Are people who have never heard the Gospel still responsible?
Yes. Scripture indicates that even those who seem never to have heard the Gospel are still responsible. The light enlightens every person, God’s grace bringing salvation has appeared to all, and His power is manifested so they are without excuse. They will face judgment, but God remains fair and just.
Les explains that verses such as John 1:9 and Titus 2:11 show the light enlightens every man and the grace of God bringing salvation has appeared to all men. He considers people in the jungles of South America who seem never to have heard the Gospel, yet in light of these verses they are responsible. They will come before the great white throne as lost, without a word of excuse, but God will be absolutely fair and just in judgment, saying, “You could have known.” The only reason they did not know is that they did not choose to. Les admits this is hard to comprehend. He then returns to Ephesians 1:2, where trusting comes after hearing the word of truth, and to Romans, asking how they can proclaim unless the Spirit sends them.