What About Ancestors Who Probably Never Heard the Gospel?

Given America’s deep spiritual roots, it’s not unusual for people—even those from non-Christian backgrounds—to have encountered the gospel at some point. But what if you come from a Buddhist, Muslim or Hindu heritage?

While you may have had the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus Christ, perhaps for the first time after coming to America, you might wonder about your relatives who lived and died within those non-Christian cultures. What is the destiny of their souls?

The Bible is clear: no one is “without exposure” to God’s witness. Both creation and conscience proclaim God’s existence and moral law, pointing to the need for a savior. And God promises to draw near to those who seek Him. Salvation has been universally offered through Jesus Christ. Rejecting the light God provides—whether through creation, conscience or the gospel itself—brings personal accountability.

I think of my own grandparents who lived in a remote corner of Malaysia. Back in the day, the villagers loved to get together in the evening to share stories. As a boy, I remember the locals laughing at a man who came to share the gospel. They mocked him for wanting to “talk Jesus.” That experience impresses on me that even in far-flung places, God makes Himself known, and people choose how to respond. Here is some clarity from Scripture.

Creation’s Testimony

·       Psalm 19:1-4  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.

·       Romans 1:19-20  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

Conscience’s testimony

·       Romans 2:14-15  For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

·       John 1:9 – Speaking of Christ: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Ultimately, salvation is not about exposure to religion, but about faith in Christ: He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1John 5:12)

Human nature often deflects the question of sin—pointing to religion, culture or philosophy—rather than facing the personal call to repentance. But God has made His Word simple: it doesn’t require advanced scholarship, only childlike faith.

The gospel message is straightforward:

·       Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

·       Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

·       Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

·       Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

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Richmond Shee