So do you really think he would punish an atheist, who never knew Jesus, through no fault of their own? This is a very good question, and one that usually comes up in most conversations about Christ and Salvation.
There are Biblical foundations that must be stated in answer to your question:
The Bible says that we are to spread the Good News (the "Great Commission").
Matthew 28:16-20
1. The only was to be forgiven for our sins and to escape Hell itself is through Christ - John 14:6. When people say they are "saved", what do they mean? Saved from?? Hell. Before I accepted Christ, melted my will to Him, and acknowledged who He is, I knew I was going to Hell. Not long after my conversion, I knew I was going to His Kingdom. (1 John 5:13)
2. From what the Scriptures say, I believe that every person has an opportunity to repent and to come to faith. We are in the "Church Age" - meaning the door is wide open through Jesus Christ. What did the righteous and the heroes of the Old Testament do? Is Isaiah in Hell because Christ had not been born yet? Of course not - Noah and his family were saved by FAITH (Ephesians 2:8), and that is what saves us today, faith in Christ alone, and His Grace is sufficient.
3. You need to read Romans chapter 1 and chapter 2 in their entirety. It is perhaps the greatest statement on doctrine and philosophy ever written. "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse..." (Romans 1:19–20). Therefore, we know that even gazing out at the sun rise today and seeing a small bird testifies to the Glory of God, and His Creation. Mankind rejects God, every second of every day, despite God making it plain to them. The Law of God is written in the heart of every human being, from the tribe on the Pacific island to the man who is a hardened atheist on Long Island and passes by 14 churches each day on his way to work. "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." Romans 2:15
So, we battle Satan and demonic forces that deceive us, and we battle God, but still He holds open the door. I do not believe anyone will be condemned for not hearing about Christ, but they will be condemned for violating the Law and the standard that God imprinted on every human heart. God does not want anyone to perish, but He desires all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). So when it says in Romans 2:16 that "God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel" we know that God will give every person a fair hearing, but we never use the excuse that people who never heard of Jesus have a free pass.
That is what the pope told atheists - they have a free pass and they can follow their own conscious.
His statement (and it wasn't "twisted" or "out of context") was the most irresponsible thing I have ever heard a Christian leader say.
Wait second, Sky-Pilot. I have always classified you as a "friendly and reasonable" so I hope you realize that Pope Francis' words
were taken out of context.
"There is the premise, and this is fundamental, that the mercy of God is limitless for those who turn to him with a sincere and contrite heart..." |
You can read some enlightening stuff here from Jeff Miller and Jimmy Akin, both former atheists who are now Catholics. They analyze what Pope Francis said about the conscience of atheists: http://www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/2013/09/the-pope-said-what/
"Turn to Him with a sincere and contrite heart" is the sort of thing usually doesn't make it through the secular media's filter. NO fault of yours: but you and I have to remind ourselves to read MSM accounts with a huge grain of salt.
Peace -- and take care.
SkyPilot says: “The Bible says that we are to spread the Good News (the “Great Commission”).
Pope Francis says: “We need to proclaim the Gospel on every street corner,” the pope says’
snip http://americamagazine.org/pope-interview
What’s this? Do you and Pope Francis have an area of agreement? :)
I bet you will find mega areas of agreements, but you won’t find them through LMSM.