Read Romans 2:12

Some time ago, someone asked the question about whether people deep in the rain forests or on faraway islands (without the gospel) went to Heaven when they die. Some people would say that, since the gospel hadn't reached then yet, they had no way of knowing, and God would forgive them. But, that's not what the Bible says.

Romans 2:12 says, "For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." Basically, if you have not received salvation, you are on your way to Hell. But, some people might counter-attack that statement by saying how cruel and merciless it is. But, God did provide for this, and Mark 16:15 says, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Also, in verse 16, it restates Romans 2:12, but in different words. It says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Notice that the end of it says, "he that believeth not shall be damned" Don't confuse the first part about baptism as being necessary for salvation...it isn't. Those who don't believe, will go to Hell.

Now, we'll read I Cor. 9:16c. It says, "Yea, Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." (Now we skip down to verse 21.) "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law." Now in case you want to know what that sentence in parentheses means, I'll sidetrack for a second. Romans 2:11 says, "For there is no respect of persons with God." Well, in case you are wondering why, I'll tell you. Let's say God was going to take everyone to Heaven that didn't have the gospel. What would happen then? We wouldn't witness to anyone if God was a respecter of persons.

Anyway, if He was, do you think any one of us would be going to Heaven? No. Soon, we would have nothing to do, since witnessing would be useless. But, it isn't. Our job on this earth is the Great Commission, and Christ wouldn't have commanded it to us, unless it was necessary. Which it is.  Now, we get back to what we were reading about earlier. When Paul talks about "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel", he is talking about our responsibility to the unsaved masses. We can't wait for someone else to witness...when we can. We have a responsibility to everyone...even the ones in the most remote spots on the globe, lames 2:1 says, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." 

We cannot be effective witnesses for Christ if we judge one above or below others. Doing so would taint Christ's image as one who cares for everyone. He died for everyone, so to everyone we should go. Don't let your attitude decide if you go to the rich or poor,....everyone needs eternal life.