that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life (John 14:6), but also holds that the unevangelized must have knowledge of Christ.