"... that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made..."
(Romans 1:19-20).
When people see the stars, moon, sky, mountains and oceans... When they see the earth's amazingly complex plant and animal life... God whispers into their minds. Ideas are "revealed in them, for God revealed it to them".
And what did God reveal? He revealed "that which is known of God". So, whatever is known of God, God reveals directly and internally, "in them". And God grants them the freedom to reject His words (Acts 7:51).
Spin a top and set it on a table. No matter how fast you spin it, it will not spin upright for 4.5 billion years. Wind and surface friction will slow it's rotation and it will fall. Yet, cartoon science tells us that the moon, even though it does travel against friction, has been circling the earth for 4.5 billion years. We are told that it has done this naturally, without the action of God to hold it into place (Colossians 1:17).
The moon travels at about 2300 miles per hour. A little faster and it would escape the earth's orbit and fly away. A little slower and it would be traveling too slowly to counter the earth's gravity and would fall to the earth.
But cartoon science tells us that the moon has maintained its orbit for 4.5 billion years, 1.6 trillion revolutions, without sufficient loss of speed because of friction to cause it to fall to the earth. Yes, as man sees what God has made, God whispers into man's mind. God begins with the words "I AM".
But that is just the beginning of His whisperings...
I will repeat the passage:
- "... that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made..." (Romans 1:19-20).
This is the word of God. Please pray with me.
My Prayer:
Lord of Heaven and Earth, open our hearts to understand Your word. I pray Father, that You will demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)... destroy doctrines of man which present You as evil, unjust and unloving. Replace those evil doctrines with truth that arises out of Your word. We ask these things for Your glory and Your glory alone... that Your name may be lifted higher and higher and higher. Amen
(Pause for prayer)
(Pause for prayer)
I will repeat the passage again:
- "... that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made..." (Romans 1:19-20).
This scripture is presented more often in explanations of general revelation than any other and will play a critical part in the presentation of scriptures below. The four terms; general revelation, natural revelation, special revelation and the law of conscience, each represent a theological point of view. While different theologians will differ somewhat in their definitions, the basic meanings of the four concepts as generally presented are as follows:
- General Revelation: Revelation through creation regarding God's attributes
- Natural Revelation: This is another name for general revelation.
- Special Revelation: Revelation from a prophet or from scripture
- Law of Conscience: Truth of scripture held in the conscience of those who do not have scripture.
Are these forms of revelation salvific? In other words, are they capable of bringing eternal life to those who receive them. On that issue, theologians often don't agree. Does it matter? Please prayerfully consider that issue with me for a moment.
What about those who receive general or natural revelation but do not receive special revelation?
I am talking about those who have never had contact with a preacher of the Gospel... those who have never had access to the Bible. The vast majority of those who lived prior to 1900 would fall into that category. Remember... special revelation is revelation from a prophet or scripture.
If only special revelation is salvific, and if the vast majority of people had no opportunity to hear it, did God sentence all of those people to eternal damnation?
If He did, would that mean that God is unjust... to hold so many responsible for information they did not possess and could not acquire... when God Himself possessed the power to make scripture available to them and did not make it available?
What if general revelation is not salvific, but is sufficient to motivate one to "seek" salvific revelation? Well, nothing has changed for those who were denied access to the scriptures. If only scripture has salvific revelation, what good is a general revelation which leads the listener to seek salvific revelation, when scripture is impossible to acquire?
Theologians have explained to me that general revelation comes through creation and reveals general but not specific truths. But, if one will read the text that is the basis for this view, Romans 1:20, and keep on reading through Romans 1:32, an amazing degree of specificity is presented in the scripture... as truth which is revealed directly from God, without scripture. So specific in fact, that it appears that God whispers very detailed ideas into the mind of man... so much so that man knows they deserve death (v 32) for envy, slander, disobedience to parents, immorality, etc. etc. etc.
The first two chapters of the book of Romans have much to say to those who will prayerfully consider those words. If you are not familiar with those chapters, I suggest that you read them prayerfully. If you do not pray through them, you will not understand them (subchapter 1.1). It is most critical to follow the flow of thought from sentence to sentence, topic to topic. Here is a brief outline:
Romans 1:1-14
Introduction to Paul's presentation of the Gospel of God. The phrase "Gospel of God" appears in the very first verse of chapter 1.
Romans 1:15-17
In three sentences, Paul mentions the gospel three times to bring the listener's focus to THE GOSPEL as the power of God for salvation... salvation which arises through righteousness... righteousness which comes from faith.
Romans 1:18-20
God's is wrathful against that which suppresses the truth of the Gospel (v 18) because God has revealed the Gospel within those who suppress the truth of the Gospel (v 19). God has revealed the Gospel within them through His creation in sufficient detail so that those who suppress the Gospel are without excuse (v 20).
Clear proof that Romans 1:18-20 is talking about the Gospel will be presented near the bottom of this page under the title, "Exegesis of Romans 1:18-20".
Romans 1:21-28
Those who suppress the Gospel rejected the knowledge of the Gospel which God revealed within them. They exchanged God's Gospel for a lie (25). God did not force them to retain this internally revealed knowledge of Him. God did not force them to obey but released them to devolve into depravity of mind and action.
Romans 1:29-32
Twenty one very specific evil deeds are listed which those who suppress the Gospel do... fully aware that they deserve death for doing them (v 32).
Romans 2:1-17
Those Jews who have the written Law (v 17) should not judge those suppressors of the Gospel who don't have the written Law mentioned in the preceding verses. Judgmental Jews (v 1), having the written Law, are doing the same things as Gentile who don't have the written Law (v 9). Furthermore, some Gentiles who do not have the written Law, actually know the Law through conscience and do the Law (v 14, 15).
Romans 2:18 - 8:38
Paul explains that righteousness comes by faith, not works.
Details and explanations of the truths in the above outline will be presented as you prayerfully continue to read down this page.
What about those who never heard the gospel from scripture or from a prophet? Did God sentence them all to eternal damnation? We shall answer that question in a moment, from the scriptures. But first, let me present a little additional information for your prayerful consideration.
The title to this subchapter is "General, Special and Natural Revelation: The Law of Conscience. I need to say something about definitions. The phrases general revelation, natural revelation and special revelation are not found in scripture. Each phrase represents a theological point of view, but you will not see the words general, natural or special mentioned anywhere in the Bible in connection with the word revelation. The phrase "Law of Conscience" also does not appear in scripture. But the words law and conscience do appear in one verse in such a way, so as to clearly present the doctrine: Law of Conscience. Please prayerfully consider:
- "for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them" (Romans 2:14-15).
As you prayerfully consider this passage, I believe that you will see the Law of Conscience in those words of God. Some, who don't have the scriptures which contain the law, can have the law in their hearts anyway. Their conscience conveys these truths, these laws. The truths are carried in the conscience. Hence, the Law of Conscience.
In the paragraphs below, I will use the Law of Conscience as a springboard for evaluating general, natural and special revelation. We will see how detailed and how salvific general and natural revelation can be.
Law of Conscience:
Righteousness and justification, as being granted through faith rather than works of Law, is revealed in the book of Galatians and chapters 3-8 of Romans. The Law of conscience applies to those who did not have the Law of Moses. Those under the Law of conscience are specifically mentioned in Romans 2:14 and Romans 2:27. See below:
- "for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them" (Romans 2:14-15).
The Greek word phusis, meaning nature, is in the original Greek texts, for both Textus Receptus and UBS Greek texts, in verses 14 and 27. However, many English translations don't translate phusis as "nature" in both verses. Therefore, the connection between verses 14 and 27 is hidden in these translations. In my opinion, this obscures the meaning and makes it impossible for me to follow the flow of thought through chapters 1-8 of Romans in a way that that is free of contradictions.
Among those versions which don't translate phusis the same way in verses 14 and 27 are: NASB, NIV, RSV, NET, ESV, Phillips, Holman and Green's KJ3 Literal Translation. Some of these translations include a footnote which acknowledges "nature" as a possible translation in both verses. But few people read all of the footnotes. Among those which do translate phusis the same way in verses 14 and 27 are KJV and WEB... Also the literal translations: Green's Interlinear Greek-English New Testament (1996), Rotherham and Young. The Greek and English Interlinear by William Mounce translates both instances of phusis as "nature". This is significant since Mr. Mounce is the author of Basics of Biblical Greek, the standard textbook for beginning Greek language students in colleges and seminaries. You can Google William Mounce and see that he is considered to be one of today's leading experts in Greek.
With the above in mind, I believe that it is very helpful to read the entire book of Romans from KJV, WEB, Green's Interlinear Greek-English New Testament (1996), Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Young's Literal Translation and Mounce. I suggest that you first try Rotherham and Young for free on the internet. I very highly recommend Rotherham if you will buy the hard copy book version. I really have trouble seeing flow of thought in Romans if I don't read from a literal translation. Rotherham is especially helpful because of the marks of emphasis, which reveal the emphasis on certain words or phrases as present in the original Greek text, but which don't come through in the translations. Unfortunately, the only version that provides these marks is in the hard copy book version. The Kindle and free online versions do not provide the marks of emphasis.
Here are Romans 2:14 and 2:27 from Rotherham:
- "For, whensoever the nations which have not law, by nature, the things of the law, may be doing, the same, not having law, unto themselves, are a law,— 15 Who, indeed, shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience therewith bearing witness, and, between one another, their reasonings accusing—or, even excusing, them:—" (Romans 2:14-15).
- "And the uncircumcision by nature, completing the law, shall judge, thee, who, notwithstanding letter and circumcision, art a transgressor of law!" (Romans 2:27).
The phrase "by nature" is in the Greek text for both verses 14 and 27. That phrase makes it abundantly obvious that verses 14 and 27 are talking about the same group of people... that those who lacked the Law of Moses, but having the Law of Conscience in verse 14, were one and the same as those in verse 27 , the uncircumcision, who will judge those who had and transgressed the Law of Moses (verse 28).
This is significant because those people in the nations, who had the Law of Conscience, did not have scripture. If they had scripture, they would have seen the Law of Moses because the Law of Moses is in scripture. Those without scripture, will judge others. This means that they are saints... because it is the saints who will judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2). This means that those without scripture can be saints.
Those who did not have scripture had "the work of the law written in their hearts" (Romans 2:15 above). This is the same language as used in the book of Hebrews for the New Covenant: "I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Hebrews 8:10). So, having God's law written on one's heart is connected with being God's people.
Here is how various Bibles translate phusis in verses 14 and 27:
KJV, AKJV, ASV, WEB, CET, Darby, Douay, Geneva, Young, Mounce, Rotherham, Green's Interlinear (1996):
14: "by nature, 27: "by nature"
NASB: 14:"instinctively", 27: "physically"
HCSB: 14:"instinctively", 27: "physically"
NIV, NET, RSV: 14: "by nature", 27: "physically"
ESV: 14: "by nature" 27: "physically" (footnote says "or by nature")
When reading from the NASB, I wondered about a connection between verses 14 and 27. But I wasn't certain about the connection until I realized that the Greek word phusis was in both verses. Those without scripture can have the law written on their hearts, judge the world, be saints... be God's people.
But there is more.... much more. I will repeat the verse from the World English Version for your convenience:
- "(for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)" (Romans 2:14-15).
Here we see God's Holy word, which is often contrary to the doctrines of man. Some who do not have the written Law have the work of the Law written in their hearts. Well, Paul wrote in Galatians that "the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). Now, verse 24 is talking about the written Law. And the written Law is a "tutor to bring us to Christ".
So, can those who do not have the written Law, but have the Law written in their hearts through the Law of Conscience, come to Christ through the tutorship of the Law, which is in their heart? To those who say "no" I say: Where does it say that? What scripture says that Law which is written in the heart can't tutor one into Christ unless the law has been seen with the eyes on paper? What scripture says that the Law written with ink on a scroll is more powerful than law written on a heart?
Conclusions Regarding Romans 2:14-15
Those without scripture can have the law written on their hearts, judge the world, be saints... be God's people.
Now, lets investigate a passage which is the heart of the concepts of general and natural revelation:
Chapter 1 of Romans is full of divine revelation through "nature". We see this revelation from nature generally in Romans 1:19-20, with great details of this revelation in Romans 1:21-31. As you read below I will show additional evidence, from the scriptures, that there are those who from the beginning of the creation of man, who did not have scripture, who came to conversion through non-scripture revelation... who God has brought to conversion through direct, internal revelation through what He has made. This contradicts the doctrine held by many... that all people throughout the history of mankind, who did not hear scripture, are eternally damned. According to this doctrine, everyone in all the world who did not hear from a Bible teaching missionary was eternally damned. According to this false doctrine, over 99% of all the people who lived before 1900 were eternally damned... supposedly damned because God chose to not provide the Bible to them. I believe that Romans refutes this doctrine... I believe that God has been bringing eternal life to mankind, through Christ alone, in two ways: 1) Direct internal revelation through creation and 2) Scripture.
Regarding Eternal Life for those who received direct, internal revelation through creation I present the following:
I will present what I see in the scriptures. I do not say that this is the only way. God may teach me more clearly in the future. But, as to those who hold a different theology, I ask "where does it say that" in the scriptures. Then I may learn the scriptures more clearly...
Israel was under the Law of Moses which was in effect beginning in Exodus 19, after God delivered Israel from Egypt, until Pentecost in Acts 2:1. (Click here to read about the transition from Law to Spirit.) Those who had not received the Law of Moses were under the Law of Conscience (Romans 2:14-16). "these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying". No one was ever justified by keeping the law (Romans 3:20).
Everyone who was not under the Law of Moses was under the Law of Conscience. This applies to everyone who has ever existed from the beginning of creation. Righteousness in every age, before, during and after the Law of Moses has always come by faith and grace (Romans 4:16). The condition of eternal life has always been "by grace, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8, Psalm 103:17, Romans 4:3,16).
The Law of Conscience was revealed directly, from God, to all men, without the use of scripture as written in Romans 1:18-32. Very detailed laws were revealed directly (verses 26-31) and explicitly known by all (verse 32). From the Romans passage, the evils and eternal consequences of greed, murder, gossip, disobedience to parents, arrogance, envy, lack of love, etc, etc, etc are all revealed specifically, directly and internally by God, through creation and without scripture.
In Romans 10:9-18, especially 16-18, we see that the Gospel is revealed through words without sound, via creation. Words without sound comes from verse 18, which is quoting from Psalm 19:1-4, which clearly reveals that the heavens (stars) speak to the entire world "Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world' (Psalm 19:4).
E. W. Bullinger, in his book "The Witness of the Stars" shows that the 12 signs of the Ancient Zodiac reveal the gospel. He speaks of the ancient Zodiac, not the corrupted Zodiac of the Romans, Greeks, etc. Click here to read his book.
That Romans 10:16 speaks to the gospel as revealed in creation I present the following:
We know that the context is believing in Jesus for salvation from verse nine. Read verses nine through eighteen and you will see. The Greek word for gospel or good news is euangellion. Euangellion occurs seventy-seven times in the New Testament. In my translation, euangellion is translated as "gospel" seventy-six times and as "glad tidings" once (Romans 10:16). Your English version probably does something similar. The failure of translations to translate consistently obscures the truth that the Gospel is revealed to all men through the creation.
Revelation 14:6-7 reveals that the "eternal Gospel" is fear of the Creator. The creator is Jesus (John 1:1-3, especially verse 3, Hebrews 1:2). Here is the scripture from Revelation 14:6-7.
"I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!" (Revelation 14:6-7).
The words "Good News" are a translation of the Greek word euangellion. Many translations will translate euangellion in verse 6 as "eternal Gospel" instead of "eternal Good News". The eternal euangellion is: Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!"
In other words worship the creator. We know that the creator is Jesus from (John 1:1-3, especially verse 3, Hebrews 1:2). This does not mean that those who reject the Jesus of the Bible receive eternal life (John 3:18). It only means that those who never read scripture and never heard the reading of scripture don't automatically receive eternal damnation. It means that the direct, internal revelation of God through creation, to those not having the scriptures, can be received in a way that results in eternal life. I will quote Romans 1:18-20 as proof:
- 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.
Prayerful Observations:
Verse 19 states "that which is known of God is revealed in them". So, "that which is known of God" is revealed by God within them. This is revealed through creation (verse 20). This knowledge of God is revealed so clearly that they are "without excuse" (verse 20). If 100% of all the billions of people who never had access to scripture went to Hell... they would have the perfect excuse... their excuse would be that it was impossible for them to enter eternal life. Zero out of billions would mean that it was impossible. Therefore, I prayerfully submit, that 100% of all the billions of people who never had access to scripture were not eternally damned. Those who believed God's revelation escaped that destiny by grace and through faith in the creator (who is Jesus).
Does the phrase "that which is known of God" include the Gospel? Please prayerfully read on...
Exegesis of Romans 1:18-20
Does the phrase "that which is known of God" include the Gospel? Those who assert that the billions of people who never heard scripture are all eternally damned would probably say "no".
But what does the scripture say? Does the phrase "that which is known of God" include the gospel?
The scripture says that "that which is known of God" is revealed by God within them. Well, God's gospel is something that is known about God... so it would logically be included within the meaning of the phrase "that which is known of God". So, when God revealed "that which is known of God" within them, God revealed the Gospel.
Furthermore, verse 32 of this long passage, Romans 1:18-32, specifically reveals that, by internal revelation, without scripture, it was known that those who live contrary to the internally revealed ordinances of God deserve death. That is an essential part of the gospel message. They specifically knew this fact, by internal revelation. But there is much, much more...
The text of Romans 1, leading up to the famous Romans 1:18-32 text, is talking about the gospel. I will present the whole section below for your prayerful consideration:
- "15 So as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."
- 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse." Romans 1:15-20).
Please observe the phrase "good news" in verses 15 and 16. Some translations say "gospel" instead of "good news". Verse 15 says that Paul wanted to preach the gospel (good news) to the Roman church.
By the way, the gospel is for both conversion through Christ and growth in Christ... that is why Paul wanted to preach the gospel to those who were already converted (the Roman church)... for growth in Christ (Romans 1:15).
But continuing... Paul wanted to preach the gospel (v 15). The gospel he wanted to preach is the gospel of Christ (v 16). Notice the phrase "in it" in verse 17. The gospel is still the topic in verse 17. The gospel reveals "God's righteousness" (v 17). Then in verse 18, God's wrath is against the "unrighteousness" which "suppresses the truth". What truth is suppressed? The gospel!
I will repeat the passage for your convenience, with comments:
- "15 So as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."
Do you see that the Good News (the Gospel) is the topic in verses 15, 16 and 17? When you do, then please look below at verse 18. Do you see the word "For"? It is the first word of the sentence. The word "For" means that the words of verse 18 are related to the previous sentences, the subject of which is the Gospel of Christ.
- 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse." Romans 1:15-20).
Verse 18 says that men "suppress the truth". To claim, as some inaccurately claim, that this suppressed truth is non-gospel, non-salvific truth is unsupportable from the text and inconsistent with an intelligent, logical flow of thought. From the text, there is no possible way to conclude that Paul changed the subject from Gospel truth in verses 16, 17 and 18 to non-Gospel truth in verse 18. To interpret scripture in such a reckless fashion would render all of scripture incoherent. Paul is not writing to hide truth. He is writing to reveal truth.
The topic of all three sentences immediately leading up to the famous Romans 1:18 passage is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Those in verse 18 were suppressing the Gospel. So, God's wrath was being revealed against them because "what is known of God is known within them" (v 19). What was known within them? The gospel! That is why God was wrathful against those who suppressed the gospel, because they had heard the gospel. How can they suppress the gospel if they had not heard the gospel? They couldn't have. I prayerfully submit to your prayerful consideration that... the Gospel of Christ was revealed within them, internally, by direct revelation, without scripture, through creation... as verse 19 and 20 read:
"19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse" (Romans 1:19-20).
The Gospel has been
- "clearly seen",
- "since the creation of the world",
- "perceived through the things that are made"
Yet there is even still more...
They "knew God" (v 21), but "exchanged truth of God for a lie" (v 25). So, the truth they received in verse 19, and suppressed in verse 18, they exchanged for a lie in verse 25.
And, if the truth they received in verse 19 could not save them anyway, as some incorrectly assert, why would God be wrathful against them for suppressing truth that could not save anyway? Why would God condemn them from eternal life if the truth they received and suppressed could not bring eternal life? Why would God sow seed into man's heart that can not bear fruit? Does God tease man? Would God say... "You rejected cardboard at breakfast, so I will not give you steak at dinner?" What is so foolish about trading a truth from God which cannot save for a lie which cannot save? When trading one thing which cannot save for another thing which cannot save, is the one making the trade worse off because of the trade? No...
Do you see? The assertion that God sowed seed that can not bear fruit into the heart of man in Romans 1:19, if it were true, would make the remainder of the chapter pointless!
Those who assert that the internal revelation of Romans 1:19 and 1:25 could not bring eternal life but could only condemn... are essentially saying that God is like a doctor who offers poisonous medicine to the sick and then kills them for not taking the medicine. I will repeat verses 19 and 20 for your convenience:
- "19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse" (Romans 1:19-20).
As I said before, this knowledge of God is revealed so clearly that they are "without excuse" (verse 20). If 100% of all the billions of people who never had access to scripture went to Hell... they would have the perfect excuse... their excuse would be that it was impossible for them to enter eternal life. Zero out of billions would mean that it was impossible.
I believe that it was the Gospel which they heard internally, then suppressed and exchanged. They received truth that they could benefit from.
1) Am I saying that eternal life can be received without Christ? No!
2) Am I saying that the unreached are saved if they are innocent? No! No one is innocent!
3) Am I saying that those who have heard the scriptures about Jesus and reject Jesus can be saved even if they continue in that rejection? No! (John 3:18)
4) Am I saying that those who don't even know the name of Christ can be saved? Yes! Virtually all born again Christians in the English speaking world do not know His name. They think his name was Jesus. It was not. His name was Yeshua. Yet, even though they don't know His name and call Him by the wrong name, they are saved by faith.
5) Am I saying that scripture indicates that God reveals the gospel of Jesus Christ without scripture? Yes!
- Romans 1:15-32, especially 19 and 25.
- Romans 2:14-15, as illuminated by Galatians 3:24
- Romans 10:10-21, especially 16-18, as illuminated by Psalm 19:1-4
- Revelation 14:6-7, as illuminated by John 1:1-3, especially verse 3 and Hebrews 1:2
6) Am I saying that Christians don't need to share the Gospel with the lost, because God will tell them internally? No!
God decides how to take His word to all people. God decides who to send, opens the door for His word and causes His word to spread. God grants words of the Gospel to those who speak the Gospel (Matthew 9:38, Colossians 4:2-4, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Ephesians 6:18-19). God reveals Himself internally without scripture. Should a private in the army disregard the orders of the General saying, "the General can do it himself"? I think not. Scripture is clear that all Christians should share the gospel. (Click here to read A5 in the appendix, "Is Every Christian Supposed to Make Disciples?) One scripture is very, very clear...
- "Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don't expect him." 41 Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?" 42 The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. 44 Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, 46 then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn't expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn't know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful" (Luke 12:40-46).
All Christians should be serving spiritual food, making disciples within the associations that our Lord has provided. That is what we should be doing at the time when Christ returns or at the time of our death, which ever comes first.
I prayerfully suggest that you prayerfully read the entire book of Romans, from beginning to end, in one sitting, thirty or forty times. I suggest that you read from a variety of translations including:
Click here to read Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (without the marks of emphasis).
Click here to read Young's Literal Translation.
Please consider buying a hard copy of Rotherham's Emphasized Bible. At this time, only the hard copy version has the marks of emphasis. Below I will reproduce Romans 2:14-15 from his translation which includes his marks of emphasis.
"14 For <whensoever |the nations which
have not law'| ||by nature, the things
of the law|| may be doing> ||the
same|| |not having law'| ||unto
themselves|| are a law,—
15 ||Who|| indeed, shew the work of the
law written in their hearts, their
conscience |therewith bearing
witness|, And ||between one another||
their reasonings accusing—or |even
excusing| them:—"
(Romans 2:14-15).
Rotherham uses INDENTATION to show parallel expressions and logical organization of sentences and paragraphs. Some sentences and arguments in the New Testament are very long. You need to outline the logical structure on paper to understand them. Rotherham does this for you. I may be able to understand five chapters in the time it would take to understand one in another version. Just a glance and it is clear!
Rotherham uses signs for emphasis in the following ways:
(') and (| |) call for slight stress. (|| ||) and (< >) call for more decided stress. The latter is confined to preplaced words and clauses leading up to what follows. It's as if someone is reading the scripture out loud to you while emphasizing the correct phrase or word so that you can follow the flow of thought in your first hearing. The two signs (') and (| |) are used almost indifferently to denote slight emphasis. The accent is generally preferred for single words and the single upright lines for the inclusion of more than one word in the effect.
Modern Bibles use the English word "you", which can be either singular or plural. Rotherham maintains the older meanings. He uses "the, thy, thou and thine" which are singular. In Rotherham's version the words "ye, you and your" are plural. This distinction is critical in understanding various scriptures without having to consult with a Greek scholar.
Rotherham uses a literal word for word translation. The same Greek word may occur repeatedly in a paragraph or chapter. Many times I have been confused by a translation because the translator translated a repeatedly used Greek word into different English words within the same paragraph. Rotherham translates much more consistently so that I can follow the train of thought without having to look up the underlying Greek word for every English word.
God Bless!