Expert: Quentin Parker - 9/21/2010

Question
This is kind of a a two part question.  From what I understand according to the Bible anyone who does not believe,love, have faith in, etc God will not go to Heaven but instead go to Hell. Is that an accurate, albeit simplified statement?
If so, I can understand that if someone makes the choice to turn their back on God they doom themselves, but what about the ones that don't make that decision for themselves?
For example  the children in some remote African or South American village who have never even heard of Christianity? Or the children growing up in for example Pakistan who are taught nothing but Islam and grow up with no choice? Are they also destined for the same horrific fate even though it is out of their control?
As a related but offshoot question, what about a child who is never Baptized, of no fault of their own? Will they also suffer the same fate?
Thank you

Answer
Hello Jason,

Thank-you for your question.

Well, Romans 1 says that ALL people have an innate knowledge of God and that God’s works can be clearly seen through His creation (see Psalms 19:1-3, also) so that men are “without excuse”. However, mankind is in rebellion and suppresses this knowledge. Also, every person, as a result of original sin is in rebellion against God since the Fall and deserves death as a consequence for that sin. ALL people are living in rebellion against God and God will hold them responsible for that rebellion. They are without excuse. Because of their slavery to sin they’ve rejected their innate predisposition towards God and have suppressed the clear truth of God.
  
Romans 1:18-22 : “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”

You have to keep in mind also, that God created these people and He loves them more than we do, cares about them more than we do, and is infinitely more wise than we are. We don’t understand all of these things but we just trust that God has a morally sufficient reason for what He does.

In regards to your question concerning baptism: Baptism is an act of faith done AFTER salvation. Salvation is a guarantee of heaven. So no, someone who is truly saved but has not been baptized will not go to hell.

Thanks again for your question, Jason. I hope this was helpful to you.

God bless!
Quentin Parker