GOD as JUDGE part 1
What about people who never hear about Jesus, will God judge them? How could a good and loving God condemn to hell someone who’s never heard of Jesus?
Most times, this is usually asked after they hear that salvation can only be attained through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
This is an incredible declaration! And I don’t mind saying that when I initially read this, one can not help but wonder about loopholes, I mean other ways to escape eternal damnation, that is, God’s final judgment for SIN.
The usual arguments normally use as example a people group like the unreached natives of the Amazon Basin who had never even heard of Jesus Christ or even held a Bible, at that matter. Is it FAIR for God to condemn them?
Let us get the issue of fairness cleared up, first. Human judges may not be as perfect but this can not be said of the Lord God as Judge.
Let us define the role of a Judge. According to the Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association, the judge is the “trier of fact,” deciding whether the evidence is credible and which witnesses are telling the truth. [www.cscja.ca/the-judges-role/]
Unlike earthly judges though, God does not need the testimonies of witnesses to determine guilt or innocence. God is omniscient! He sees and knows all things including what is in every person’s heart.
“The Rock, His work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14).
So, when the Lord sends anyone to eternal damnation, it is only because He (as the ultimate Judge) had judged justly.
In our next post, we will continue to answer the main question.
Johann Quisumbing 