Wow. What a tumultuous response.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelson  My question is: Since God is a loving God and desires all to go to heaven with him if possible, then what happens to the people who were not Jews before Christianity and those who were unable to hear of Christianity before they were discovered (such as Native Americans). Please back up your answer with proof (from any source scriptural or othwerwise). |
I've heard the question several times. And while I'm too lazy to actually dig out anything to back it up, there seem to be two prominent theories among believers:
1) Too bad. This is the reason for the missionary movements today, but was also the fundamental drive behind the European colonnial movement, undergirded by Manifest Destiny: it is the Christian responsibility to spread the Good Word, or they won't have the chance to be saved.
2) Before ascending to heaven, Christ visits the dead (and, presumably, those who die later) and offers them the chance for salvation. Same deal as everyone else: accept and be saved, reject and be damned.