Interesting question, for thought...

[Sam1995]

Good morning all!

This thought came rushing into my head just this morning, and I wanted to share it with you all while it's fresh!
Before you read on, I will note that this is purely a result of thought, and perhaps there is a very simple answer/response to these questions which I have not yet looked at!

When Jesus came, He was obviously confined to one small part of the world, I understand that after His death and resurrection, the early church began to explode onto the scene and grew in numbers, but I was thinking this morning about the people in the rest of the world at that time, just before, and while Jesus was alive. If they had no knowledge that ANY of this was going on in Jerusalem and Israel, then I am wondering what happened to these people when they died...so my questions for thought today are the following:

1. What happened to those people when they died?
2. Are they judged by their consciences just like other gentiles?
3. How could they come to any knowledge of God if they don't even know about sin?

Perhaps there are simple responses to all of these questions! Anyway, found it quite interesting! Let's see what you have to say!

SB

[PaulSacramento]

Because Israel was the Chosen people of God, Jesus had to come to them first to proclaim the Kingdom of God AND also because they were on the path of utter destruction ( it was no coincidence that Christ came when He did, when Israel was under the rule of Rome and planning rebellion).
Salvation is given to all that are willing to accept it, ie: those that do NOT reject it.
God judges those that are not believers based on their works, believers are not judged because of their Faith in Christ.
All those that died before Christ and did not now God, will be judged based on their works BUT what is to be understood is that it is the INTENT behind their works as much as ( if not more so) that makes a work "just and right".
Every human being has an understanding of "sin" ( except those that are born with mental issues of course).
By Sin I mean they know what is right and do what is wrong, ex:
You know that stealing is wrong because you don't want anyone to steal from you, but yet you steal.
Of course there is a more grave sin, that sin of wanting to be apart from God and that is the sin the drives all other sins BUT no everyone is conscious of that sin.

[digging]

I have spent a long time asking myself this same question. So here is what I see when I read the bible, Gods plan for salvation is more complex and in his mercy he is making provision for such people. Just think about how many people have died as babies 1 day old, 2 days old, etc. How can they be judged in this age? I don't believe they are and I feel that is why there is the 1st and 2nd resurrection. As well I believe everyone who has become a believer in this age from Abel to Christs return make up the group of 'firstfruits'. If there are first fruits there also will be second fruits.....this 2nd fruit only takes a little longer to come ripe, needs a bit more sun and warmth as it were.

So I see the time when this larger body of mankind will be resurrected and given thier first time to hear the call to faith will happen during the 1000's years.
I believe that is one of the main reasons for the 1000's years.

Revelation 22:17 NAS

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come ; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

Who is the Spirit and bride saying come too???????

All the ones from this age that never had a change to hear.........

Digging