What about those who haven't heard the gospel?

The Inspired Apostle concluded, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17). One of the perplexing questions Christians often discuss revolves around those who never have and/or never will hear the life transforming gospel message   >>>

What constitutes an acceptable answer which remains biblically faithful to not only our understanding of God's merciful love and holy justice, but also to our unwavering commitment to soteriological exclusivism? Namely, the Lord Jesus Christ's redemptive work as the only begotten of the Father? Or, as stated in the apostolic formulation: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Dr. Adam Harwood, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia posted a two part piece entitled "Haven't heard." Part one considers the eternal destiny of the uncondemned, comprised of infants, young children, and the mentally incompetent. Part two considers the unreached people who are morally accountable to God but die without hearing the message of the Gospel. Both parts appeared in Georgia's The Christian Index. Unfortunately, only paying subscribers were able to benefit. Thanks to SBC Today, Harwood's pieces are available for all.

Dr. Harwood's book upon which these two short pieces are based remains a must-read for those interested in understanding the issue of infant spirituality and coming to sober biblical conclusions about the state of those who never hear the gospel.  Entitled The Spiritual Condition of Infants: A Biblical-Historical Survey and Systematic Proposal, Dr. Harwood deals with in depth what he was only able to barely address in these two brief pieces.

Please consider both pieces.

Afterward, I encourage you to pick up a copy of The Spiritual Condition of Infants: A Biblical-Historical Survey and Systematic Proposal. Pastors and all church leaders alike will benefit greatly from this young scholar's sharp theological mind and proven expertise in the biblical text.