Quote:
Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson
So are you convinced that this guy, in his entire life on earth, never ONCE was invited to a church, some church that at the bare minimum taught that Jesus is Lord, never ONCE had a thought about letting Jesus into His life, never once heard the song, "Amazing Grace" and never ONCE thought about how that song could possibly minister to his broken life?
As sad as this story reads, if he lived in America, he had a chance for salvation.
God is just, whether this sould ends up in Heaven or hell. I just have a hard time believing that this guy NEVER had a chance.
Though his circumstances were beyond unfortunate, I am prone to believe that he had a chance, probably more than one-- but spurned the opportunities, choosing to carry his own burdens.
As for the sister and anyone else, as long as they are still living, there is still a chance for salvation.
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JD,
Maybe, you assume that because he may have heard a gospel message at sometime in his life that he had a reasonable and responsible opportunity to respond to the gospel.
I would suggest that due to his experience he more than likely would not have been able to comprehend the Good News. His father and mother died early in his life, to an infant that can be the same as abandonment. Those responsible for his wellbeing and care then abused him. What kind of context is this for someone to understand that there is a unseen benevolent father that loves him?
It is not possible that ALL humans have a fair opportunity to receive the gospel in this life. I will go so far to say that is not God's plan that all will hear and understand the gospel in this life. Therefore, it is clear that He does not stop reaching for "the lost sheep" when this life ends. Why would God create the billions of humans since creation and then abandon the greatest portion of them? If it was that we have hope in this life only, God would have established a better context for ALL to hear and to receive.
I would suggest reading "Hope Beyond Hell" "The righteousness of God's judgment" by Gerry Beauchemin. You can read it online.
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf