Question: Can you explain what the Bible says about all those who have died not knowing Christ? Do they get a chance? What about those who may have been told about Jesus who just didn’t get it or understand it for whatever reason? Since becoming a Christian, I have eagerly waited to be re-united with loved ones who have died hoping they would accept Christ at that time. Frankly, the thought of people being tormented forever in hell just seems contrary to what I know about our loving Father.

Joe

Answer: Dear Joe,

This is an issue which is a non-essential. The historic, orthodox Christian faith does not make this a core doctrine or teaching. What exactly hell is, what it consists of, who is saved – when, where and why are not central.

Some would not agree with me – for to them this issue is critical. But history does not support them. What history does show is that those who particularly make an issue of hell have generally done so during a time of evangelism for their part of the body of Christ – and in all sincerity they have felt, and some continue to feel, that fear of hell is appropriate to evangelism – i.e. "scare people into heaven". But, at best, this is a technique of evangelism and missionary outreach – not a doctrinal core truth of the Bible.

For those who believe in a literal, everburning hell – they would discount all other views of the afterlife as being "universalism" – as the belief that God will save everyone regardless.

Plain Truth Ministries believes that God will and has made righteous provision for all – and that for his own good reasons he has not revealed all of the specifics of this part of his plan to us. We simply do not know how. We believe that God will give everyone "a chance" – but we do not dogmatically or categorically state exactly how he does that – or will do that.

We recommend a book titled, Four Views of Hell – published by Zondervan – to help with biblical background – helping us to see that there are different biblical views that one might take on this issue. We do have a number of other questions and answers on this topic posted on our website (see heaven/hell).

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht