[Herod The Swiss]

In the Christian view of salvation, what would happen to someone brought-up in a 'bubble', say on an island, if they had never been made aware of the gospel?

The assumption here is that no knowledge of any deity would have been imparted.

How do Christians view those totally devoid of gospel knowledge?

[Ezekel]

There are many divergent answers to this question, the main one is that God is Just so however He chooses to deal with those who have never heard the Gospel will be Just.

What is known for sure is that all Christians are called to share the Gospel and that we are to take it to every nation and tribe on the earth.

[kmoney]

Originally Posted by Herod The Swiss

In the Christian view of salvation, what would happen to someone brought-up in a 'bubble', say on an island, if they had never been made aware of the gospel?

The assumption here is that no knowledge of any deity would have been imparted.

How do Christians view those totally devoid of gospel knowledge?

I believe God will judge according to the light someone has been given. So I don't think there is any problem with saying someone like that could be saved.

That islander would probably come up with their own religion given enough time.

[SovereigntyIsGods]

Islanders can be saved by grace just as we are. Abraham was saved, even though he didn't know Jesus' name. Micah had a deep understanding of atonement even though no preacher ever taught him.

Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the Lord
because I have sinned against him,
until he pleads my cause
and executes judgment for me.
He will bring me out to the light;
I shall look upon his vindication.

[Bradley D]

All human beings have a conscience no matter where they are.

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (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, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares" (Romans 2:13-16).

So even though they may never heard of Jesus Christ or God the Father they are still responsible to live rightly according to their God given conscience. In the end if they have live according to their conscience Paul says that on Judgement Day God will take this into account.

[Stripe]

Originally Posted by Herod The Swiss

In the Christian view of salvation, what would happen to someone brought-up in a 'bubble', say on an island, if they had never been made aware of the gospel?

You mean like half the planet is?

[Herod The Swiss]

Nice answers boys. Nice answers. So now, let me ask, what is the difference between someone living in that bubble and perhaps being saved by grace, as compared to someone living the SAME quality of life moralistically, but choosing not to pay any regard to the bible and its message when it might be within easy reach during their lives?

[Nick M]

Originally Posted by Herod The Swiss

someone living the SAME quality of life moralistically, but choosing not to pay any regard to the bible and its message when it might be within easy reach during their lives?

The wages of sin is death. Nobody is moral in the way you mean it, the law proves it. If they choose (correct word on your part) to ignore what God says in his Bible, they will die in their sins.

[Herod The Swiss]

Originally Posted by Nick M

The wages of sin is death. Nobody is moral in the way you mean it, the law proves it. If they choose (correct word on your part) to ignore what God says in his Bible, they will die in their sins.

But the law is some seriously mashed up mess. It's not even a patch on the moral structures humankind has put in place through secularism and that good old spirit of humanity. In no way at all can it be said that the morality of the bible is superior to the systems we have implemented to protect each other.

Back to the original point...how can there be sin without something (i.e., the bible) to show what sin is? It only exists because people believe the bible.

[Herod The Swiss]

Originally Posted by kmoney

That islander would probably come up with their own religion given enough time.

Isn't that extremely undermining to your belief system?

[Herod The Swiss]

Originally Posted by Stripe

You mean like half the planet is?

If so, then how do you see their futures on that fateful day when your vengeful, jealous god comes back?

[CabinetMaker]

Originally Posted by Herod The Swiss

Nice answers boys. Nice answers. So now, let me ask, what is the difference between someone living in that bubble and perhaps being saved by grace, as compared to someone living the SAME quality of life moralistically, but choosing not to pay any regard to the bible and its message when it might be within easy reach during their lives?

You are not judged based on your sins, you are judged based on what you do with the Gospel once you have heard it. If you have never ever ever heard the Gospel, well, the Bible is silent on souls such as that so all I can do is trust to God's perfect justice. On the other hand, for people have heard the Gospel and rejected Jesus as their savior, how "moral" a life the lead is meaningless.

The OT Law was based on perfect behavior and NO person could attain the level of perfection required under the law, thus or need for a savior, one who would free us from judgment under the law. Jesus offeres you freedom from judgment under the law, that is what the Gospel is about. If you refuse to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, well, you have rejected God.

[Herod The Swiss]

Originally Posted by CabinetMaker

On the other hand, for people have heard the Gospel and rejected Jesus as their savior, how "moral" a life the[y] lead is meaningless.

It wouldn't be meaningless to the rest of society, which highlights the evil of your philosophy. Which benefits humanity more, a moral life or a belief in Jesus as saviour?

[CabinetMaker]

Originally Posted by Herod The Swiss

It wouldn't be meaningless to the rest of society, which highlights the evil of your philosophy. Which benefits humanity more, a moral life of a belief in Jesus as saviour?

Belief in Jesus as savior. A truly moral life cannot be lived without that faith.

[Herod The Swiss]

You are close to insane. Seriously. If I was a doctor, I'd prescribe you some strong drugs. Such drivel. I am pained to read how crippled you are that you can't perform good deeds without resorting to a made up story. Wait, I'm actually feeling PHYSICALLY SICK.